US conducts two strikes in Pakistan (again)

The US launched three airstrikes directed at the Haqqani network and al Qaeda operating in eastern Afghanistan and in Pakistan’s tribal areas. At least three separate attacks by US aircraft were reported in Khost province in Afghanistan and across the border in Pakistan’s lawless tribal agency of North Waziristan. The attacks occurred in regions known to be controlled by the powerful, al Qaeda friendly Haqqani family.

“There were two separate attacks in Pakistan,” a senior US military intelligence told The Long War Journal.

The first strike occurred in the village of Mohammad Khel in North Waziristan. Pakistani intelligence sources told news outlets that 21 “suspected militants” were killed in a Predator unmanned aerial vehicle attack, and “most were foreigners.” Sixteen foreign al Qaeda fighters were later reported killed, although none were identified.

The second strike occurred in Datta Khel, also in North Waziristan. A Predator strike hit two homes in the village. Two women and a child were reported killed, and five men were reported wounded.

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The Pakistani military denied any violation of its territory. “There was no violation, no incursion or intrusion on our side,” Major General Athar Abbas, Pakistan’s chief military spokesman said.