Islamabad protests latest US drone strike

KABUL border.

Seventeen suspected rebels were killed and two others injured in the CIA-operated drone attack on a house in the volatile region late on Tuesday night. Four missiles were fired from the drone on the house in Sirai Darpakhel area.

“These strikes are a violation of Pakistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Pakistan has repeatedly emphasised the importance of bringing an immediate end to drone strikes,” the Foreign Office said.

A statement from ministry said Pakistan had consistently maintained that drone strikes were counter-productive, entailed loss of innocent civilian lives and had human rights and humanitarian implications.

“These drone strikes have a negative impact on the mutual desire of both countries to forge a cordial and cooperative relationship and to ensure peace and stability in the region,” it added.

pr/mud