Pakistani authorities were aware of civilians killings by CIA drones, says a Leaked report

CIA drones killed 746 people in 2006 and 2009 (Design Tribune)

 

Karachi : Pakistani authorities were fully aware of the scores of civilians killed by CIA drone strikes carried out between 2006 and late 2009, says a leaked government document reported by Tribune.

People offering prayers on drone victims (Photo Getty images)

The Bureau of Investigative Journalism reported that a copy of the report which was a 12-page summary paper titled Details of Attacks by Nato Forces/Predators in FATA, outlines the number of casualties in 75 drone attacks carried out by the CIA between 2006 and late 2009 among them five attacks alleged to be carried out by Nato or other unspecified forces were also listed. 

The report which was based on the reports of field officers across Fata, states that out of the total 746 people listed as killed in the separate drone strikes, 147 were civilians, 94 out of which were children below the age of 18. 

Drones often destroy the whole compound along with residents

The numbers quoted by the report are much higher than those given out by the US administration. 

The US administration claims that no more than 50 to 60 non-combatants have been killed in the drone strikes over the years in the fight against terrorism. 

The reports further adds that officials in the military had extensive knowledge of the casualties caused in these strikes and despite the government’s stance on putting an end to drones, the Pakistan military had ‘privately supported’ drones.