Pakistan army chief condemns US drone strike
IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency
Islamabad, March 18, IRNA -- Pakistan’s Army Chief, General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani, strongly condemned the US predator strike in North Waziristan Agency resulting into loss of innocent lives.
Locals said that two US drone aircraft on Thursday fired four missiles into Datta Khel area of North Waziristan on the participants of a jirga or tribal council, who had gathered to resolve dispute over the sale of Chromite mine in the area.
'It is highly regrettable that a jirga of peaceful citizens including elders of the area was carelessly and callously targeted with complete disregard to human life,' an army statement said
'In complete violation of human rights, such acts of violence take us away from our objective of elimination of terrorism,” the army chief said.
General Kayani said that it is imperative to understand that this critical objective cannot be spared for temporary tactical gains. 'Security of people of Pakistan, in any case, stands above all.'
He said Pakistan Army condoles with the families whose dear and near ones have been martyred in this senseless attack. 'Pakistan Army shares the grief of people of Waziristan. Troops on ground have been ordered to render all possible assistance to bereaved families,' the statement said.
He said that Pakistan Army assures the brave people of Waziristan that they will do their best and utmost to protect their life, honour and dignity at all costs. 'Pakistan Army is fighting the terrorists and not its brethren in tribal areas.'
General Kayani said that Pakistan Army has already launched a protest in the strongest possible terms. 'It has been highlighted clearly that such aggression against people of Pakistan is unjustified and intolerable under any circumstances,' he added.
|
NEWSLETTER
|
| Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list |
|
|
|
