Pakistani tribesmen Friday vowed to take revenge of the killings of 41 tribesmen in strikes by the U.S. drone aircraft in the country's tribal region.
Nearly 41 people were killed as two U.S. drone aircraft Thursday fired four missiles into North Waziristan on the participants of a jirga or tribal council, who had gathered to resolve dispute over the sale of mines in the area.
Chief of North Waziristan Grand Jirga, Malik Jalal, said tribesmen will not forgive and forget the blood of innocent people in brutal U.S. strikes.
"We will take revenge of the blood of our people," the tribal leader told a news conference in the northwestern city of Peshawar.
Locals said that the tribesmen from Madda Khel tribe gathered at Nawai Adda area of Datta Khel bazaar when struck by four missiles fired from two U.S. pilotless aircraft. Officials confirmed deaths of 41 people while 15 others were injured.
Malik Jalal said that all tribes are united against the American aggression and also asked the government to lodge strong protest against the drone strikes.
"I am here to represent the tribesmen of Pakistan," he said and also appealed the people to raise voice against the U.S. strikes.
Earlier in a rare condemnation Pakistan's Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani and Army Chief General, Ashfaq Parvez Kay ani condemned the U.S. drone aircraft strike in North Waziristan tribal agency resulting into loss of innocent lives.
Gilani said drone strikes will only strengthen the hands of radical and extremist elements. "He reiterated that such irrational behavior negatively impact the efforts to separate the militants from the peaceful and patriotic tribesmen of the areas," a statement said.
The army Chief said in a statement that 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.
Pakistan Foreign Ministry also asked the U.S. to tender an apology and explanation.
"The Government of Pakistan strongly condemns today's drone attacks which have resulted in a large number of casualties. This is not only unacceptable but also a flagrant violation of all humanitarian rules and norms," the statement said.
It said that Pakistan Ambassador in Washington Hussain Haqqani has also been asked to make a similar strong demarche with the U.S. State Department.
http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/90001 ... 24896.html
