First U.S. Drone Strike Since Osama Death Kills 12 in Pakistan

The first suspected U.S. drone attack since the death of Osama bin Laden has killed at least 12 militants in a hideout and a vehicle in Pakistan’s lawless tribal regions, according to Pakistani intelligence officials.

According to CNN, the targets were killed in the Data Khel region of North Waziristan, which borders Afghanistan. The border is believed to be a haven for both al-Qaeda and Taliban terrorists.

Drone attacks are usually not confirmed by the U.S. government.

Many Pakistanis are unhappy with the use of drones – an unmanned aircraft – since such assaults have often killed innocent civilians. In April, one drone strike killed 44 people in the tribal region, prompting Islamabad to demand an apology from the U.S. government.

Some Pakistani politicians have threatened to disrupt the flow of supplies through the country to NATO soldiers in Afghanistan if the drone strikes are not halted.

Reportedly, the number and frequency of drone strikes have been dramatically reduced since last year, when more than 100 such operations took place.