2009 Makin airstrike | |
---|---|
Location | Makin, South Waziristan, Pakistan |
Date | 23 June 2009 |
Deaths | More than 60 |
Victims | Funeral attendees |
Perpetrators | United States |
23 June 2009 Makin airstrike was an attack launched by United States drones on a funeral procession in the city of Makin in South Waziristan, Pakistan. [1] Over 60 people were reported killed in what is considered perhaps the deadliest strike since the drone attacks started. [1] Other sources claimed up to 83 people were dead. [2] There were reports that Baitullah Mehsud was in the area but escaped unhurt while his deputy Qari Hussain was killed, although this has been disputed. [3] [4] [5] Hussain later phoned reporters to prove he was still alive. [6] The drones fired missiles when Sangeen Khan, an Afghan commander belonging to Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan, was holding a meeting soon after the funeral of an associate of Baitullah Mehsud. [7] [8]