Police say militants behind quadcopter attacks in northwest Pakistan that killed one, injured three
The first attack took place on Tuesday night in the northwestern tribal Bannu district's Srah Bangla area, District Police Officer (DPO) Saleem Abbas Kulachi said. The quadcopter strike killed a woman and left three injured, including two children, he added.
The second attack targeted the Miryan Police Station in the same district at 6:45 am on Wednesday, he said. The police officer added that an explosive-laden quadcopter deployed by the 'Khawarij' had struck the facility.
Khawarij is a commonly used term by Pakistani authorities to describe extremist factions like the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).
'These attacks are being carried out by militants who have acquired and deployed quadcopters in carrying out attacks,' Amir Khan, a media officer for the regional police officer in Bannu, told Arab News.
He did not provide further details. Kulachi, however, said an investigation is underway to identify those responsible for the Miryan Police Station attack.
The TTP, which has carried out some of the deadliest attacks against Pakistan's armed forces and civilians since 2007, has not claimed responsibility for the attack so far.
On May 19, a suspected drone strike reportedly led to the deaths of four children in Hurmuz village of the northwestern Mir Ali tehsil and injuries to five others, including a woman.
Pakistan's military denied responsibility for the attack days later, attributing the incident to a proscribed militant network which it said was operating on 'the behest of their Indian masters.'
'Initial findings have established that this heinous act has been orchestrated and executed by Indian-sponsored Fitna Al Khawarij,' the military's media wing said in a statement.
Later in May, police said at least 22 people were wounded in another suspected quadcopter attack near a volleyball ground in Pakistan's South Waziristan district.
The police spokesperson had said the origins and operators of the drone remained 'undetermined.
Islamabad has repeatedly blamed Afghanistan-based militant groups for launching attacks inside Pakistan, a claim that Kabul denies.
Pakistan also blames India for backing militant groups in its Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan provinces. India denies the allegations.
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