Pakistanis protest US drone attacks

About 200 people took to the streets in the Pakistani capital, Islamabad, on Friday, demanding an end to US drone raids, which they say have resulted in indiscriminate killings of civilians.

The protestors are from Pakistan's northwestern region bordering Afghanistan. The US military has stepped up drone attacks in the area, suspecting that local residents are harboring armed insurgents.

A large screen set up at the rally showed photos of children killed in the attacks. Parents said the drones killed not only insurgents but also civilians.

The chief of a local tribe said many people have lost limbs in the attacks, and said he hopes for support for innocent people.
The protestors later marched through the streets carrying placards. One sign said US drones are violating the sovereign rights of Pakistanis.

The US administration of President Barack Obama has placed emphasis on the use of drones in anti-terrorist operations. Repeated drone attacks have heightened anti-US sentiment in Pakistan.

Saturday, October 29, 2011 10:16 +0900 (JST)