(Previous Incident Code: Ob73 )

Up to 13 people where killed in an alleged US drone strike in Darga Mandi, north Waziristan, local and international media reported, with some claiming that up to six of the fatalities were civilians and not militants as otherwise reported.

According to a variety of sources, an unmanned plane launched three missiles; two hitting a compound and another one a vehicle, leaving both completely destroyed.

The Long War Jounral, for example, reported how “unmanned US strike aircraft, the Predators or Reapers operating from secret bases in Pakistan and Afghanistan, fired three missiles at “a fortress-like” Haqqani Network compound and a vehicle in the village of Dargi Mandi just outside the main town of Miramshah, a report at Dawn.”

The death toll spanned from five to as many as 13, with most sources describing the fatalities as militants, including up to three foreign fighters.

However, Xinhua reported five civilians died, citing a local source: “All killed and injured people are local tribesmen, not militants, he said, adding “the house caught fire shortly after the missiles landed at the house.”” Pajhwok also reported that a “civilian house” may have been destroyed, killing as many as six inside. A 10-year-old girl, Naila, was also reportedly killed by shrapnel, according to local photographer Noor Behram, cited by the Bureau of Investigative Journalism:

“Naila was at home reciting the Quran when the strike hit the next-door building. A missile piece hit her and she died on the spot.” A further six people were injured in the attack.” And again, it was unclear whether they civilians or militants, all will thus be registered as possible civilians for now.”

The following week it was reported that TTP leader Qari Mohammad Zafar had died in the strike. An unnamed US official told the Long War Journal: “We’ve received some information that may verify the reports but we cannot be certain,’ an official said. ‘It is possible but we cannot confirm. We’d like to check him off our list as he is dangerous.”

The TTP announced Zafar’s death in March 2010, declaring: “The mujahideen will soon take revenge against the Pakistani government for his killing anywhere in the country.” His named remained on the US wanted list Rewards for Justice with a $5m reward for information about his whereabouts. This was removed at some point between April 20 2012 and May 16 2012. However it was also claimed that this was a propaganda ruse by the Taliban. An investigator told the Daily Times six months after the attack: “So important is Qari Zafar to the TTP that they faked his death so he could work in peace.”

Though the US commented on the possible death of Zafar following the strike, it has not been confirmed whether the strike was carried out by US forces.