Pilotless “drone” aircraft deliver a silent, deadly payload that has proved effective in killing militants, but has also killed civilians when intelligence goes awry or in “collateral damage, reports the Guardian.
In Pakistan, strikes were infrequent – every few months – until August, when there was a sudden and dramatic increase in the drone attacks. Since then there have been at least 20 strikes – more than one a week – possibly in a stepped-up attempt to kill Osama bin Laden before George Bush leaves office on January 20 next year.