Sunday, June 23, 2013

Taliban Kills 11 on a Mountain Tour in Pakistan; Calls it Retaliation for Leader Killed By US Drone

At least a dozen Islamic militants wearing police uniforms last night shot to death a Pakistani and 10 foreign tourists -- including an American -- who were visiting one of the world's highest mountains in a remote area of northern Pakistan that has been largely peaceful, the Newser website reports today (June 23, 2013).

The local Taliban took responsibility for the killings, saying it was to avenge the death of a leader killed in a U.S. drone strike on May 29. "By killing foreigners, we wanted to give a message to the world to play their role in bringing an end to the drone attacks," said a spokesman.

The attack took place at the base camp of Nanga Parbat, the ninth highest mountain in the world at 26,660 feet.

"The government of Pakistan expresses its deep sense of shock and grief on this brutal act of terrorism," said a statement by the foreign ministry, stating it would "take all measures to ensure the safety of foreign tourists."

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