Wired.com | By Noah Shachtman | 21 July 2009

Drone War Escalates; 365 Dead So Far in ‘09, Study Says

If you’ve been following the American drone war in Pakistan, you probably have a vague sense that the unmanned armada has been striking more frequently, and with greater lethality this year. This study by the Long War Journal shows just how deadly, and just how fast-paced, the drone attacks have become: 31 reported strikes this year, compared to 36 in all of 2008; 365 already killed in 2009, as opposed to 316 last year.

Of course, this is all based on media accounts of the attacks — and those reports are often sourced from Pakistani intelligence officials, who may have either dubious motives or limited information. Still, this study is definitely worth a look — especially to see which Taliban factions are facing the brunt of the American unmanned assault.

[Photo: USAF]

Also:

• Dozen Dead in Latest Pakistan Drone Strike
• Deadly Pakistan Drone Strike Provokes … Silence?
• Obama May Widen Drone War Over Pakistan
• Pakistan Seethes After Killer Drone Disclosure
• 10 More Dead as Drone War Over Pakistan Continues
• Call Off Drone War, Influential U.S. Adviser Says
• CIA Drone Targeting Tech Revealed, Qaeda Claims