Another drone kills 20 in Pakistan , Pakistan has started fighting back

The U.S. military has been using killer drones to take out enemies for years. But those strikes ordinarily targeted small groups, or lone individuals. Last night, an American pilotless plane reportedly killed 20 people during an attack on a militant compound in Pakistan. It could well be the deadliest drone strike ever.

Pakistan-based guerrillas have become the top threat to American operations in Afghanistan. U.S. Predator and Reaper unmanned aerial vehicles, or UAVs, have become American commanders' weapons of choice to strike back against those militants. Not only can the drones above an guerrilla encampment for hours, without risking a pilot. But they appear to be less of a political hazard, as well. Ground missions and manned flights by American commandos have enraged the Pakistani leadership, and sparked skirmishes with local soldiers. The drone strikes seem provoke a but more measured reaction -- at least, for now.And they provide a bit of plausible deniability to the attacks. Recently a Predator drone went down over Pakistan; the U.S. military swore they had nothing to do with the UAV.

This is at least the 19th UAV strike in Pakistan's tribal areas "since the beginning of August," the New York Times notes. "In the first seven months of 2008, there were five strikes." Some of the "strikes are taking place as deep as 25 miles into Pakistani territory." And they are growing increasingly deadly. During one week in September, U.S. drones killed more than 50 people over four attacks.

The Times and other news outlets credit "Predator" drones with these lethal strikes. But it's more likely that the bigger, brawnier Reaper UAV is the weapon being used. With a payload of 3,750 pounds -- compared to the Predator's 450 pounds -- the Reaper can carry an assortment of satellite-guided, quarter-ton bombs, as well as Hellfire missiles. They can make for extraordinary lethal attacks.

http://blog.wired.com/defense/2008/10/deadliest-kille.html