Drone strikes in Pakistan may cause health complications for generations to come

US drones strikes have caused devastation to innumerable families in the tribal areas of Pakistan by targeting innocents and causing destruction.

Now it seems drones are harming even more individuals than those directly involved in drone strikes.  The chemicals used to fire off the drones have led to high numbers in cases of skin diseases, blood cancer and thalassaemia (a group of genetic blood disorders) among the local population.    

Dr Anwar Bhittani has noted children exhibiting mental problems because of thaleassaemia and a growing number of people experiencing depression.  He warns that health problems and “genetic defects” could become epidemic – spreading across Pakistan and possibly into South Asia.  He likens the lasting effects of the chemical compounds to the Hiroshima and Nagasaki atomic bombings.

It has been 66 years since the atomic bombs were dropped over Japan.  Technology has altered and improved more than anyone could imagine in that time and yet, the US continues to bomb civilians and cause horrifying complications for generations to come.