Bees are a formidable force to be reckoned with. Last year, the US Air Force found out the hard way after a swarm of insects grounded an F-22 Raptor jet for a whole day. No wonder bees had little trouble inflicting damage on the unarmored Indian non-combatants.
What started as runaway victory turned out to be a tactical withdrawal. It was followed by special operations maneuvers, as the defending side returned, reinforced with gunny sacks and blankets, and retrieved the body in a highly professional and safe manner, transporting it to a safe zone. There, with anti-aircraft surveillance set up, the burial rites were finalized operatively.
According to sources on the ground, the location of the civilians was likely given away by the smoke rising from incense sticks the mourners were carrying. Apparently, the air force squadron located on nearby banyan tree felt threatened by the encroaching enemy, and, after their buzzing protests were ignored, conducted their preemptive strike.
The mourners reportedly suffered heavy casualties, with some admitted to Magadi Government Hospital for treatment. No word on any official apology from the aggressor's monarchy.
