Pakistan Security Brief
Pakistan Security Brief – February 2, 2010
Speculation over Hakimullah Mehsud’s death continues; fighting intensifies in Bajaur; militant faction in North Waziristan warns of a “big war”; Karachi violence escalates; Pakistan’s army chief describes Pakistan’s role in Afghanistan.
-
Speculation over the death of Hakimullah Mehsud continued on Monday. TTP spokesman Azam Tariq said that the Taliban feel no need to release a video even though Hakimullah is alive, but the group may do so at a future date. Reports surfacing in Orakzai Agency claim a local Taliban commander, Malik Noor Jamal (known as Maulana Toofan), will lead the TTP until the organization decides how to proceed. Another report, with reference to a Pakistani and American official, says the Taliban held meetings on Monday to determine a new leader for the organization.[1]
-
Following several days of intense fighting, Pakistani security forces overran a key Taliban base in Bajaur Agency on Sunday night. Troops captured the Sewai area in Mamund district, and officials said security forces captured several surrounding areas as troops continued the operation on Monday. Security forces are now believed to be advancing towards a main training area for militants in Damadola district of Bajaur.[2]
-
The North Waziristan faction of the Shura Ittihadul Mujahideen expressed frustration over what it sees as violations of a peace accord with the Pakistani government. The group warned of a “big war” if the government continued to disregard the peace agreement.[3]
-
At least nine people were killed in Karachi on Monday as violence in the city intensified. The latest clashes appear to be between Pashtun activists from the Awami National Party (ANP) and Urdu-speaking workers affiliated to the Muttahida Quami Movement (MQM).[4]
-
Pakistan’s army chief, General Ashfaq Kiyani, addressed reporters in Rawalpindi on Tuesday, highlighting Pakistan’s commitment towards a stable and secure Afghanistan. General Kiyani said, among other things, that he would like Pakistani troops to begin training new Afghan soldiers alongside US forces.[5]
