Pakistan Security Brief
Pakistan Security Brief – January 26, 2010
Security forces target militants in Kurram and Bajaur; Indian security forces battled infiltrators from Pakistan in Kashmir; former ISI officer speaks on Mullah Omar; Pakistani officials confirmed US drone downed on Sunday; policemen from Balochistan protest and stage demonstrations; military operations continued in South Waziristan and Malakand; bomb targets police officer in Balochistan.
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Pakistani security forces launched an attack on militants operating in Kurram Agency on Monday, killing at least 15 militants. Militants initially attacked an army checkpoint in the Tindo area, prompting the military’s counterattack. Eight security force personnel suffered minor wounds. Further north in Bajaur Agency, helicopter gunships and jets bombed suspected militant hideouts. The attacks took place in Mamond and Salarzai subdistricts, killing at least ten militants.[1]
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According to Indian security forces, militants attempted to infiltrate the Line of Control from Pakistan-controlled Kashmir Tuesday morning. A contingent of security forces near the Alfa Machail area, about 20 miles from Jammu City, discovered the men, leading to an exchange of fire lasting for more than one hour. The infiltrators then fled, running to Pakistani territory.[2]
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A former ISI officer, believed to have trained Afghan Taliban leader Mullah Omar, said the US should meet with Omar in order to resolve the conflict in Afghanistan. Retired Brigadier Sultan Tarar also said Omar is open to talks and will listen to sincere messages from the US.[3]
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Pakistani officials from the tribal areas confirmed the downing of a US drone in North Waziristan. On Sunday, militants under Hafiz Gul Bahadur’s command claimed shooting down the drone in Hamzoni village. The Taliban in the area rewarded the shooter on Monday with a new car.[4]
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Policemen from Quetta staged demonstrations and protested in the city and throughout other districts on Monday, demanding, among other things, an increase in pay. The protesters blocked major roads and burnt tires during the demonstrations.[5]
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Pakistani forces killed one militant and captured six during operations in South Waziristan and Malakand. Forces killed the one militant during a search and clearance operation at Sund Derai near Fazagat, while the captured militants came from several districts.[6]
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A bomb planted on a motorbike exploded in the Jaffarbad district of Balochistan, injuring seven people. The bomb detonated when the district police officer of Jaffarabad, riding in a vehicle, passed the motorbike.[7]
