Pakistan Security Brief

Pakistan Security Brief – June 29, 2009

U.S. drone strike in South Waziristan kills 8 militants; 10 militants killed by security forces in Kurram Agency; Pakistan’s President says “new sense of partnership” with U.S.; U.S. urged by Indian Prime Minister to pressure Pakistan; Washington wants further clarification on Sino-Pak nuclear deal; 43 Swat militants appear in Mingora court; President Zardari to visit China in July; 8 people killed in Karachi violence.

FATA

• A U.S. drone strike on Tuesday on a house in South Waziristan known to be frequented by members of al-Qaeda and the Punjabi Taliban killed at least eight militants, according to an intelligence official. The strike targeted a house belonging to militant commander Maulana Halimullah in Karikot, 10 kilometers from Wana, the main town in South Waziristan.[1]

• Security forces killed at least 10 militants and wounded another four in Kurram Agency on Tuesday. According to sources, security forces attacked three vehicles in Ghalu Ghanday after receiving intelligence that they were owned by militants. Security forces secured the area and stepped up patrols in Kurram, eyewitnesses confirmed to sources.[2]

• In Orakzai Agency, militants attacked a security checkpoint in Sanpaga Kanado. Official sources confirmed the incident, claiming that 12 militants and three soldiers were killed in the gunfight that ensured.[3] (For detailed bi-weekly updates on the security situation in Orakzai CLICK HERE).

Pak-U.S. Relations

• Talking to U.S. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton A. Schwartz on Monday, President Ali Asif Zardari said that a new sense of partnership among the leadership of Pakistan and the U.S. has replaced a lack of trust between the countries[4]. The future of Pak-U.S. bilateral relations, Pakistan’s fight against militancy, and the security situation in the region were also discussed. Zardari thanked the U.S. government for the delivery of three F-16 fighter jets and humanitarian assistance. Gen. Schwartz said that the U.S. appreciates the sacrifices made by the people, security forces, and law enforcement agencies of Pakistan in the war against terrorism.

• Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Monday urged U.S. President Barack Obama to pressure Pakistan to take action against terrorists in Pakistan involved in anti-India activities. Briefing reporters about a 30-minute meeting between Prime Minister Singh and President Obama during the G-20 Summit, Indian Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao said the two leaders discussed regional stability and counterterrorism cooperation in Afghanistan. The information disclosed by captured Lashkar-e-Taiba operative David Headley also came up for discussion. Headley confessed to involvement in the Mumbai attacks and Indian investigators said he made several “useful” disclosures. On Tuesday, Singh said there was “some hope” that Pakistan would crackdown on anti-India militants. The comments come after Pakistan and India announced last week that they would cooperate in fighting terrorism.[5]

• After China sidestepped questions raised by the Nuclear Suppliers Group about its controversial plan to sell Pakistan two reactors, Washington has asked for more information. State Department spokesperson P.J. Crowley told reporters, “We have a view that this initiative, as it goes forward, would need the agreement of the Nuclear Suppliers Group."[6]

Swat

• 43 militants, including three sons of Tehrik-e-Nafaz-e-Shariat-e-Mohammadi (TNSM) founder Sufi Muhammad were brought before an anti-terrorism court in Mingora on Tuesday. The militants, including Sufi Mohammad’s sons, were arrested during Operation Rah-e-Rast in Swat last year on terrorism charges. Sufi Muhammad himself was not in court due to security concerns. The banned organization was accused of supporting the Taliban in Swat.[7]

Sino-Pak Relations

• President Asif Ali Zardari will visit China from July 6 to 11, Beijing said on Tuesday while defending the countries’ nuclear cooperation. According to foreign ministry spokesperson Qin Gang, Zardari will meet with President Hu Jintao and Premier Wen Jiabao. There was no information on whether any trade or other agreements would be signed during the visit.[8]

Karachi

• At least eight people were killed and dozens others wounded in ongoing violence in Karachi on Monday. Four gunmen riding motorcycles killed a man at a bus stop in Rizyia, causing protests to break out in Rizvia Society, Nazimabad, Paposh Nagar and Essa Nagri.  In separate incidents, two people were killed in Muslimabad and Frontier Colony. Two bodies were also found in Malir Goth and Haji Miandad Goth.[9]