Pakistan Security Brief
Pakistan Security Brief – March 2, 2010
Military operation against militants forthcoming in Orakzai; Lashkar-e-Taiba involved in Kabul suicide attack; US seeks funds for additional security in Pakistan; Pakistani forces seized an extensive cave network used by militants; Taliban officials confirmed the death of Qari Zafar; militants clashed with security forces in Khyber; troops from India-controlled Kashmir injured two children after firing into Pakistan-controlled Kashmir.
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Pakistani military officials announced that an operation to eliminate militants in Orakzai Agency and the Tirah valley of Khyber Agency is forthcoming. Frontier Corps commander Major General Tariq Khan said the operation will be launched “very soon.”[1]
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A spokesman for Afghanistan's National Directorate of Security announced updated intelligence regarding the February 26 bomb attack in Kabul. The spokesman said on Tuesday his agency has evidence that Lashkar-e-Taiba was associated with the blasts. Suicide bombers targeted a hotel and guest house during the attack, killing 16 people. Originally the Afghan Taliban claimed responsibility for the attacks.[2]
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In response to the increased militant threat to US officials in Pakistan, $22.9 million has been requested from Congress to provide additional protection for the diplomatic mission. The funds will create a Quick Reaction Force composed of Pakistani personnel who will assist in protecting the US embassy in Islamabad and consulate in Karachi.[3]
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A Pakistani military spokesman said on Tuesday that security forces captured an extensive cave network in Damadola, located in Bajaur Agency. The area reportedly served as a headquarters complex for Taliban and al-Qaida militants until Pakistani forces seized the area in a January operation.[4]
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Members of the Pakistani Taliban confirmed on Tuesday the death of Mohammed Qari Zafar, the commander of Lashkar-e-Jhangvi. Pakistani intelligence initially reported Zafar’s death on February 24th. Zafar was killed along with 13 other militants in North Waziristan by a suspected US missile.[5]
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Militants and Pakistani security forces clashed in Bara sub-district of Khyber Agency, as the Pakistani military continued an operation against militants in the area. Seven militants were reported killed in the fighting.[6]
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On Monday night two children were injured by Indian security forces after the Indian soldiers fired into Battal sector of Pakistan-controlled Kashmir. It remains unclear as to whether Indian troops were returning fire or firing unprovoked into Pakistan-controlled Kashmir.[7]
