Pakistan Security Brief - April 1, 2010

Pakistan Security Brief – April 1, 2010

Military operations continue in Orakzai; senior General says operations ongoing in North Waziristan; attempt made on Maulvi Toofan’s life; TTP spokesman Azam Tariq threatens US supporters; Qari Hussain warns of impending suicide attacks in Punjab; trial begins for five American terror suspects; India blames LeT for last month’s Kabul attack; lawmakers compromise on renaming NWFP.

FATA

• Military operations continue in Orakzai Agency as troops stormed several Taliban positions, killing at least 18 militants. Another 10 militants were killed in neighboring Kurram Agency when helicopter gunships targeted three vehicles attempting to flee the area. (For detailed updates on Pakistani military operations in Orakzai, CLICK HERE). Militants also reportedly destroyed buildings throughout the agency, including five government schools, 15 houses, and a medical center. On Wednesday, security forces killed at least eight militants during bombardments which targeted hideouts in the Bizoti, Shireen Darra, Surgul, Kak Darra, and Mirobak areas of Lower Orakzai. A helicopter gunship also reportedly destroyed a vehicle in Upper Orakzai, killing three militants.[1]

• Inspector General of the FC Maj. Gen. Tariq Khan issued a statement that the military had begun limited operations in North Waziristan. Khan also stated that he expected all military operations in the tribal regions to be wrapped up by June, after which point he said the military would need more troops on the ground in order to prevent the resurgence of extremists.[2]

Taliban Leaders

• A group of unknown attackers made an attempt on Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) commander Maulvi Toofan’s lif in Orakzai on Wednesday. An IED detonated near his vehicle while he was traveling from Mir Kalam Khel to Arghanjo and the ensuing gunbattle left four militants dead and three others injured.[3]

• Official TTP spokesman Azam Tariq issued renewed threats against those in Pakistan who give support to the United States, also adding that the military would be defeated in Orakzai just as it had been defeated in South Waziristan.[4]

• Qari Hussain, the TTP’s top trainer of suicide bombers, has warned that “a new series of suicide attacks will take place soon”. Hussain said that he had “a large number of suicide bombers” throughout the country and that they will focus their future attacks in Punjab. [5]

Terror Trial

• The trial for the five American’s accused by Pakistani authorities of being involved in terrorist activities began in Sargodha on Wednesday. The anti-terrorism court reportedly heard several witnesses brought forward by the prosecution.[6]

Pak-India Relations

• An Indian official has anonymously told reporters that his country has “no doubt” Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) was behind the February 26 attack in Kabul that left seven Indian citizens dead. LeT has denied its involvement in the attack, saying it has no networks in Afghanistan.[7]

Constitutional Package

• On Wednesday, a parliamentary committee approved the draft for a constitutional amendment which would transfer several current presidential powers to the prime minister. Such powers include the ability to appoint military chiefs and to dismiss elected government officials.[8]

• Lawmakers on Wednesday reached a compromise on the issue of renaming the NWFP. Under the new deal, the region’s name could soon be changed to “Khyber-Pakhtoonkhwa”.[9]