Iran Tracker

Pakistan Security Brief – October 2, 2009

Pakistani officials confirmed today that IMU leader Tahir Yuldashev was killed in a August drone attack in South Waziristan; reports have surfaced over the past indicating that the Pakistani military plans to launch a major offensive into South Waziristan; TTP commanders have vowed to carry out suicide attacks in retaliation for the killing of Beitullah Mehsud; South Waziristan-based militant commander Maulvi Nazir has reportedly extended a peace deal with the Pakistani government; suspected Taliban militants attempted a suicide attack following a compound raid in Swat valley.    

• Senior Pakistani government officials on Friday have confirmed rumors that Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan (IMU) leader Tahir Yuldashev was killed in late August in a drone attack in South Waziristan Agency.  Rumors of his death started when a man claiming to be Yuldashev’s body guard reported his death late last month.  His loss has been described as a “big blow” against the IMU and the groups it supports.[1]
   
• After a nearly three-month blockade on South Waziristan Agency the Pakistani Army plans to undertake a major offensive into the agency.  Many see this offensive as crucial in the struggle against the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).  Drone attacks have increased in the region and have resulted in the death of numerous militants which some say have left the TTP in disarray.[2]
   
• TTP commanders have stated that they plan to carry out suicide attacks in Pakistan in response to Beitullah Mehsud’s death in August.  This statement comes shortly after the release of a video picturing Mehsud’s body.[3]
   
• The Pakistani army has vowed to look into a video showing the abuse of suspected Taliban detainees.  In a statement to the BBC the army spokesman said that punishments would be dealt to those individuals found guilty.[4]
   
• Militant commander Maulvi Nazir has extended a peace deal with the government in a jirga in Wana, South Waziristan.  Over 120 elders and Taliban militants attended the jirga on Tuesday.  Maulvi had briefly sided with the TTP but this meeting confirms his intentions to side with the government.[5]
   
• Two suspected Taliban militants were killed when one detonated a suicide vest in an attempt to kill security forces during a raid on a compound in Swat Valley.  One soldier and another militant were killed elsewhere in other operations.[6]