Pakistan Security Brief
The Critical Threats Project Pakistan Security Brief provides daily updates on the security developments in Pakistan
Death toll rises in Lahore triple suicide attack; State Department designates TTP as a Foreign Terrorist Organization, issues rewards for Hakimullah Mehsud and Wali-ur-Rehman; Justice Department unveils charges against Hakimullah Mehsud.
Triple suicide blast in Lahore; airstrikes target Lashkar-e-Islam hideouts in Khyber Agency; Pakistani military officers depart U.S. in protest of “unwarranted” treatment after being pulled off of a United Airlines flight for additional security screening; Prime Minister Gilani says that floods will lead to decline in economic growth, rise in inflation in the coming year.
Floods begin pouring into the Arabian Sea; flood victims line up outside hospitals seeking medical care; WFP warns of food shortages over the next year; General Petraeus addresses President Karzai's "legitimate" concerns about the militants' presence in Pakistan.
Flood waters beginning to recede; USAID chief faced militant threat while at aid camp in Sukkur; four militants killed in U.S. drone strike in Kurram; security forces resolve hostage situation at intelligence facility in Peshawar.
TTP spokesman says presence of foreign aid workers “unacceptable”, hints at attacks; flood waters have displaced one million people in Sindh since Wednesday; countries, international aid organizations reject President Zardari’s request for direct aid to Pakistan; militant group offers amnesty for U.S. “spies” in North Waziristan.
TTP threatens to attack foreign aid workers participating in flood relief efforts; evacuation ordered for Thatta district after flood waters breach embankment; controversy emerges after USAID chief’s alleged visit to relief camp run by front organization for Lashkar-e-Taiba.
Flood waters have disrupted supply routes to Afghanistan; UN issues urgent appeal for more helicopters to aid stranded flood victims; Pakistani authorities close down relief camps in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa run by organizations with links to militant groups; oil tankers blown up in Landi Kotal.
President Zardari says flood reconstruction could take at least three years; more international events due to be held to discuss flood relief aid for Pakistan; drone strike hits Taliban compound in North Waziristan; U.S. continues to face challenges of public support in Pakistan despite providing billions of dollars in aid.
Pakistan has received more than $800 million in flood aid so far; flooding continues to sweep south; Pakistani security officials admit that Afghan Taliban commander Baradar was captured to disrupt peace talks; suicide bomber attacks mosque in South Waziristan; U.S. drone strike in North Waziristan kills six militants.
U.S. increases flood aid to $150 million, sets up relief fund; UN meets its $459 million goal for Pakistan flood relief; Pakistan to restrict banned organizations from providing assistance in flood-hit areas; Pakistan accepts India’s offer of $5 million to help flood victims; Pakistan has failed to convict suspects in connection with high profile terror attacks over the last three year; extremist groups are using online social networking to expand their reach.
UN General Assembly to be held to discuss funding of flood relief; U.S. increases flood aid to $150 million; Pakistan sets up council for oversight and transparency of aid distribution; TTP militants clash with Maulvi Nazir group in South Waziristan; two suicide bombers arrested in Peshawar; two Lashkar-e-Jhangvi suspects arrested in connection with MQM politician Raza Haider’s murder.
UN, EU, and OIC extend more aid for Pakistan flood relief but assistance is not reaching aid organizations fast enough; Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa allows donors to provide direct aid to flood victims; civilian government faces embarrassment over flood response as military gains increased public support; militants launch attacks in Peshawar.
ISI assessment concludes Islamic militancy a bigger threat to Pakistan than India; flooding likely to increase in the Guddu-Sukkur region; Pakistan estimates rebuilding costs after the flooding to be as high as $15 billion; World Blank offers $900 million loan, UN says Pakistan still not receiving enough relief funding; World Health Organization begins diverting medical supplies intended for IDPs to flood victims at risk of disease.
UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon visits Pakistan, urges world to increase its assistance for flood relief; heavy rains expected to increase flooding in the next week; 6 million people still in need of aid as outbreaks of disease threaten flood survivors; drone strike kills 13 militants in North Waziristan; U.S. has reportedly stopped pressuring Pakistan to launch North Waziristan operation.
World Bank pledges $900 million for flood relief and reconstruction; around 200,000 people cut off and starving in Upper Swat as flooding threatens new areas of Sindh; military says flood relief efforts will not have an impact on the fight against militants; Secretary of State Clinton reassures Pakistani people as Senator Kerry prepares for Pakistan visit; U.S.S. Peleliu arrives off coast of Karachi.
Fresh waves of flooding expected to threaten new areas in Sindh and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa; World Food Program declares $150 million necessary to feed Pakistani flood victims; President Zardari visits flood-hit areas amid harsh criticism; U.S. Special Envoy Holbrooke says upcoming international conference to focus on Pakistan flood aid and reconstruction; U.S. Defense Secretary Gates announces more helicopters dispatched to assist Pakistan in flood relief efforts; terror suspects with alleged links to TTP and Haqqani network arrested in Lahore; more than 1,000 killed in seven months of Karachi violence.
Pakistan issues flood warnings for Punjab and Sindh; Oxfam reports that governments committing much less to flood relief than previous disasters; U.N. warns militant groups might take advantage of humanitarian crisis; TTP calls on Pakistan’s government to reject foreign assistance; U.S. pledges additional $20 million in flood relief funds; Pakistan’s Foreign Minister calls on China to step up relief efforts; Australian Prime Minister provides two C-17 Globemaster aircraft for flood relief.
U.N. spokesperson says flooding disaster exceeds Tsunami and Pakistan and Haiti earthquakes combined; U.N. Secretary General appeals for financial assistance to Pakistan, IMF says flooding will cause “major harm” to Pakistan’s economy; White House says U.S. has helped save 1,000 lives in Pakistan; General Kayani meets with Hamid Karzai in Kabul; Pakistan’s President makes unscheduled visit to Syria; ISI says Jinnah Hospital attack mastermind not in its custody.
Pakistan appeals to international community for relief of flood victims, U.N. reports that the disaster has affected more people than the 2004 Tsunami; Zardari assailed by protestors at U.K. rally; political parties sign “code of conduct” in an effort to quell Karachi violence; U.S. and U.N. takes measures against HuJI, Ilyas Kashmiri; FC man arrested in connection with Peshawar suicide bombing.
Pakistan’s Interior Minister authorizes law enforcement to “shoot on sight” in Karachi; U.S. pledges additional $25 million in flood relief to Pakistan; Daily Telegraph reports Lashkar-e-Taiba providing flood relief; State Department calls al-Qaeda in Pakistan most serious threat to U.S.
Total number of people affected by Pakistan flooding rises to 4 million as evacuations begin in Sindh and eastern Punjab; death toll rises to 86 in latest wave of Karachi violence; President Zardari scheduled to have dinner with U.K. Prime Minister Cameron ahead of official talks; one terrorist killed, one captured following shootout with police in Islamabad.
Chief of Frontier constabulary killed in TTP suicide attack in Peshawar; Pakistan experiencing a “humanitarian crisis” as flooding worsens in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, spreads into Sindh and Punjab; President Zardari arrives in Britain for talks with Prime Minister Cameron; death toll rises from violence throughout Karachi; suspects arrested in connection with assassination of Syed Raza Haider.
45 killed in Karachi ethnic and political violence; Islamic charities filling government vacuum in flood relief; President Obama calls Pakistan a “partner” in fight against al-Qaeda; President Zardari arrives in U.K. for talks with British Prime Minister David Cameron; President Zardari warns that international community is “losing war” against Taliban; Pakistan’s Foreign Minister calls for India to “exercise restraint” in Kashmir.
Severe flooding causes more than 1,100 deaths throughout Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa; Pakistani Ambassador Haqqani refutes Pakistan’s links to the Taliban; Gates defends Pakistan, hints at North Waziristan operation; MQM leader killed amid continuing violence in Karachi; Pakistan summons British ambassador following Prime Minister Cameron’s remarks about Pakistan’s links to terrorism.
New Pew survey indicates majority of Pakistanis view US as an enemy; US Vice President Biden says ISI “changing” behavior towards Afghanistan; security forces kill 12 militants in Kurram; NATO oil tanker attacked in Quetta; President Zardari decides not to cancel UK visit.
U.S. intelligence agencies report that A.Q Khan network may be reactivating; British Prime Minister’s statements create diplomatic row with Pakistan; Pakistan’s Foreign Minister seeking clarification from President Karzai; Obama Administration defends Pakistan aid in New Delhi; 3 security forces personnel and 10 militants killed in South Waziristan clash; Frontier Corps Commander denies unlawful killings in Malakand Agency.
Airliner crashes outside Islamabad, killing all 152 passengers; President Obama says WikiLeaks documents reveal nothing new; former ISI chief says leaked documents part of White House plot; British Prime Minister says Pakistan cannot “look two ways” in Afghanistan; TTP targets Awami National Party; Prime Minister Qureshi says Pakistan wants “meaningful” talks with India.
Admiral Mike Mullen says WikiLeaks information will not effect relationship with Pakistan; Mullah Fazlullah traced to Kunar, Afghanistan; kidnapped ISI officer threatens to expose Pakistan’s weaknesses; 43 suspects arrested in Karachi; three security forces personnel killed; 20 militants killed in Khyber Agency; Anti-Terrorism Bill 2010 proposed in Pakistani Senate.
Large scale leak of US military and diplomatic documents reveals ISI links to Taliban; Admiral Mullen speaks with Pakistani military leaders in Rawalpindi; first group of IDPs to begin resettling South Waziristan; drone strikes in North and South Waziristan kill at least 35 militants; Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Information Minister Hussain’s son gunned down by Taliban, home targeted by suicide bombing; violence continues to grip Karachi.
General Kayani’s term extended; State Department blacklists Haqqani Network; Mullah Fazlullah video released; video of Times Square bomber with Hakimullah Mehsud emerges; 16 militants killed Orakzai Agency; U.S. warns militant groups could incite war between India and Pakistan; 4 people killed in Karachi violence; Pakistan pleased with performance of Chinese frigates.
Intelligence agencies arrest Jinnah Hospital attack mastermind; Taliban commander and aide killed while making bomb in Bajaur; top commander of TTP Swat surrenders to security forces; Interior Minister claims more than 1,000 suspects arrested during Peshawar search operations; four more people killed as wave of violence continues to grip Karachi.
President Obama vows to increase cooperation with Pakistan; U.S. Special Operations Forces accompanying Pakistani forces on aid missions; 25 militants killed in Orakzai Agency; 14 people killed in Karachi violence; NATO to strengthen political ties with Pakistan; New York Times examines India-Pak water dispute; Pakistan’s Prime Minister addresses criticism of Afghan Transit Trade Agreement; top Pakistani counter-terrorism official resigns.
Hilary Clinton reaffirms U.S. concerns over Sino-Pak nuclear deal, notes better reception than year ago; Mumbai suspect David Coleman Headley allegedly reveals terrorist “nexus” working with ISI, Pakistani establishment; Indian diplomat suspected of spying for Pakistan arrested in New Delhi;senior BNP leader killed in Kalat District; five militants, including three suicide bombers killed in Mardan District; Christian brothers killed outside courthouse in Faisalabad; Prime Minister Gilani says government working to end sectarianism.
Secretary of State Clinton announces $500 million aid package during visit to Islamabad, oversees Pakistan-Afghanistan trade agreement; Special Representative Holbrooke attends Friends of Democratic Pakistan Conference in Islamabad; President Zardari seeks to change visa policy for official US personnel; civilian convoy attacked, military launches strikes against militants in Kurram; Taliban execute alleged ‘US spies’ in North Waziristan; militants surrender, search operation conducted, security checkpost comes under attack in Bajaur; military offensive continues in Orakzai; Frontier Corps convoy struck by IED blast; suicide bombing attack on Shia mosque in Sargodha; twin low-intensity blasts target internet cafes, search operation conducted in Lahore; Iran accuses Pakistan and US of backing Zahedan terror attack, suspends trade with Pakistan; Human Rights Watch report alleges military carried out extra-judicial killings in Swat; jirga meets to discuss factors behind extremism in Swat; senior minister claims 700 militants arrested, arms caches seized in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa; several killed in roadside bomb explosion in Hangu; police kill three extremists, arrest dozens more during raids in Mardan; anti-terror court extends physical remand for terror suspects; Pakistan seeking buyers for new JF-17 combat aircraft; Pakistani nationals among 20 suspects arrested in connection with Uganda suicide bombings; NATO vehicle attacked in Balochistan; Rangers authority in Karachi extended to one year.
President Zardari considers term extension for Chief of Army Staff General Kayani; ten killed in market blast, shrine blown up in Khyber; airstrikes kill 22 militants in Orakzai; tensions high in talks between Pakistan and India; gunmen destroy four NATO tankers in Quetta; five policemen wounded in roadside bomb explosion in Charsadda; three policemen wounded in IED explosion in Hangu; police arrest 8 suspected militants as part of Lahore crackdown; MQM activist gunned down in Karachi.
Suicide bomber kills 5 people in Swat; U.S. drone strike kills 5 militants in NWA; militants destroy shrine in Kyber Agency; 15 militant killed in Orakzai Agency; soldier injured by roadside bomb in Mohmand Agency; pro-government tribal leaders found beheaded in Kohat; 91 suspects arrested in Peshawar; Pakistani army admits killing 13 detainees in Lower Dir; Indian and Pakistani foreign ministers begin talks; Pakistan’s Minister of Information and Broadcasting wants more cooperation with U.S.; violent protests continue in Balochistan following killing of BNP leader; kidnapped Mercy Corps officials released; bomb-sniffing bombs from Germany go to Sindh police.
Indian Home Secretary says Pakistan’s ISI orchestrated 2008 Mumbai attacks; U.S. General Patraeus wants Haqqani Network leaders designated terrorists; Obama Administration supports India-Pakistan talks; Secretary General of Balochistan National Party assassinated in Quetta; 3 people killed in ongoing violence in Balochistan; NATO driver killed by gunmen; 24 militants killed in Orakzai Agency; Pakistan’s Interior Minister blames Afghan militants for attacks in Pakistan.
Missing Iranian scientist at Pakistani embassy in Washington, D.C.; militants destroy another school in Bajaur Agency; 170 suspects arrested in Peshawar crackdown; militant commander killed in Lower Dir; security official killed in Orakzai Agency; explosion reported in Mohmand Agency; police arrest 39 suspect terrorists and 170 activists, crackdown on SSP in Punjab; Punjab government establishes anti-terrorism board; Indian and Pakistani foreign ministers to meet in Islamabad on Thursday; Pakistan will not all Indian trade route to Afghanistan; five killed in Karachi violence.
New article explores issues of mistrust affecting US efforts to train Pakistani troops; Petraeus praises Pakistan’s efforts in the fight against militancy; death toll in Mohmand suicide attack rises to 105; militants attack checkposts, convoy in South Waziristan; fighter jets continue to pound Taliban fighters in Upper Orakzai; militants arrested during search operations in Bajaur; rockets fired into market, militants arrested during search operation, military convoy struck by IED in Khyber; Pakistani government orders crackdown on militants in Punjab; Kurram tribesmen killed in Afghanistan; US Senator Levin calls on Pakistan to crack down on Haqqani network; dozens arrested during raids in Nowshera and Charsadda; suicide bombing reported in Kohat; ANP leader killed in Buner; three terror suspects among those arrested in Peshawar raids; Pakistani authorities arrest German terror suspect; key National Party leader shot to death in Turbat; kidnapped man found dead, two security personnel kidnapped in Balochistan; Anti-Terrorism Court in Lahore issues arrest warrants to India for two Mumbai suspects in custody; riots block Superhighway in Karachi.
Suicide bomber kills at least 56 in Mohmand Agency; 12 militants killed in Orakzai Agency; European terror suspects linked to Pakistan; ISI chief says adjustment needed in national security policy; China and Pakistan to establish joint economic forum; relatives say suspected militants killed in custody; two people killed by gunmen in Karachi.
Terror plots in US and UK linked to senior al-Qaeda leaders in Pakistan; army says 70-percent of South Waziristan reconstruction complete, IDPs to return soon; seven injured in grenade attack, boys’ college damaged in explosion in Bajaur; fighter jets kill 15 militants in Orakzai; police arrest 14 suspected militants in Hangu; US-Pakistan strategic dialogue underway in Islamabad; extremists groups using social networking tools to spread their views; police arrest two TTP terror suspects in Lahore.
Taliban militants destroy three government-run schools in FATA and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa; explosion in Peshawar destroys five vehicles; Jamaat-ud-Dawa chief says suicide attacks have no moral basis; outgoing U.S. Consul General says U.S. wants N. Waziristan operation; U.S. wants Pakistan to abandon Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline; President Zardari meets with Chinese hydro-power officials, pledge cooperation in fighting terrorism; at least five more people killed in Karachi violence.
Top TTP commander Ameerullah Mehsud reported killed in North Waziristan; Pakistan’s federal government activates National Counter-Terrorism Authority; Lahore police arrest six suspects in Ahmadi mosque attacks, discover bomb-making factory; 12 Sufi mosque suspects said not to have been involved; Punjab police are “poorly equipped, incompetent, corrupt;” 23 militant affiliated organization banned in Punjab; Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Minister of Information calls for a “full-fledged operation” against Punjab militants; 80 percent of Kurram Agency “free of militants;” 20 suspected militants killed in Orakzai; four militants attempt suicide attack in Lower Dir; inter-provincial meetings wants conditional talks with Taliban; Afghanistan’s National Security Advisor wants “serious measures” against Pakistani militants; Pakistan should stop trying to influence Afghanistan, says opposition leader Nawaz Sharif; ISI and CIA spying on each other; PTI chief says Pakistan is U.S. “slave;” 12 killed in Karachi target killings, Prime Minister Gilani says militants moving to urban areas; President Zaradari leaves for 6-day China visit; 4 people killed in Surab, Balochistan.
Dozens killed in suicide bombing at Sufi shrine in Lahore; police arrest masterminds of Ahmadi attack, seize weapons and explosives; Chief of Army Staff General Kayani denies holding meeting with President Karzai and Sirajuddin Haqqani; one soldier killed, two wounded in attack on security checkpost in Khyber; ten militants killed in fighting between two extremist groups; four security personnel killed in attack on checkpost outside Peshawar; two police officers gunned down in Karachi; young girl killed, six others injured in two separate attacks in Quetta.
Afghan military officers to train in Pakistan; new militant group born from 2007 Lal Masjid attack; proposed law to ban live coverage of militant attacks in Pakistan; Pakistani soldiers depart for training exercise in China; Pakistan’s Foreign Minister say IAEA permitted to inspect Sino-Pak nuclear deal; Admiral Mike Mullen defends Pakistan’s nuclear program; investigation launched into missing NATO containers; bombing near meeting of Zakhakhel leaders in Khyber Agency.
20 militants killed in Orakzai Agency; militants attack security forces convoy in Samalo Kandao; death toll in Tuesday’s U.S. drone strike climbs to 10; U.S. “working hard” to rebuild Pakistan’s trust; Lahore police arrest suspects in U.N. vehicle attacks; political activists killed in Karachi; suicide bomb threat causes evacuation in busy Karachi hospital; Khyber Inspector General says foreigners funding militancy.
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.
Resettlement process begins for South Waziristan IDPs; two drone strikes hit militant hideouts North Waziristan; TTP militants attack checkpost in Mohmand; militants ambush army patrol in Bajaur; NATO tanker destroyed, two soldiers killed in Khyber; clashes continue as part of military operations in Orakzai; CIA Director Panetta addresses Pakistan reconciliation with the Haqqani network, whereabouts of Osama bin Laden; Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Mullen meets with President Zardari, top Pakistani military officials; US hands over three F-16 fighter jets to Pakistani Air Force; Zardari demands drone technology; Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Information Minister Iftikhar warns of terror attacks in Peshawar; security forces clash with militants, seize weapons cache in Swat; India and Pakistan announce cooperation between civilian intelligence agencies to fight terrorism; blast at Lahore market injures seven; judicial remand extended for Ahmadi mosque attack suspects; three people killed, more injured in latest wave of Karachi violence; defense lawyer appeals terrorism charges for five convicted Americans; Pakistan announces monitoring of seven websites for ‘blasphemous’ content.
Pakistan continues to approach Afghan government with offers to facilitate power sharing agreement with Haqqani network; security heightened in Peshawar in response to report of a possible terrorist attack; two NATO tankers blown up on the outskirts of Peshawar; two terror suspects arrested in Lahore; Sindh’s Home Minister criticizes judiciary’s release of hundreds of terror suspects; CID arrests three suspected LeJ activists in Karachi; top commander of TTP Swat arrested in Karachi; US Vice President Joe Biden phones President Zardari to discuss bi-lateral issues; evidence in trial of five Americans convicted in Pakistan reveals they were in contact with HuJI chief.
“Virginia five” receive ten year prison sentence in Pakistan; Pakistan’s army denies Taliban resurgence in South Waziristan; security forces arrested five suspected militants in Khyber Agency; 8 militants killed in Orakzai Agency; militants kill Jamaate-e-Islami leader in Darra Adam Kel; Brookings Institute study says madrassas not fueling militancy; U.S. Special Envoy Holbrooke discusses McCrystal removal with Pakistani officials; two people killed in latest targeted killings in Karachi; doctors protest kidnappings, security in Balochistan; Sino-Pak nuclear deal moving ahead as scheduled; army hands over control of checkpoints in Swat to civil authorities; Indian and Pakistani officials convene in Islamabad; “bin-Laden hunter” back in U.S.
Pakistani intelligence reports that militants publicly fundraise in Punjab; State Department to designate Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan a foreign terrorist organization; Pakistani court concludes trial of Virginia 5, verdict expected Thursday, 24 militants killed in Upper Orakzai Agency; Kyber-Pakhtunkhwa government denies entry to 50 NATO supply trucks; U.K. wants long-term relationship with Pakistan, pledges 665 million pounds; seven people, including political figures killed in Karachi violence; “bin-Laden hunter” returns to U.S.; Swat officials deny the existence of “no-go” areas.
Suspected German militant arrested in northern Pakistan; Taliban offers prisoner swap for 33 missing soldiers; Faisal Shahzad pleads guilty to terrorism and weapons charges in U.S. District Court; suspected militants destroy shrine in Peshawar; Pakistan’s Prime Minister says Pakistan to proceed with deal to import natural gas from Iran; RAND Corporation urges criteria-based nuclear development deal with Pakistan; Pakistan’s Foreign Minister criticizes U.N. report on Bhutto assassination; U.N. Special Envoy discusses alleged human rights abuses with Pakistani officials; six people were killed by gunmen in Karachi in separate attacks; 11 militants killed by fighter jets in Orakzai Agency; four militants killed by security forces in Swat.
Drone strike kills al-Qaeda leader in North Waziristan; fighting continues in Orakzai; helicopter gunships target militants, security forces repel attack on security checkpost in Mohmand; three militants killed in Swat; roadside bomb kills one policeman in Dera Ismail Khan; two Levies recruits killed in Lower Dir; Special Representative Holbrooke says al-Qaeda network “severely degraded” due to US-Pak efforts; Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani says Pakistan will abide by sanctions against Iran; new national security strategy highlights importance of engagement with Pakistan; State Department dismisses report linking Afghan Taliban with ISI; top TTP commander Asmatullah Mehsud arrested in Karachi; Jundullah militants free Ashura bombing suspects at Karachi courthouse; Taliban presence expanding in Karachi; militants try to derail train in Quetta; one soldier killed in roadside bomb blast, two men gunned down in Quetta.
Pakistan brokering peace deal between Haqqanis and Karzai government; Punjab government gives nearly $1 million in funding to facilities owned by group blacklisted for terror links; Punjab Governor Salman Taseer says Punjabi Taliban are a reality; Afghanistan expected to hand back 14 captured Frontier Corps soldiers; US Special Representative Holbrooke arrives in Islamabad for two-day visit; Shahzad indicted by federal grand jury on charges of terrorism, found to have received $12,000 from Pakistani Taliban; US officials meet with “bin Laden hunter” Gary Brooks Faulkner, Pakistani authorities expected to release him soon; Pakistani Defense Secretary says delays in funding for military forces could threaten operations against extremist groups; General Tariq Majid says Pakistan compelled to maintain nuclear arsenal, world must accept it as a nuclear power; India hands over dossier on Mumbai attacks; policeman shot to death in Balochistan; doctor, ranger gunned down in separate shooting incidents in Karachi.
Pakistani army confirms 40 Frontier Corps soldiers missing; 38 militants, 10 soldiers killed in Bajaur Agency; Taliban publically executes alleged murderer; Pakistan seeks U.S. helicopters; U.S. links Haqqani Network in North Waziristan with attacks in Afghanistan; Pakistan’s Prime Minister says long-term cooperation with U.S. is necessary; China says nuclear deal with Pakistan meets international obligations; reports suggest full-fledged operation in Punjab; intelligence reports allege militants provided cell-phones in Punjab prisons; two tribal leaders killed by gunmen in Mohmand Agency; Pakistan’s President says action to be taken to quell violence in Karachi; U.S. requests access to “bin-Laden Hunter.”
Afghan Taliban says it has captured dozens of Pakistani soldiers in cross-border raid; Lashkar-e-Taiba expands operations in Afghanistan; Afghan Taliban denies links with Pakistani ISI; five people are killed in Karachi in targeted killings; gunmen attack funeral procession of slain ASWJ leader; Sindh government forms fact-finding committee to investigate violence in Karachi; U.S. officials ask China clarify plan to sell nuclear reactors to Pakistan; General Kayani in China for defense cooperation meetings; Punjab’s government provided Rs 82.77 million to Jamaat-ud-Dawa; three militants and two activists killed in Swat; helicopter gunships kill six militants in Bajaur Agency; Tehrik-e-Taliban leaflets found in Bajaur raise fears of militant resurgence; “bin Laden hunter” to undergo psychological tests in Pakistan; gunmen kill seven people in alleged tribal feud; NATO tanker damaged in bomb blast along Af-Pak border.
American “bin Laden hunter” arrested in northern Pakistan; wanted militant commander reportedly killed in accidental explosion; militants destroy another government-run middle school in Mohmand Agency; seven militants arrested in Mamund tehsil; ISI dismisses allegations of close links with Afghan Taliban; Pakistani Senate expresses concern over target killings in Karachi; man planting roadside bomb killed when device accidently exploded in Turbat; Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani says Pakistan wants to resolve Kashmir dispute with India through talks; Lahore High Court postpones hearing Facebook petition until July 9.
New report claims ISI giving “extensive” support to Afghan Taliban; airstrikes target Taliban, militants blow up schools in Orakzai; Taliban fighters killed in roadside bomb, security forces arrest militants in Kurram; fighter jets bomb Taliban hideouts in Khyber’s Tirah Valley; two soldiers missing after raid on security checkpost in Mohmand; Punjab government accused of turning a blind eye to ministers’ ties to militant groups; three militants killed in Swat raid; two terror suspects arrested in Karachi; violence continues in Karachi; gunmen fire on Afghan-bound NATO tankers travelling outside of Quetta; several incidents of shooting deaths in Balochistan.
U.S. drone strikes in North Waziristan; intelligence agencies find direct links between militants and criminals in Punjab; militants surrender to security forces in Bajaur Agency; U.S. and Pakistani defense officials met in Rawalpindi; six killed in Lyari gang related violence; Australian research center says Pakistan is 5th most dangerous country.
US drone strike kills at least three militants in North Waziristan; Amnesty International report says four million in Pakistan living under Taliban rule; clashes between militants and security forces continue in Orakzai; militants ambush two security checkposts in Mohmand; Punjabi Taliban claims responsibility for attack on NATO supply vehicles; drone attacks in 2010 shown to have increased in frequency and accuracy; federal court sentences Pakistani-American to 15 years for aiding al-Qaeda; top officials in Punjab and Balochistan separately deny possibility of military operations in their respective provinces; one killed in Karachi bomb blast.
Militants attack trucks carrying NATO supplies to Afghanistan outside Islamabad; six Frontier Corps soldiers and 40 militants killed during clashes in Orakzai Agency; Maulvi Nazir Taliban concerned that South Waziristan operation is imminent, demand an end to drone strikes; Foreign Minister Qureshi says Punjab government is waking up to its militant problem; Taliban militants driven from Waziristan allegedly relocating to Punjab; India supports U.S. economic package for Pakistan; General Kayani says army is capable of defeating any threat to Pakistan; ambassadors from 13 Islamic countries say they will continue to support Pakistan’s efforts to rehabilitate Swat.
Agreement reached between government and Taliban in North Waziristan; hundreds gather to watch public execution in North Waziristan of man convicted by Taliban court; 15 militants and 1 solider killed in Orakzai Agency on Monday; Punjab government accused of downplaying militant threat in order to retain its voting bloc; Prime Minister Yousuf Gilani acknowledges trust gap between Baloch people and federal government; Lal Masjid commandos seek Supreme Court intervention; U.S. Special Envoy Richard Holbrook’s Pakistan visit cancelled.
Security forces continue to battle with militants in Orakzai; clashes break out between TTP and LI in Khyber; government, security officials address tribal grand jirga in Bajaur; police seize vehicle carrying weapons being transferred to US embassy in Islamabad; prisoners arrested in Swat transferred from Peshawar jail to Mingora; Pakistan’s defense budget set for 17-percent rise in next fiscal year; new report examines a former army major’s links to jihadist groups and the protection provided to him by the military establishment; PML-N chief meets with senior party members to discuss terrorist links in south Punjab; life sentence issued for six terrorists who plotted to kill Americans in Lahore; police take action to quell violence between rival gangs in Karachi; rocket attack in Quetta wounds one policeman.
Wazir tribesmen raise militia to dislodge Mehsud militants along Afghan border; helicopter gunships kill militants and destroy hideouts in Orakzai Agency; police officer killed by gunmen during routine patrol in Punjab; two people injured in bomb blast in Lahore; Afghan artillery shells damage homes on Pakistani side of the border; NATO and EU to strengthen ties with Pakistan; Mumbai gunman appeals death sentence; State Department official says Pakistan is indispensable for U.S. success in Afghanistan.
Haqqani network fleeing North Waziristan ahead of “imminent” military operation; half of Orakzai still under Taliban control; terrorist arrested with bomb making equipment in Bajaur; UN legal expert says US extrajudicial killings via drone strikes may be a war crime; judge allows delay in indictment of Faisal Shahzad; suspect in Lahore’s mosque attacks also wanted in connection with attack on Sri Lankan cricket team; Corps Commanders conference begins in Rawalpindi; three injured in Peshawar rocket attack; attack on NATO fuel tanker injures two; man arrested and weapons cache seized in Balochistan.
Clashes in Orakzai hours after Pakistan declared an end to two-month Orakzai offensive; two suspects arrested in connection with attack on Jinnah Hospital; Lahore terrorist is moved to more secure Kot Lakput jail hospital; Punjab’s government reluctant to take action against groups suspected of terrorism by Central Investigation Department; six killed in gang related violence in Karachi; six people injured from bomb blast at industrial center in Balochistan.
Al-Qaeda’s no. 3 commander killed in North Waziristan; gunmen storm hospital in Lahore; Punjabi Taliban linked with Friday’s mosque attacks, seven suspects arrested; retired army major released after being cleared of involvement in NY bomb attempt; US considering options for unilateral strike against militant groups in the tribal areas; US ups pressure on Pakistan to release more airline passenger information; military operations continue in Upper Orakzai; Interior Minister Rehman Malik talks of military operation in South Punjab; dozens arrested during search operations in Kohat; Chief of Army Staff General Kayani visits the Air Headquarters in Islamabad; two people gunned down in Quetta; twelve wounded in firing incident in Karachi; Pakistani court lifts ban on Facebook after website officials apologize, other sites still remain blocked.
Militants kill at least 62 Ahmadi worshippers in coordinated attacks on mosques in Lahore; High Court grants A.Q. Khan free movement within Pakistan; gunmen kill four police officers in Quetta; 80 militants killed in Orakzai operation; Pakistani Ambassador to the U.S. denies that U.S. officials coerced Pakistan into launching new offensive; 11 militants killed by drone strike along Afghan border; U.N. criticizes C.I.A’s drone strike campaign in Pakistan; television anchor questioned in connection with murder of Pakistani intelligence official; Pakistani police make another arrest in connection with Times Square bombing attempt; new social networking website launched in Pakistan to rival Facebook in the Muslim world.
Pakistani Taliban commander is reported killed in eastern Afghanistan; White House officials demand that Pakistan make “real progress” against Tehrik-e-Taliban; U.S. provides $228 million reimbursement to Pakistan for counterterrorism activities; Pakistan’s Chief of the Army Staff meets with General McCrystal and President Karzai in Kabul; 40 militants are killed during operations in the Orakzai Agency; Taliban militants kill pro-government tribal leader and his family in the Bajaur Agency; four people murdered in targeted killings in Balochistan; Pakistan eases YouTube ban.
Senior U.S. officials present findings from Times Square investigation to Pakistan’s president; Pakistan’s Supreme Court Bar Association believes U.S. “think tanks” behind Times Square plot; Pakistani authorities arrest another suspect in connection with Times Square plot, two killed in attack on courtroom in Lahore; Pakistani intelligence agencies warn U.S. Embassy in Islamabad that military vehicles may be used in future attack; Pakistani intelligence finalizes “new strategy” to stop targeted killings in Karachi; Pakistan’s telecommunications authority expands internet crackdown to include websites critical of the government.
Mehsud militants start leaving North Waziristan after Pakistan’s military threatens military action, Afghan intelligence agency accuses ISI of role in suicide bombing,; alleged Mumbai mastermind cleared by Pakistan’s Supreme Court; security forces kill thirteen militants in clashes in Orakzai Agency, NATO installs surveillance system along Af-Pak border; United Nations Chief calls for increased donor contributions to meet funding shortfall in Pakistan, militant leaders houses destroyed and five arrested in Minglawar area, Indian Premier wants improved economic and diplomatic ties with Pakistan.
Pakistani army major may have been in cell phone contact with Faisal Shahzad on the day of the failed bombing attempt in New York; underground financing network may have provided funds to Shahzad, families of arrested Pakistanis proclaim their relatives’ innocence; US drone strike kills at least 10 in North Waziristan; militants fire rockets at security checkpost in Mohmand; large scale military operations continue in Upper Orakzai; rockets fired at oilfield in Kohat, ten militants arrested in Bajaur; one Pakistani soldier killed in cross-border firing with Indian troops in Kashmir; three militants killed during clashes in Lower Dir; one militant killed and two homes demolished during search operation in Swat; security forces expel 25 families in Malakand after expiration of deadline to hand over militants; Pakistan and China agree to hold joint military exercises, increase military cooperation; two people killed in roadside bombing in Quetta; Pakistani man arrested in Chile ordered back into custody; top army commanders want extension of General Kayani’s term as Chief of Army Staff; new article examines Pakistani military’s perception that the TTP is on the run; two more killed in Karachi violence, PPP politician resigns in response; Rangers’ authority extended in Karachi for up to three months.
US embassy issues warning that catering service in Pakistan could have terrorist links; Musharraf announces his return to Pakistan, politics; Prime Minister Gilani chastises Defense Minister Mukhtar's comments regarding Chief of Army Staff Gen. Kayani’s term; two US spies executed in North Waziristan; clashes in Upper Orakzai kill 24 militants, 2 soldiers; protests held in Pakistan over Facebook page encouraging drawing of the prophet Mohammad; deadline expires for Swat families to hand over militants; politicians try to calm the public as the death toll in Karachi violence rises; attorney general in Chile seeks to jail Pakistani citizen during the course of the investigation into the explosives charges filed against him.
Pakistan says it is ready for a North Waziristan operation; aerial bombardments pound Taliban positions in Upper Orakzai; TTP commander arrested in Khyber; “peace broker” gunned down in Tank; four militants killed in Tank shootout; Peshawar court releases four terror suspects on bail; website bans in Pakistan expand to include YouTube, other sites with “blasphemous” content; at least 18 people killed in Karachi violence, Rangers given authority to operate within the city.
US security officials meet with President Zardari; US hands over two helicopters to the Pakistani military; Shahzad held without bail following court appearance; Pakistani army major arrested in connection with Shahzad; militants assault a security checkpoint in Upper Orakzai; militants fire on security checkpoints in Mohmand; Taliban squad hunting “American spies” warns locals in North Waziristan; IDPs sent back to Bajaur, Mohmand; Pak-Afghan Highway threatened with closure due to tribal fighting; security forces kill four militant commanders in Swat; TTP claims responsibility for Dera Ismail Khan bombing; Jamaat-ud-Dawa chief put under increased protection after receiving death threats from TTP; Pakistani arrested in Chile makes statement professing his innocence; Pakistani court blocks Facebook due to outrage caused by a page collecting images of the prophet Muhammad; police clash with ANP protestors in Karachi.
Two top US security officials head off to meet with Pakistani authorities; military operations continue in Orakzai; bicycle bomb kills 12 in Dera Ismail Khan; three militants surrender, two arrested in Swat; top TTP Punjab commander surrenders in Sargodha, renounces violence; President Zardari pardons Interior Minister Malik after the appeal on his corruption conviction is rejected; bomb blast injures six security personnel in Quetta; ethnic violence breaks out between Baloch and Pashtun students on several college campuses in Balochistan; Chief of Army Staff General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani says military operations have removed roots of terrorism from Swat and Malakand.
Investigators reveal more information about Faisal Shahzad’s connection to the TTP; new evidence suggests that Shahazd’s radicalization has earlier roots; militants kidnap 60 people in Kurram; military operations continue in Orakzai; suspected US missile strike targets militants in Khyber; helicopters shell Tirah Valley, wound civilians; peace committee vows to “foil” military operation in North Waziristan; Pakistani man in Chile charged with illegal possession of explosives, released pending investigation; survey in Swat shows majority of population believes security situation has improved, militants have been isolated due to military action; TNSM amir and six other militants surrender, four arrested in Swat; private spy network still operating in Pakistan; police issue report to Punjab government about Taliban presence in the province; TTP threatens schools in Balochistan; three killed in Balochistan shooting incidents; UN report shows Pakistan had largest number of new IDPs in 2009; Defense Minister says COAS Kayani will not be granted an extended term.
New arrests in Pakistan and US provide more evidence of TTP link in NY bomb attempt; TTP spokesman Azam Tariq warns that America will “burn”; NATO operation on Pakistan-Afghanistan border may have crossed into North Waziristan; militant commander arrested in Kurram; search operation conducted, fighter jets bomb militant positions in Khyber; six injured in Peshawar prison riot; investigative report examines role of poverty in Taliban’s garnering of support and recruitment in Swat; Pakistani court acquits nine terror suspects; intelligence officials say captured military vehicles likely to be used in future terror attack in Punjab; ICRC limits operations in Balochistan after receiving threats; more militants are using Karachi as a safe haven; two killed in targeted killing in Karachi.
President Obama addresses Pakistan at White House press conference; Interior Minister Malik says Pakistan cooperating with US investigation of Faisal Shazad; IED explosion kills three outside madrassa near Peshawar; MQM-H activist killed in Karachi.
Senators on the intelligence committee disagree on connection between Shahzad and TTP, agree on inadequate no-fly restrictions; Holbrooke assures Pakistan of continued aid flow; Taliban kill two alleged US spies in North Waziristan; second drone strike in Datta Khel kills 10 militants; government asks tribal elders to expel TTP in South Waziristan posing as IDPs; Pakistani national held in Chile after traces of explosives discovered during visit to US embassy; grenade attack in Peshawar kills two young girls; Pakistani ambassador to Iran assaulted in Tehran; NATO tanker bombed in Balochistan.
US Generals say they are not pressuring Pakistan for a North Waziristan operation; Lt. Gen. Khan says North Waziristan operation is on the agenda; US senators ask for TTP to be labeled as a “foreign terrorist organization”; US drone fires barrage of missiles at Taliban compound in North Waziristan; aerial bombardments pound militant hideouts in Upper Orakzai; search operation conducted in Khyber; court dismisses Khawaja’s petition to block Baradar extradition; search operation conducted, tribal elders from Mohmand meet with government officials in Swat; Khyber-Pakhtunkwa to have more divisions and districts; new report says TTP to move into Punjab to conduct attacks in the next few days.
US says it has definitive evidence of TTP connection in Times Square bomb plot; Pakistan says it will cooperate with US investigation; Gen. McChrystal meets with COAS Gen. Kayani to urge for North Waziristan operation; security forces secure Taliban stronghold of Dabori as part of continued operations in Orakzai; drone strike in North Waziristan kills ten militants; bomb found on security vehicle in Landi Kotal disarmed; Pakistan successfully tests ballistic missiles, calls for recognition of nuclear program; Defense Secretary gates praises Pakistan’s efforts to combat militancy; Secretary of State Clinton says members of Pakistani government know location of Osama bin Laden and Mullah Omar; militant commander and aide killed, five militants surrender in Swat; man with electronic components in shoes arrested at Karachi airport.
US investigators still unclear on Shahzad’s connections to Pakistani militant groups; Pakistani officials weigh in on Shahzad’s links to extremist groups; TTP spokesman denies training and recruiting Shahzad; militants clash with FC, tribesmen in Lower Orakzai; Asian Tigers release Col. Imam and British journalist Asad Qureshi; police arrest two suspected suicide bombers in Peshawar; TNSM commander dies of heart attack; new report shows Punjab officials tolerating and even supporting Islamic extremist groups; Mumbai gunman sentenced to death.
Faisal Shahzad charged with several terrorism-related crimes; Hakimullah Mehsud threatens US, leaders of Pakistan in letter to Dr. Siddiqui’s sister; four men accused of carrying out 2008 Marriott bombing are released by an anti-terrorism court; US official outlines new strategy for drone strikes; police arrest four men, seize two trucks loaded with explosives; one year anniversary of Swat operation; two kidnapped FC men found dead in Khuzdar; NATO oil tanker destroyed in Balochistan.
Authorities arrest Pakistani-American in connection with NYC bomb plot; TTP spokesman denies TTP posted the video attributed to Qari Hussain Mehsud claiming responsibility for the attack; security forces repel Taliban assault on checkpoint in Orakzai; military operations kill several militants in Bajaur; NATO and Afghan artillery fire strikes village in South Waziristan; German-born terrorist killed in North Waziristan; US releases report on effectiveness of drone strikes; security forces issue warning for Swat Taliban leaders to surrender, kill two militants; PAF pilots complete F-16 training in Arizona; US delivers $656 million payment to Pakistan.
MAY 3, 2010
TTP video claims responsibility for failed NYC car bomb attack; TTP leader Hakimullah Mehsud shown alive in video, threatens US with terror attacks; third TTP video repeats threats against American cities; military operations continue in Orakzai; US drones strike kills four in North Waziristan; Mullah Omar sends jirga to facilitate release of Colonel Imam; Defense Minister indicates military in talks about North Waziristan operation; security forces kill 18 militants in Bajaur; South Waziristan prepares to recruit 4,000 levies; Pakistani Army distributes pamphlets in Khyber; seven killed in Mingora gunfight, suicide bombing; one killed in grenade attack on peace committee leader’s home in Swat; Indian court convicts Mumbai gunman, home minister criticizes Pakistan; six injured in Quetta bombing; IED in Karachi wounds six.
APRIL 29, 2010
Intelligence officials believe TTP leader Hakimullah Mehsud is still alive; security forces continue offensive in Lower Orakzai; militants blow up schools in Orakzai and Mohmand; targeted killings in Swat raise fears of Taliban resurgence; Taliban flogging video’s authenticity called into question; Pakistan releases six top Afghan Taliban leaders; top terrorist arrested in Karachi raid; US and Pakistan make efforts to boost military cooperation; Christian man killed in Quetta targeted killing.
APRIL 27, 2010
Thirteen militants killed in Orakzai; two militants killed, one FC soldier hurt in Kohat; 5-7 militants killed in NWA drone strike, 25 arrested in Landi Kotal; economic revival key in recovery of former Taliban-controlled areas; key militant commanders killed in Swat; Indian diplomat accused of spying for Pakistan; Indian and Pakistani PMs to meet; Pakistan continues to face energy crisis; TTP member arrested near Karachi; professor killed in Quetta; hearing of Americans arrested in Pakistan adjourned.
Military operations continue in Orakzai; security forces clash with militants in Darra Adam Khel; US drones strike North Waziristan; Frontier Corps launches operation in Khyber; security forces fire on wedding procession in Mohmand; Taliban commander suggests Punjabi connection to captors of ex-ISI officials, British journalist; militants attack NATO tankers, police in Punjab; Baloch Republican Army attacks security checkpoint in Nasirabad; nine injured in Balochistan explosion; police arrest 42 suspects in Quetta search operation; suicide bomber attacks prison van in Lower Dir; two policemen, MQM-H activist killed in Karachi; US and Pakistan sign contract for transfer of guided missile frigate; Pakistan makes request to India for extradition of Mumbai gunman; Azm-e-Nau 3 wargame enters second phase.
APRIL 23, 2010
Security forces battle militants in Orakzai; militants ambush a convoy in North Waziristan; four alleged spies for the US were killed in North Waziristan; Baradar’s arrest leads to power struggle; killings of pro-government officials make a comeback in Swat; Pakistan’s courts are unable to handle terrorism cases.
APRIL 22, 2010
Security forces clash with militants in Orakzai; stray mortar round kills one woman in Khyber; a new report indicates militants relocating to North Waziristan; COAS Gen. Kayani visits Swat and Bajaur, praises local and military efforts towards security; militants attack a security checkpoint in Swat; commander in Dir says district has been cleared of militants; former MP killed in Charsadda; new details emerge about one of the ex-ISI officials recently kidnapped in the FATA.
US officials comment on Baradar interrogations; militants holding ex-ISI officials demand the release of detained militants; Taliban targeting of officials in Swat resumes; roadside bomb destroys Pakistani convoy in Hangu; Richard Holbrooke says US Pakistani relations have improved tremendously.
Relief package announced for April 10 airstrike victims; three killed, one kidnapped in FATA; spy plane violates Pakistani airspace, Mehsuds to help government maintain peace in South Waziristan, reporters taken to Bajaur; new constitutional amendment challenged in Supreme Court; search operation launched in Swat; Jamaat-e-Islami politician blames U.S. for suicide attack, K-P Information Minister condemns attack; humanitarian programs in danger of being cut; two security personnel killed by landmine; grenade thrown into school.
One soldier and up to 13 militants killed in Orakzai on Sunday; 21 militants killed in Sangara Mountains of Orakzai on Saturday; Kayani apologizes for civilian deaths; 41 people killed in attack on IDP camp; seven people die in Kohat police station attack; two NATO tankers destroyed in Khyber;23 people die in suicide bombing at market; key TTP commander killed; IED attack near school kills one child; four schools attacked in former NWFP; police foil attack in Islamabad; Zardari signs bill curbing presidential power; video of two kidnapped former ISI officials released; war games continue near Indian border; eight officials put on leave in connection with Bhutto report; Pakistani Ambassador says Pakistan does not want Taliban-ruled Afghanistan; three new corps commanders named; LeJ claim responsibility for attack; interview reveals details of suicide attack; E.U.-Pakistan summit postponed.
UN reports on the 2007 assassination of Benazir Bhutto; US drone strike kills at least four militants in North Waziristan; suicide bomber kills ten in Quetta; police in Karachi detain a TTP commander; SSP and LeJ have formed splinter groups in Karachi.
APRIL 15, 2010
Security forces kill at least six militants in Orakzai, ICRC comments on IDPs; US drone hits militant vehicle in North Waziristan; LI asks to hold talks with government; four militants arrested in Kurram; Pakistan calls on US to do more in Bajaur; Gilani praises outcome of US nuclear summit; Azm-e-Nau 3 war game continues; senate passes 18th amendment; UN report on Bhutto assassination due to be released; Iranian border troops fire on Pakistani vehicle in Balochistan; police set up bomb detectors on roads into Islamabad.
APRIL 14, 2010
Most of Orakzai seized from militants; US and Pakistan have different plans in North Waziristan; NATO General says Pakistan military offensives effective in Afghanistan; TTP will prevent Mehsud tribe from building relations with the government; Pakistani jets strike a hotel in Khyber; militants attack a checkpoint in Mohmand; protests continue in Abbottabad and other districts; UN envoy pleads for more humanitarian aid for Pakistan.
APRIL 13, 2010
Drone strike kills 13 militants in North Waziristan; one soldier and 15 militants killed in South Waziristan; military and locals have conflicting stories about Khyber airstrike; US trainers working with Frontier Corps in FATA; civilians fleeing violence in Orakzai; protests over NWFP name change continue; NATO container attacked in Balochistan; explosion takes place near school in Islamabad; fourth suspect in failed NYC attack arrested in Pakistan; Pakistani Prime Minister says bin Laden is not in Pakistan; report says Pakistan’s nuclear stockpile is the world’s least secure; Pakistan plans to increase production of nuclear weapons-grade fuel.
Military continues operations in Orakzai; fighter jets target LI meeting in Khyber; militants clash with security forces in South Waziristan; school blown up in Mohmand; six people killed in Abbottabad protests; militants bomb school in Upper Dir; ISI allegedly releases two Afghan Taliban leaders; Afghan official says Baradar arrest derailed peace talks; Pakistan launches largest war game in 20 years; Gilani meets with Obama ahead of nuclear summit.
Security forces conduct several operations in Orakzai and Kurram; Pakistan jets bomb a Lashkar-e-Islam prison in Khyber; five individuals residing with senior TTP commanders; security forces battle militants in Dir and Swat; police kill two potential suicide bombers in Lakki Marwat; gunmen shoot four Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (F) activists in Karachi; new Director of General Military Intelligence appointed; more than 35,000 families have registered as internally displaced persons (IDP) since November 2009.
APRIL 8, 2010
Pakistani jets bombard Taliban hideouts in Orakzai; more details emerge about missing journalists, ex-ISI officers; TTP bomb NATO tanker in Khyber; militants blow up schools in Peshawar; TTP kills pro-government lashkar commander in Hangu; police kill two militants, arrest others in Bannu search operation; bomb blast damages shops in Mingora; Pakistani army training aircraft crashes outside Peshawar; explosion in Islamabad causes minor damage to buildings; Gen. Kayani promotes three generals, presides over conference at GHQ; US says no to civilian nuclear deal, donates equipment to NWFP police; two FC soldiers kidnapped, rival groups clash in Balochistan; two MQM-H activists killed in Karachi; National Assembly passes 18th Constitutional Amendment.
APRIL 7, 2010
Military operations continue in Orakzai; three men missing after interviewing senior Taliban members; police arrest six in Timergara; Pakistani intelligence warned the government of upcoming suicide attacks; military operations have failed to eliminate top TTP leadership; three men shot in Balochistan; Pakistan’s Parliament will vote on proposed changes to the Constitution this week.
APRIL 6, 2010
Security forces target militant hideouts in Orakzai; suspected suicide bombers killed; US condemns attacks as a joint investigation of the consulate attack begins; UN closes Peshawar offices; Pakistani-developed drones conduct successful operation; Obama expresses confidence in Pakistani nuclear security; Australia blocks shipment to Pakistan; Chicago terrorism suspect pleads not guilty.
TTP attacks US consulate in Peshawar; eleven killed in police shootout near Peshawar; suicide bombing on ANP gathering in Dir kills at least 30; security forces clash with militants in Malakand, launch search operation in Mansehra; security forces gain key ground, repulse Taliban counterattacks in Orakzai; rival Taliban groups exchange fire in North Waziristan; militants attack checkpoint, blow up school in Mohmand; militants surrender to security forces in Bajaur; bomb blast injures three in Balochistan; military announces upcoming war games near Indian border.
APRIL 2, 2010
Two Taliban factions clash in Orakzai; security forces kill six militants in Khyber; the Mehsud tribe to return to South Waziristan; Pakistan’s attorney general resigned; police arrest two TTP militants in Karachi; US Assistant Secretary Robert Blake discusses Pak-Iran gas pipeline; gunmen kill two in Quetta.
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.
MARCH 31, 2010
Operations continue in Orakzai; militants attack checkpoint in Khyber; US drones kill six in North Waziristan; gunmen kill SSP activist in Karachi; MQM-H activist shot in Karachi; Pakistan will use its military aid without restrictions; National Accountability Bureau (NAB) to reopen President Zardari’s corruption case.
MARCH 30, 2010
Air raids kill militants in Orakzai; U.S. to ship drones to Pakistan in the next year; US-Pakistan relationship moving toward “strategic partnership”; G8 announces economic plan for Afghanistan and Pakistan; Iranian diplomat freed in Pakistan; China agrees to finance Pakistani civilian nuclear projects; militants torch school; bomb injures policemen; landmine kills one near Quetta.
Militants and security forces clash in Orakzai Agency as civilians flee; Pakistan targets militant hideouts; drone strike in NWA kills four; Six militants and one soldier killed in SWA clash; six truck drivers killed for supplying Shi’a community; six LeI militants arrested in Khyber; Pakistan a “strategic priority" according to Clinton; Pakistan to buy F-16s from U.S.; Qureshi reports progress on receiving drone technology; State Dept. adviser presents legal defense for drone strikes; Qari Zafar is alive; TTP planning to abduct U.S. and Afghan diplomats; LeT thought to be expanding operations; Baloch Republican Army commander arrested; talks between Indian and Pakistani security forces begin; bomb attacks kill six in Pakistan; Chicago cab driver linked to al Qaeda arrested; NATO oil tanker destroyed; NATO truck and goods stolen.
Security forces continue to battle militants in Orakzai; Interior Minister Rehman Malik announces specifics about Operation Rah-e-Nijat; US and Pakistani officials conclude meetings; Army chief General Ashfaq Kayani willing to forgo military aid; militants destroy school in Bajaur; Pakistan extends deadline for housing Afghan refugees.
MARCH 25, 2010
Airstrikes in Orakzai kill 61; more details emerge about Mullah Omar’s replacement for Baradar; Qureshi says Pakistan to receive aid payment from US; Holbrooke says he does not see a US role in India-Pakistan talks; Gilani says delegation will address Saddiqi issue.
MARCH 24, 2010
Security forces launch operation against militants in Orakzai; US drone strike kills at least five in North Waziristan; Secretary Clinton comments on talks with Pakistan; Indian troops kill two men crossing Line of Control; isolated arrests around Pakistan.
MARCH 23, 2010
Mullah Omar names two new deputies; Pakistan requests military and economic assistance from US; Gen. Kayani meets with Gen, Petraeus; plot to kidnap Jordanian ambassador to Pakistan foiled; key Taliban commander killed in Swat; Pakistan attempts to reopen case against nuclear scientist; elders hand over militants in Orakzai; an election office attacked in DI Khan; a former Nazim killed; Pakistanis celebrate Pakistan Day.
Five militants killed in North Waziristan drone strike; Taliban kills four ‘US spies’; key Taliban commander arrested in Peshawar; foil bomb plot in Islamabad; three militants arrested, bomb-factory seized in Karachi; military strikes militant hideouts in Orakzai and Kurram; anti-Taliban lashkars clash with Mullah Toofan’s group, announce ceasefire; Chief of Staff Gen. Kayani visits CENTCOM ahead of strategic dialogue; tribal meeting in Peshawar calls on army to crush Taliban in the frontier regions; two militants killed in Mohmand search operation; boys’ school blown up in Bajaur; Quetta violence continues.
Former UN envoy to Afghanistan critical of recent Taliban captures in Pakistan; security forces arrest three militants in Karachi; tribal elders to meet in FATA; militant factions exchange fire in Kurram; TTP vows more violence throughout Pakistan; Pakistan seeks civilian nuclear assistance; India will not strike inside Pakistan; militants kill two at Cadet College in Mastung; multiple isolated killings in Balochistan; protesters take to the streets in Islamabad.
Top al-Qaeda leader killed in North Waziristan drone strike; CIA director says attacks in Pakistan tribal area have severely disrupted al-Qaeda; Taliban group in North Waziristan promises to adhere to peace accord; six Taliban killed, five arrested in clash with local lashkar in Kurram; gun battle with militants near Darra Adam Khel, civilians killed by security forces; Paksitani foreign minister calls on US to “do more”; US Muslims plead not guilty to terror charges; two Pakistani generals promoted; Taliban commanders killed in Swat; several violent incidents in Quetta.
MARCH 17, 2010
Two drone strikes target Hafiz Gul Bahadur’s group in North Waziristan; Pakistan and Iran sign gas pipeline agreement; Prime Minister Gilani defends decision not to operate against militants in North Waziristan; India claims Pakistan not closing militant training camps; militants target three NATO tankers in separate incidents; militants ambush checkpoint in Khyber; TTP and a local militia clash in Kurram; three members of the MQM-Haqiqi political party shot in Karachi; 38 militants voluntarily surrender in Bajaur; US provides Pakistan with Cobra helicopters.
MARCH 16, 2010
US drones target a compound and vehicles in North Waziristan; battle between militants and tribesmen leaves ten dead; President Zardari calls for a counter-terrorism strategy; the TTP offers the Punjab government a deal; President Karzai unhappy about Baradar’s arrest; Pakistan prepares to pursue legal action against militants; protestors destroy vehicles in Lahore.
Suicide bombing in Swat kills at least 13; Pakistani military strikes Taliban hideouts in Orakzai; top Pakistani security officials due to attend meeting in US; new report indicates US used private contractors to locate Taliban leaders; military announces South Waziristan operation will soon end; anti-Taliban leader gunned down in Mohmand; security officials seize explosives; ISI calls for greater NATO role in securing Afghan border; police commandos deployed throughout Karachi; Pakistani construction worker killed in Afghanistan.
Twin suicide bombers strike in Lahore; anti-Shia militant leaders killed in Karachi; al-Qaeda may have fewer sanctuaries in the Pakistani border region; Pakistan and Afghanistan reaffirm common goals; Pakistan’s navy tests missiles in the Arabian Sea; Maulvi Faqir Muhammad threatens more strikes on security forces; bomb in Peshawar kills four; militants target relatives of a BNP senator.
MARCH 11, 2010
US drones target a compound and vehicles in North Waziristan; President Karzai comments on meeting in Islamabad; Pakistani officials scheduled to visit US; chief of Ahl-e-Sunnat shot in Karachi; bomb explodes in Peshawar; Peshawar Corps Commander may relinquish post.
MARCH 10, 2010
Militants attack NGO office in Mansehra; ISI chief’s term extended one year; Pakistani lawmakers decline extra screening at US airport; 29 Brigadiers approved for promotion.
Five killed in drone attack; Taliban leaders thought dead still alive; Gen. David Petraeus endorses Pakistan’s strategic decisions; Taliban reintegration to be top of agenda in Pak-Afghan talks; armed lashkar set fire to 130 militant houses; two pro-government tribal leaders killed; Balochistan Government requests Frontier Corps during elections; local residents warned authorities of Lahore attack.
TTP claims responsibility for deadly bomb in Lahore; police detain US-born al-Qaeda operative in Karachi; Maulvi Noor Mohammad killed in North Waziristan; TTP leadership failing to meet; 22 platoons dismissed from the Frontier Constabulary; Pakistani jets bomb targets in South Waziristan; bombs diffused in Hangu.
MARCH 5, 2010
TTP senior commander Faqir Muhammad reportedly killed; suicide bomber targeted civilian convoy in Hangu; former aide to Baitullah Mehsud arrested in Karachi; Pakistan believes Indian agents killed five Pakistanis in Kandahar.
MARCH 4, 2010
Top Taliban leader and Mullah Omar’s son-in-law, Mohtasim Agha Jan, arrested in Karachi; Military forces arrive in Miramshah; militants clash with security forces in Mohmand, Orakzai; security official says TTP nearly crippled; LeT deny role in Kabul bombing; FC and local law enforcement begin replacing regular army in Bajaur; Pakistan makes final decision not to hand over captured Taliban leaders; five Pakistani construction workers shot dead in Afghanistan; two injured in Balochistan explosion.
Pakistani military and Taliban trade blows, harsh words in North Waziristan; US to send laser-guided bomb kits to Pakistani Air Force; 38 militants killed in “Spring Cleaning” operation; two TTP commanders killed in Peshawar; two militant groups clash in Kurram; Pakistani Agency releases wanted list that does not include TTP leadership; Frontier Corps will not hold talks with militants until they surrender; a school destroyed and a concert attacked.
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.
MARCH 1, 2010
Report indicates half of Quetta Shura now in custody; TTP releases video of Hakimullah Mehsud; suicide bomber targets police station in Karak; al-Qaeda linked militant confirmed dead in US drone strike; militants destroy NATO oil tanker outside Peshawar; police hold 70 suspected anti-state actors in Mingora; top Taliban commander killed in Swat; 17 suspected Taliban found dead in Kohat; outbreak of sectarian violence during rallies in Dera Ismail Khan and Faisalabad.
Lahore High Court rules captured Taliban leaders will remain in Pakistan; Mullah Fazlullah’s nephew captured in Nowshera; most of the Swat valley free of militants; militants destroy school in Mohmand; security forces conducting search operations in Mingora city.
Nearly half of Afghan Taliban’s leadership council captured in Pakistan; CIA and ISI increases cooperation; US soldiers not the target in the February 3 attack; Indian and Pakistani diplomats met in New Delhi; Afghanistan and Pakistan agree to prisoner exchange; Taliban leader Qazi Zafar killed in north Waziristan; bomb destroys NATO oil tanker.
US drone strike in North Waziristan kills five; US senate informed of Taliban leadership’s relocation from Quetta to Karachi; Pakistan foreign secretary arrives in New Dehli; US spies found beheaded in North Waziristan; LeT commander and students arrested in Nowshera; Taliban commander arrested in Karachi; security forces in Kohat crack down on militants, demolish TTP hideouts; Pakistan aids Iran in arresting top Jundallah leader.
Pakistan captured Mullah Kabir without US assistance; Pakistan is committed to the upcoming dialogue with India; Afghanistan’s Northern Alliance offers Taliban finances to strike inside Pakistan; Bajaur officials want the Mandal tribe to turn over militants; four militants killed in Kurram; peace committee members were targeted near Peshawar.
Top Taliban leader arrested in Nowshera; airstrike in South Waziristan kills at least 30 militants; suicide car bombing in Swat kills nine; top al-Qaeda leader killed in February 17 drone strike; CIA reportedly pushes for transfer of Baradar to US base; police stations attacked in Mansehra; two schools blown up in Mohmand; eight militants killed during search operation in Darra Adam Khel; security forces arrest militants in Hangu and Khyber; kidnapped Sikh found beheaded in Khyber; gunmen open fire on mosque in Gilgit; rocket attacks damage mills in Kohat.
FEBRUARY 19, 2010
Conflicting reports emerge regarding the capture of Mullah Baradar; US drone attack kills Mohammad Haqqani in North Waziristan; Pakistani forces arrested numerous valuable militants during the past few weeks; captured militants will not be deported to the US; Pakistani forces attack militants in Bajaur.
FEBRUARY 18, 2010
Afghan “shadow governors” captured in Balochistan; bomb blast in Khyber kills at least 29; police round up militants in Karachi; roadside bomb hits NATO supply truck in Khuzdar; drone strike in North Waziristan kills four militants; Salarzai tribe in Bajaur implements measures to thwart militants.
Pakistan confirms arrest of Mullah Baradar; new LeT splinter group claims responsibility for India bombing; unknown gunmen kill six militants in Kurram; drone strike in North Waziristan kills four militants; security increased along Afghan border in Balochistan; court denies bail for five Americans arrested for their alleged links with militants.
Afghan Taliban’s second in command captured in Karachi; Qari Hussain claims responsibility for attacks, professes Hakimullah Mehsud is alive; US drone attacks kill at least nine militants; Pakistani troops conducted operations in Bajaur; Indian and Pakistani soldiers exchanged fire in Kashmir; police arrested 18 suspected militants in Kohat.
Death toll from Bannu attacks increased to 15; US military to expand training centers in Pakistan; Pakistan and India agree to resume peace process; General Kayani meets with General McChrystal.
Two separate bombs kill at least four in Bannu; Pakistani jets target militant hideouts in Bajaur; Pakistani officials discuss militants and IDPs with Mehsud tribe; at least 12 three-star generals will retire from the Pakistani army.
Interior Minister comments on Hakimullah Mehsud’s death; suicide bomb in Khyber kills 19; army helicopter crashes, rescue operation ambushed in Khyber; security forces arrest five militants in Bajaur; explosion in Hangu injures two; US and Pakistan prepare for meeting on Afghanistan; Pakistani military holds conference of its corps commanders.
TTP confirms Hakimullah Mehsud’s death; police foil TTP terror plot in Lahore; AML chief attacked in Rawalpindi; Pakistani military secures key militant stronghold in Bajaur; security forces arrest militant commander, militants launch rocket attack in Khyber; explosion in Quetta injures four; militants arrested in Nowshera and Mohmand; clash at polling station in Islamabad leaves one dead; TTP threatens local leaders in Lakki Marwat; Rangers continue crackdown, fleeing militants take refuge in Karachi.
Two separate bombs kill at least 22 in Karachi; TTP spokesman says Hakimullah Mehsud is alive; Taliban flog three in Orakzai agency; protests supporting Kashmir occur throughout Pakistan; Sunni-Shia peace agreement reached in Hangu district; two Quetta police injured in bomb blast; militants attacked a power grid station in Khyber agency.
Police arrest 35 suspects in lower Dir bombing; military continues Bajaur offensive; two militants arrested in Nowshera; more speculation about Hakimullah Mehsud’s death; checkpoint in Mohmand attacked by militants; more details uncovered about Tuesday’s drone strikes in North Waziristan; US court finds Pakistani woman guilty of attempting to kill US troops; Rangers’ authority expanded to include all of Karachi.
Bomb explosion kills three US soldiers in lower Dir; rumors emerge that TTP lieutenant Qari Hussein has been killed; US drone strikes kill 16 in North Waziristan; three militants killed in Swabi operation; Rangers given authority to handle wave of violence in Karachi.
Speculation over Hakimullah Mehsud’s death continues; fighting intensifies in Bajaur; militant faction in North Waziristan warns of a “big war”; Karachi violence escalates; Pakistan’s army chief describes Pakistan’s role in Afghanistan.
Reports suggest TTP leader Hakimullah Mehsud may be dead; US drone strikes in North Waziristan kill 15 militants; bombing at security checkpoint in Bajaur kills at least 16; military launches offensive in Bajaur; militants attack fuel truck outside Peshawar; Taliban issues statement regarding a future military operation in North Waziristan; five militants arrested in Nowshera; bomb blast at girls’ school in Bannu; two US ‘spies’ killed by Taliban; violent weekend in Karachi.
Pakistan wants to help mediate an Afghan peace deal; differences causing rifts between militant groups in Bajaur; security forces kill 21 militants in Bajaur; US aid program in the NWFP achieved little; Pakistan’s Interior Minister announced Karachi under control; NATO oil tanker bombed in Khyber.
More rumors surface about Hakimullah Mehsud’s death; gunmen attack a NATO supply convoy in Karachi; US drones absent over North Waziristan; explosion in Balochistan kills three; Filipino terror suspect most likely not killed in North Waziristan drone strike; allegations of ANP disruption in Swat election.
Bomb explosion in Rawalkot injures 13; anti-Taliban leader found dead, three militants killed in Bajaur; three children killed by bomb blast in Dir; Taliban claims it has shot down a second drone in North Waziristan; General Kayani addresses the NATO military committee in Brussels; two political activists gunned down in Karachi.
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.
Security forces clash with militants in the FATA and NWFP; US drone crashes in North Waziristan; Taliban kills seven ‘US spies’; militants outside Peshawar destroy a NATO fuel truck; four people killed in a suicide attack at a Tank police station; roadside bomb in Balochistan kills one and injures six.
US to provide Pakistan with unarmed drones; TTP warns locals against returning to South Waziristan; Prime Minister Gilani describes limits to preventing militant attacks; militants planned to hijack an Indian plane; India ready to resume dialogue over disputes; two militants killed in North Waziristan; nine militants arrested in Khyber Agency; security forces kill five in Swat operation.
Pakistani military says it will not launch new operations against militants anytime soon; Mehsud tribal elders and the Pakistani government agree to peace deal; US Secretary of Defense reiterates the importance of eliminating militants; suspected suicide bomber arrested in Hangu; Filipino terrorist was killed by drone strike in South Waziristan; helicopter gunships target militants in Mohmand Agency; roadside bomb strikes bus in Bajaur Agency; Karachi violence continues; gunman attack checkpoint in Balochistan.
A US drone attack in North Waziristan kills six militants; two suspected suicide bombers are arrested in Balochistan; five militants are killed in Mohmand Agency; several people are injured in two separate bomb blasts; Indian forces kill a top militant leader in Jammu and Kashmir; US Defense Secretary Gates visits New Dehli.
US drone attacks continue to target militants in the FATA; TTP commander Hakimullah Mehsud releases an audiotape following drone strikes; Indian troops kill Pakistani soldier in LOC incident; Pakistani troops kill ten militants in South Waziristan; suicide bomber targets Pakistani troops in Kashmir; Pakistan and Iran to conduct joint patrols along shared border; US, Afghan, and Pakistani officials meet in Chaman.
New reports indicate Hakimullah Mehsud injured in a fresh drone strike on Friday; Pakistan’s Interior Minister reports on Ashura blast in Karachi; roadside bomb kills Mohmand peace committee members; five bullet-ridden bodies found in Orakzai Agency; strikes called throughout Balochistan; US indicts three individuals on terrorism charges.
TTP leader Hakimullah Mehsud is targeted in a drone strike in North Waziristan; an explosion in Mohmand Agency kills two and injures eight; the Sindh government’s chief minister says he did not give the order for a security operation in Karachi; US special envoy Richard Holbrooke visits Swat.
Security forces capture more TTP militants in the districts neighboring FATA; President Zardari takes action to address the recent violence in Karachi; a bomb in Tank kills at least one child and wounds five more; one man is killed in an exchange of gunfire in Quetta.
Pakistani military operation into Orakzai reportedly imminent; Karachi residents protest pre-dawn raids; U.S. drone strike kills a Jordanian Taliban commander in Waziristan; militants attack a security checkpoint in Mohmand; 30 suspected militants arrested in Kohat; police detain an alleged TTP commander in Karachi; report details violence in Pakistan throughout 2009.
A new video ties the TTP to the CIA bombing; two suspects are arrested in connection with the January 1 bombing in Shah Hassan Khel; one soldier and eight militants are killed in South Waziristan; border tensions continue to rise as one Indian soldier is killed in Kashmir; two US drone strikes kill more militants in North Waziristan; in Peshawar, an ANP MPA survives an assassination attempt and a militant leader blows himself up during a raid, injuring six police officers; in Karachi, ten more are killed in political violence, PPP supporters hold a rally in response to security crackdowns, and the MQM says it will not leave its coalition with the PPP.
At least 8 suspected militants are killed in an accidental explosion in Karachi; two militants are arrested and one soldier is killed in Tank; Senator John McCain visits President Asif Ali Zardari and says that drone strikes in Pakistan will continue; new information released about the motivations behind the January 1 bombing in Shah Hassan Khel; Swat offensive commander highlights operation’s successes; Interior Minister Rehman Malik mandates that all illegal immigrants leave Karachi within 15 days; Indian officials in Jammu and Kashmir say LeT behind Srinagar attack; suicide bombing in Khyber Agency injures 12; political violence in Karachi results in more deaths.
A top TTP commander from the NWFP was arrested in Islamabad; a report released in Pakistan claims a new militant group was behind the December 28 Karachi blast; security forces arrest 23 suspected militants in Khyber Agency; militants target schools throughout the tribal areas; Pakistani forces kill four militants in Swat; the BBC details Balochistan’s separatist movements.
JANUARY 6, 2010
Two U.S. drone strikes kill 12 in North Waziristan; Prime Minister Gilani claims Pakistani forces are more successful than Western forces at battling the Taliban; bomb blast kills at least three Pakistani soldiers in Pakistan-controlled Kashmir; militants target a tribe resisting Taliban infiltration in lower Orakzai; targeted killings continued in Karachi; Balochistan militants target select locations with rockets.
JANUARY 5, 2010
General McChrystal is working to strengthen the U.S.-Pakistan partnership to counter militants operating in Afghanistan and Pakistan; the Pakistani military claims to have removed 80 percent of the militants located in Mohmand Agency; Pakistani forces kill three militants infiltrating Swat valley; the TTP sets ablaze an entire village in Lower Orakzai; Pakistani police have two weeks to prepare a case against five Americans arrested in Pakistan.
JANUARY 4, 2010
Bomb blast in Lakki Marwat kills at least 101; roadside bomb kills a former NWFP education minister; Pakistani troops battled militants during multiple engagements in South Waziristan and Swat; multiple recent U.S. drone attacks kill several militants; Target killings leave 18 dead in Karachi.
DECEMBER 31, 2009
A TTP spokesman refuted yesterday’s claim from a TTP commander regarding the Karachi bombing; Pakistani forces killed four militants during an operation in South Waziristan; Police arrested the Punjab chief of the TTP 12 days ago; Militants killed at least three during an attack on NATO oil tankers returning from Afghanistan; and the UN decided to relocate some of its Pakistan staff for security reasons.
DECEMBER 30, 2009
A TTP spokesman claims responsibility for Monday’s suicide bomb attack in Karachi; the Pakistan Air Force purchases a new early-warning aircraft; gunships shell militant positions in Orakzai; clashes continue between militants and security forces in various parts of Orakzai, Mohmand, and South Waziristan.
DECEMBER 29, 2009
Death toll from Monday’s Karachi blast rises to forty-three; Pakistani military captures key Pakistani Taliban commander in Swat; militants destroy NATO-bound fuel tankers in Balochistan; Pakistani military operations kill several militants in Orakzai; militants blow up school in Shabqadar area.
DECEMBER 15, 2009
Bomb blast in Dera Ghazi Khan market kills several; David Headly allegedly had other targets planned for after Mumbai; the TTP again denies it is responsible for bomb attacks in cities; Pakistani forces kill nine militants in Kurram as militants destroy two NATO tankers in Balochistan.
DECEMBER 8-14, 2009
A TTP gun and bomb attack on an ISI building in Multan kills several; TTP chief Hakimullah says his men will retaliate in January; Pakistani authorities detain five U.S. students in Pakistan for attempting to join radical militant groups; U.S. drone strike in North Waziristan kills important Al Qaeda leader, Prime Minister Gilani hints at expansion of operations in the FATA; Militants and security forces clash in Khyber agency, key TTP Swat leader arrested in Karachi; Al Qaeda video claims U.S. and Pakistani governments, not Al Qaeda, behind recent bombings in Pakistan.
DECEMBER 7, 2009
Bomb blasts in Lahore, Peshawar and Bajaur agency kill dozens while the TTP claims responsibility for Friday’s mosque bombing; military operations in Bajaur kill several militants; a retired Pakistani general claims Musharraf gave the U.S. use of airbases without consulting the corps commanders; U.S. prosecutors add complicity in the Mumbai attacks to the charges against suspected terrorist David Headly.
DECEMBER 4, 2009
A gun and bomb attack on a mosque frequented by soldiers in Rawalpindi kills thirty-five; Pakistan pushes back against rumors of the U.S. expanding its drone strikes into Balochistan; Pakistani military operations in the northwest kill twenty militants including two commanders; a bus in Mohmand hits a mine, killing three people; the Lahore High Court continues the proceedings against Mumbai-accused Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi.
DECEMBER 3, 2009
Prime Minister Gilani denies bin Laden is hiding in Pakistan as Clinton asserts Pakistan must “do more”; Mumbai-accused Lakhvi denies guilt in Pakistan court proceedings; Pakistani military operations kill several militants; bomb blast near Peshawar wounds three.
DECEMBER 2, 2009
A suicide blast outside a Pakistan Navy complex in Islamabad kills one; India’s home minister announces India is prepared to withdraw significant forces from Kashmir; Pakistani foreign minister Qureshi says Pakistan is worried about where, not how many U.S. troops are deployed; Pakistani operations to kill and capture Taliban militants continue in South Waziristan and Khyber agencies and in Hangu district.
NOVEMBER 30-DECEMBER 1, 2009
Pakistani military operations in Orakzai, Kurram and Khyber agencies kill several TTP and LI militants; President Obama issues a warning and offer of partnership in a letter to President Zardari; a tribal militia in the Peshawar region calls for a military operation against the influx of Taliban; General Kayani and President Zardari make statements regarding post-conflict development in South Waziristan agency; the Pakistani military nabs a senior TTP lieutenant in Tank district; the TTP assassinates a number of political and tribal opponents across the northwest frontier.
NOVEMBER 23, 2009
Three militants blew themselves up in Kashmir on Saturday after fleeing from security forces; one person was injured when an explosion occurred at a German non-governmental organization in Peshawar on Saturday, conflicting reports suggest that the explosion was caused by either a gas line or a planted explosive; a large number of militants were killed in multiple operations in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas; two Sipah-e-Sahaba leaders were buried in Karachi in on Saturday after being killed by unknown gunmen.
NOVEMBER 20, 2009
CIA Chief Leon Panetta visited Islamabad to discuss the United States’ war in Afghanistan and the relationship between United States’ and Pakistan’s intelligence services; two more police officers were killed in a second blast in Peshawar on Thursday; another suspected drone strike killed eight in North Waziristan on Friday; two people were injured when a NATO convoy came under attack near Mastung.
NOVEMBER 19, 2009
TTP spokesman Azam Tariq met with reporters in South Waziristan to refute the military’s claims of success, Tariq also declared a guerilla war against security forces; nineteen people were killed in the latest suicide bombing at a courthouse in Peshawar; a suspected drone strike occurred in North Waziristan on Thursday; twenty-three militants were killed in airstrikes and shellings in Kurram, Hangu and Orakzai Agencies, a militant commander from South Waziristan was killed in one of the strikes.
NOVEMBER 18, 2009
Burhanuddin, an alleged al-Qaeda suspect, was arrested by Pakistani security forces at the Quetta airport as he attempted to board a flight to Jeddah for the Hajj; a large amount of Arabic jihadi literature and military training manuals have been uncovered during the military’s operation into South Waziristan; twenty-four militants and a large number of weapons and ammunition were surrendered to security forces in Bajaur on Tuesday during a jirga, TTP militants threatened to poison water sources if the military does not cease its operation into South Waziristan.
NOVEMBER 17, 2009
Pakistani Taliban leader Mullah Fazlullah told reporters that he has left Swat for Afghanistan and is preparing to launch raids against the Pakistani security forces in Swat; militants blew up another girls’ school in Khyber Agency on Tuesday; explosives concealed in a motorbike killed one outside a police officials office in Quetta on Tuesday; Major General Athar Abbas gave a number of reporters a tour of the battle field in South Waziristan.
NOVEMBER 16, 2009
Twelve were killed when a suicide bomber struck a police checkpoint in Peshawar on Saturday; eighteen were killed when Pakistani Air Force jets targeted militant positions in Orakzai Agency; the latest suicide bombing in Peshawar killed four on Monday.
NOVEMBER 13, 2009
Seventeen soldiers and twenty-two militants have reportedly been killed in the last twenty-four hours of Operation Rah-e-Nijat (Path to Deliverance) in South Waziristan Agency; two suicide bombings occurred, one in Peshawar and one in Baka Khel, the one in Peshawar targeted the local Pakistani Inter-Services Intelligence Agency (ISI) headquarters; Fifty-one people were arrested during a search operation in Islamabad for not having proper identification documents.
NOVEMBER 12, 2009
Five Pakistani soldiers were killed in the latest day of fighting in South Waziristan Agency; a Pakistani employee of the Iranian Consulate in Peshawar was attacked and killed by gunmen; seven suspected terrorists were detained by police after a shootout in Karachi; General Kayani denounced the recent terrorist attacks in Pakistan and reaffirmed the country’s goal of eliminating the threat.
NOVEMBER 11, 2009
The Pakistani military says it now controls eighty percent of the Mehsud areas of South Waziristan Agency; a total of eleven Pakistani military personnel were killed in two separate incidents in Mohmand Agency on Wednesday; the town of Charsadda goes on strike after the death toll from Tuesdays bombing rises to thirty-two; US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton says that she believes Pakistan’s nuclear arsenal is secure and reaffirms the close relationship between the two countries.
NOVEMBER 10, 2009
Security forces have discovered a number of observation posts, bunkers and a private jail during search and clearance operations in South Waziristan; twenty-four people were killed when an explosion tore through a market outside of Peshawar on Tuesday morning; Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) spokesman Azam Tariq told reporters that they have “started a guerilla war” against Pakistani security forces; an Afghan Taliban commander released a statement distancing himself from the TTP and denouncing there bombings against innocent people.
NOVEMBER 9, 2009
The Pakistani military continues its offensive against Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) militants in South Waziristan Agency, forces are reportedly consolidating forces around key positions; a large blast at a cattle market in Peshawar killed fifteen people, including an influential anti-TTP leader on Sunday; a suicide bomber riding a rickshaw killed three on Peshawar’s Ring Road on Monday morning; another suspected suicide bomber was shot by police as he attempted to detonate his vest near a police checkpoint outside of Islamabad on Sunday night.
NOVEMBER 6, 2009
Pakistan security forces move into the last TTP stronghold of Makeen; Hakimullah Mehsud appeals to his fighters in a radio message to not flee positions but to fight the invading security forces; two gunmen attack another Army officer in Islamabad on Friday, both the Brigadier and his driver survived but sustained gunshot wounds; security forces arrested two members of Jundallah believed to have been involved in a suicide attack in Iran last month; two close aides of the TTP Swat commander Mullah Fazlullah were arrested by security forces on Thursday; Sixteen schools close in Rawalpindi after failing to meet security standards.
NOVEMBER 5, 2009
The military continues its almost three week old operation into South Waziristan to root out TTP militants; twenty-eight militants were killed in the latest day of fighting; four suspected militants were killed in a US drone attack in North Waziristan Agency; a girls school was blown up by militants in Khyber Agency; a suspected TTP commander was arrested during a police raid in Karachi.
NOVEMBER 4, 2009
The Pakistani military says it know controls Sara Rogha and has been encountering fierce opposition in street fighting in Ladha; in Bajaur, two female teachers were ambushed by militants and two militant commanders surrendered to security forces; two suspected suicide bombers accidently blew themselves up near Kohat; four suspected militants were killed in Hangu by security forces; US Secretary of State Clinton says the US is responsible for al-Qaeda’s presence in FATA.
NOVEMBER 3, 2009
Security forces have made progress in South Waziristan and now reportedly control the important towns of Kaniguram; the United Nations withdraws all non-essential and foreign personnel from FATA and NWFP due to security concerns; a recent poll suggests that the majority of Pakistanis support the governments offensive against militants in South Waziristan.
OCTOBER 31-NOVEMBER 2, 2009
The Pakistani military continues to make progress in its South Waziristan Agency operation over the weekend; three suicide bombs kill dozens in Rawalpindi and Islamabad; the Pakistani military claims to have found proof of Indian involvement with the Pakistani Taliban; an IED kills seven Frontier Corps soldiers in Khyber; militants in Khyber Agency destroy a girls school; the UN suspends its activities in the FATA and NWFP.
OCTOBER 29, 2009
The Pakistani military’s operation in South Waziristan Agency continues into its thirteenth day as the military prepares for an offensive on Kaniguram; five suspected Lashkar-e-Jhangvi militants were arrested in Orangi Town with explosives from India; al-Qaeda and TTP members deny responsibility for blast in Peshawar bazaar; US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has town hall in Lahore.
OCTOBER 28, 2009
The Pakistani military’s operation into South Waziristan continues into its twelfth day; a large car bomb kills scores in a busy Peshawar market; Secretary of State Clinton begins her official visit to Pakistan; the UNHCR says U.S. drone strikes into Pakistan may be a violation of international law.
OCTOBER 27, 2009
The Pakistani military’s operation in South Waziristan Agency continues into its eleventh day as the military reports progress on all its axes; TTP militants ambush a Pakistani checkpoint in Mohmand Agency; a senior military officer escapes an assassination attempt in Islamabad; a top aide to TTP-Swat commander Mullah Fazlullah is arrested; eleven members of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps are arrested after illegally entering Pakistani territory.
OCTOBER 24-26, 2009
The Pakistani Military’s offensive in South Waziristan continues into its tenth day after forces capture the TTP stronghold of Kotkai; IDP numbers continue to swell; a suspected drone strike narrowly misses TTP Bajaur commander; Baloch Education Minister is assassinated by separatists; a Pakistani military helicopter went down in Bajaur; Pakistani military checkpoints in Bajaur and Hangu are ambushed by militants.
OCTOBER 23, 2009
The Pakistani military operation in South Waziristan continues into its seventh day; two top Punjabi Taliban commanders are arrested by Pakistani law enforcement; two bomb attacks in Peshawar and at the Pakistani Aeronautical Complex in Kamra kill seven; several members of a wedding party die after their bus is struck by an anti-tank mine in Mohmand Agency.
OCTOBER 22, 2009
A Pakistani Brigadier General and his driver were killed in Islamabad on Thursday by unknown gunmen; a dozen militants, including Arabs, Afghans and Pakistanis, were killed in a mysterious explosion on Wednesday, al Qaeda commander Abu Musa al Masri is rumored to be among the dead; Interior Minister Rehman Malik gave an order for all illegal Afghans to leave Islamabad in the next three days; police foiled an attack on an Islamabad court when they recognized a suicide bombers vest.
OCTOBER 21, 2009
Operation Rah-e-Nijat (Path to Deliverance) continues into its fifth day as fierce fighting continues for control of Kotkai; the Pakistan military reports six foreign militants killed in Sara Rogha; an explosion initially thought to be a drone strike kills three in North Waziristan; schools and universities remain closed over security concerns following a Taliban attack on a university in Islamabad; the World Food Program ceases its operation in North-West Pakistan following an earlier attack on its headquarters; six Frontier Corps recruits are kidnapped by militants in Orakzai.
OCTOBER 20, 2009
Pakistani security forces take Kotkai on Monday night but expelled by Taliban counter-attack on Tuesday morning; details emerge regarding the Pakistan military’s deal with key North and South Waziristani militants; a suicide bombing in Islamabad targets a university and kills several students; dozens are killed in Pakistani military strikes in Mohmand and Bajaur agencies; Pakistani officials raise the number of registered internally displaced people (IDPs) to over 150,000.
OCTOBER 19, 2009
Pakistani military claims eighteen militants, two soldiers dead after third day of operation Rah-e-Nijat (Path to Deliverance); forces begin consolidating areas seized as they subdue Sharwangi and surround Kotkai; CENTCOM Commander General Petraeus and Senator John Kerry meet Pakistani General Kayani; U.S. and European couter-terrorism officials fear influx of westerners to Waziristan for jihadi training; Karachi police arrest Taliban commander in Karachi; Pakistan military airdrops leaflets into Waziristan urging Mehsud tribesmen to rise up against Taliban; reports that U.S. military is coordinating with Pakistan army including use of drones for Waizirstan operation.
OCTOBER 18, 2009
Day two of Operation Rah-e-Nijat (Path to Deliverance); Pakistani forces claim to have killed sixty militants, lost five soldiers; army captures Spinkai Raghzai, enters Tiarza, continues to face resistance at Sharwangi; TTP spokesman claims militants are beating army back; rumors circulate of Afghan Taliban lending assistance to TTP; TTP starts fundraising drive in parts of FATA and NWFP; NWFP government declares Swat-like aid program for IDPs; U.S. General Petraeus to visit Islamabad on Monday.
OCTOBER 17, 2009
Pakistani military launches South Waziristan operation early Saturday morning, over 30,000 troops converging on TTP strongholds from several directions; decision to launch taken Friday night after meeting involving top civilian and military leaders; four soldiers, nine militants killed in operation thus far; latest UN statement says over 250,000 people have fled South Waziristan operation.
OCTOBER 16, 2009
Suicide attack in Peshawar kills twelve; suicide attack in Islamabad foiled by police; Pakistani authorities investigate yesterday’s bombings; 200,000 flee South Waziristan violence; Pakistani jets strike in South Waziristan; airstrikes in Orakzai kill four militants; U.S. accelerates delivery of military aid to Pakistan.
OCTOBER 15, 2009
More than three dozen people have been killed during a series of attacks in Lahore, Kohat, and Peshawar; a drone missile struck a suspected militant compound in North Waziristan Thursday; the Pakistani military continued its aerial strikes in South Waziristan ahead of announced ground operations there; the U.S. signed the $7.5 billion aid package for Pakistan into law; two people were injured in a grenade attack on security forces in Quetta, Balochistan.
Pakistan’s foreign minister met with US Senator Kerry regarding Islamabad’s concerns over the US aid bill; a dozen militants were killed in South Waziristan and Bajaur agencies during air strikes; a suspected suicide bomber was apprehended at a checkpoint on the Punjab/NWFP border; Pakistan’s interior minister stated that militant attacks on a UN office in Islamabad and military headquarters in Rawalpindi had been traced back to South Waziristan.
The Pakistani Taliban claimed responsibility for this past weekend’s attack on the military’s headquarters in Rawalpindi, indicating operations were carried out by its Punjabi branch; following this weekend’s attack in Rawalpindi, Pakistan security forces are tightening security in Islamabad’s Red Zone; over a dozen militants were reportedly killed on Monday in air strikes against militant positions in Bajaur Agency; Pakistan’s foreign minister returned to Washington this week to take up Islamabad’s concerns with the language of the five-year, $7.5 billion U.S. aid bill for Pakistan.
OCTOBER 12, 2009
Militants penetrated the Pakistani army’s headquarters in Rawalpindi on Saturday, taking dozens of hostages and killing several military personnel before all but one of the militants were killed in a rescue operation; around forty were killed by a suicide car bomb targeted at a Pakistani army convoy in a district adjacent to Swat on Monday; the Pakistani army claims an operation into South Waziristan is imminent; Pakistani military air strikes killed over twenty militants in South Waziristan on Sunday.
OCTOBER 9, 2009
A suicide car bomb was set off in a crowded bazaar in Peshawar Friday morning killing more than forty and wounding more than a hundred; militants attacked and torched a NATO fuel tanker near Peshawar early Friday; several militants have been killed in offensive and retaliatory military operations in Waziristan over the past day; the British military is building a training camp in Balochistan province to help train the Pakistani Frontier Corps paramilitary unit over a three-year period.
OCTOBER 8, 2009
Pakistani issued a warning for foreigners to limit their movements following the recent bombing of a UN office; more than a dozen suspected Taliban members have been found dead in Swat recently; Pakistani military leaders expressed concern over the conditions in the $7.5 billion U.S. aid bill for Pakistan; recent U.S. national security meetings focused on Pakistan.
OCTOBER 7, 2009
A top aide to Swat Taliban commander Maulana Fazlullah has been killed in clashes with security forces according to the Pakistani military; Pakistani foreign minister Qureshi stressed the importance of a U.S. commitment to Afghanistan, Pakistan and the broader region during a meeting with U.S. secretary of state Clinton; several dead bodies of suspected militants were found in Kurram Agency north of Waziristan; some Pakistani political leaders have raised concerns over the “tone” of the new $7.5 billion U.S. aid package for Pakistan recently approved by the U.S. Congress.
OCTOBER 6, 2009
The Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan claimed responsibility for Monday’s UNWFP office bombing in Islamabad; the Pakistani military bombed militant positions in South Waziristan early Tuesday killing several suspected militants; the UK is increasing its counter-terrorism cooperation with Pakistan and pledged increased military aid to Pakistan’s security forces; Pakistani forces initiated strikes in Khyber Agency on Monday in retaliation for a rocket attack on a military fort.
OCTOBER 5, 2009
A suicide bomb struck a UN office in Islamabad on Monday killing four people; Pakistani Taliban chief Hakimullah Mehsud, along with deputies Wali-ur Rehman and Qari Hussain, met with reporters over the weekend following reports that he had been recently killed; security forces continued clearance operations in the Swat valley, killing nine militants on Sunday; Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam commander Rehman offered to act as a mediator between the Pakistani government and militants in FATA.
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.
OCTOBER 1, 2009
The Pakistani Taliban confirmed the death of its leader’s brother following a clash with security forces; six militants were killed in a drone strike in North Waziristan on Wednesday; video footage allegedly depicts Pakistani soldiers beating suspected militant detainees; the US insisted in a message delivered through the US embassy in Islamabad that Mullah Omar and Osama bin Laden are in Pakistan.
SEPTEMBER 30, 2009
The Pakistani Taliban released a video of its former leader Beitullah Mehsud visually confirming his death; Afghan Taliban commander Hayatullah Khan claimed that Mullah Omar did not reside in Pakistan as indicated by US officials; unconfirmed reports claim that Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan leader Tahir Yuldashev was killed following a drone strike in August.
SEPTEMBER 29, 2009
Al Qaeda’s second-in-command Ayman al-Zawahiri praised slain Pakistani Taliban leader Beitullah Mehsud in the first statement acknowledging the militant leader’s death; Pakistan’s interior minister claimed that Mullah Omar and the Quetta Shura Taliban are not in Pakistan; two drones strikes struck areas in South Waziristan and Miran Shah in North Waziristan on Tuesday, the first killing several suspected militants; security forces responded to a recent militant attack on a paramilitary base in Razmak by engaging and killed several militants in North Waziristan.
SEPTEMBER 28, 2009
Multiple suicide bombings occurred over the weekend in the NWFP areas of Peshawar and Bannu; an outspoken anti-Taliban tribal elder was killed in Bannu along with several bodyguards on Monday; residents of the Mehsud areas in South Waziristan were reportedly urged by the government to evacuate the area; the Pakistani military shelled militant strongholds in Orakzai and Waziristan on Monday killing more than two dozen suspected militants; a drone strike near Mir Ali in North Waziristan reportedly missed its target on Monday.
SEPTEMBER 25, 2009
World Bank announces new Pakistan fund for restoring infrastructure; 10,000-man militia raised in Swat; eight militants killed in ambush on army convoy.
SEPTEMBER 24, 2009
North Waziristan drone strike targets suspected Haqqani hideout; Senate approves Kerry-Lugar Pakistan aid bill; civilian exodus from South Waziristan continues; militants kills pro-government tribal elders in Bannu district.
Pakistani Interior Minister Rehman Malik alleges Indian involvement in the Swat Taliban movement; Security forces arrest twenty-four militants in the Swat region.
Clashes between Pakistani security forces and Taliban militants in North and South Waziristan leave dozens dead; Pakistani authorities again restrict the movements of Lashkar-e-Tayyiba founder Hafiz Saeed; militants blow up a girls school near Peshawar.
Pakistani police began investigating a group of foreign nationals, including four Swedes, with alleged links to al Qaeda; Abu Faraj, a suicide-bombing mastermind affiliated with the Swat Taliban, was arrested on Monday; Pakistani police foiled an assassination attempt on the Northwest Frontier Province education minister; pro-government commander Turkistan Bhittani announced Saturday that he and his supporters would turn in their weapons.
Pakistan charged militant cleric Hafiz Mohammed Saeed, accused by India of masterminding the 2008 Mumbai bombings, with inciting public sentiment on Friday; seven militants were arrested in Swat and Malakand during search and clearance operations; security forces killed thirteen militants in Orakzai Agency; a suicide bombing claimed by sectarian group Lashkar-i-Jhangvi killed thirty-three in Kohat.
Police in Quetta captured twelve suspected terrorists Thursday; Pakistani security forces ambushed and killed ten militants attempting to infiltrate Mingora; reports claim that two important al Qaeda commanders, Ilyas Kashmiri and Nazimuddin, have been killed in recent U.S. drone strikes
SEPTEMBER 16, 2009
Sher Muhammed Qasab, the Swat Taliban commander for Charbagh, was arrested Wednesday; security forces in Dera Ismail Khan killed seven militants; administrators in Mohmand claimed the Agency is 80 percent cleared of militants.
Three unidentified, burqa-clad assailants were foiled in an attempted attack on an oil terminal in Karachi Tuesday; one hundred and forty-nine militants reportedly surrendered in Swat, while an additional undetermined number were killed or captured; Pakistani fighter jets attacked suspected militant locations in Bajaur, killing five
Pakistani Security Forces operations in Swat and Malakand killed fourteen militants on Monday; the U.N. estimates that at least fifty-six thousand residents have been displaced due to the army initiative in Khyber Agency; ISPR spokesperson Gen. Abbas announced imminent commencement of military ground operations in Waziristan; the third U.S. drone strike to hit North Waziristan this week killed eight militants near Mir Ali; Pakistan’s interior minister claimed Sunday that the army was closing in on capturing Swat Taliban commander Maulana Fazlullah.
Militants resurfaced in Lower Dir in a failed attack on a police post Friday; continuing security forces operations in Swat netted forty-nine militants and killed twenty-two more; the Swat Taliban announced that spokesman Muslim Khan had been captured by the Pakistani army; fighting in Kurram and Orakzai Agencies and Tank District left six militants and two Frontier Corps soldiers dead.
Taliban militants killed four Shi’ite schoolchildren in Orakzai Agency on Tuesday; two U.S. drone strikes destroyed a militant compound and madrassa in North Waziristan; Pakistani security forces killed twenty-four suspected Lashkar-e-Islam members in Khyber Agency; three pro-government tribesmen were killed by unidentified gunmen in Balochistan.
Pakistani military operations killed sixteen suspected militants, arrested thirty-five more, and confiscated a large stash of weaponry in Khyber Agency on Friday; Tehrik Nifaz-i-Taliban (TNSM) leader Maulana Saifullah surrendered to Pakistani security forces along with two supporters.
A Pakistani military official reported that over one hundred militants had surrendered in Swar since the beginning of clearance operations there, including more than a dozen from a ‘most wanted’ list; more than forty bodies of suspected militants were founded dead in the Swat valley Tuesday, reportedly killed by anti-Taliban locals; Pakistani government raids in Khyber agency reportedly destroyed four Lashkar-e-Islam bases during operations on Tuesday that also led to more than forty arrests; rumors persist that new TTP leader Hakimullah Mehsud is dead.
A Taliban spokesman claimed credit for Thursday’s suicide attack on a police post in Khyber agency on the Afghanistan-Pakistan border; security forces continued to conduct search and clear operations in Swat, reportedly killing two militants; al Qaeda deputy Ayman al-Zawahiri released a statement urging Pakistanis to join in jihad against the Pakistani military.
AUGUST 27, 2009
Pakistani security forces killed several militants during a clash in the Swat valley and a dozen other militants were arrested; a Pakistani government official stated that over eighty percent of the 2.2 million internally displaced residents of the Swat valley have returned to their homes; a suicide bomber struck a police post on the Pakistan-Afghanistan border at Torkham, killing over a dozen; nine militants and four Pakistani soldiers were reportedly killed during a clash near Pakistan’s border with Afghanistan in South Waziristan on Wednesday; a drone missile struck in South Waziristan on Thursday killing six people including Uzbek militants, according to intelligence officials.
AUGUST 26, 2009
Pakistani helicopter gunships struck militant positions in South Waziristan in a clearing operation to facilitate the movement of military forces; Interpol issued a “red notice” for Jamat-ud-Dawa and Lashkar-e-Taiba affiliated leader Hafiz Saeed in connection with his alleged involvement in the 2008 Mumbai terrorist attack; security forces arrested militants in Swat and continued to find dead Taliban militant bodies in the area.
AUGUST 25, 2009
The new head of the Tehrik-i Taliban Pakistan (TTP) Hakimullah Mehsud and the newly appointed chief deputy for the TTP in South Waziristan, Wali-ur Rehman, acknowledged the recent death of Beitullah Mehsud, a result of wounds he sustained following an August 5 drone strike; according to the Pakistani military, security operations in Swat and surrounding areas led to the death of three suspected militants on Tuesday; local anti-Taliban militias continued clearing operations in one area of Swat; the dead bodies of more than a dozen suspected Taliban leaders were found in Swat by local villagers, while some human rights groups claimed they were killed by the military in extra-judicial executions.
AUGUST 24, 2009
Over the weekend militant commander Faqir Muhammad announced that a shura had selected Hakimullah Mehsud as the new leader of the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), a report conflicting with statements made by TTP deputy Wali-ur-Rehman indicating he was in control of the TTP; Pakistani police reportedly arrested thirteen Lashkar-e-Jhangvi militants in Karachi during a raid on Sunday, seizing narcotics and bomb-making materials; Pakistani’s interior minister claimed that members of Beitullah Mehsud’s extended family had been executed by Taliban militants on spying charges; the Pakistani government rejected militant leader Hafiz Gul Bahadur’s calls for a cease fire during the month of Ramadan; a suicide bombing in Peshawar killed three people on Sunday.
The Sri Lankan military has agreed to train Pakistani security forces in counterinsurgency techniques; a top Pakistani official claimed that over ninety percent of internally displaced persons had returned to their homes; a drone struck targets near Miram Shah in North Waziristan, where the Haqqani network is believed to maintain hideouts.
A bomb was detonated close near Rawalpindi on Thursday, wounding four policemen and several others; an ally of Swat Taliban commander Maulana Fazlullah surrendered, along with sixty militants, to Pakistani security forces on Thursday in Mingora; the son of a top Osama bin Laden aide was founded dead during a raid on a house in Peshawar.
Unknown attackers killed three people in Quetta in what police officers described as targeted killings; Pakistani military officials announced that a ground offensive against militants in South Waziristan is months away and that the immediate plan is to maintain a blockade and continue aerial strikes; a suicide bombing in North Waziristan killed three security officials at a check point near Miranshah; top Tehrik-i-Taliban spokesman Maulvi Omar was captured on Tuesday in Mohmand agency by local security forces and reportedly confirmed Beitullah Mehsud’s death; a militant bombing reportedly in retaliation for anti-militant militias killed several people outside of Peshawar.
AUGUST 17, 2009
Pakistani police reportedly arrested a recruiter for suicide bombers affiliated with Beitullah Mehsud’s Pakistani Taliban in Islamabad on Monday; a Sipah-e-Sehaba Pakistan (SSP) associated militant leader was assassinated by unknown attackers in Khairpur on Monday; militants affiliated with Maulvi Nazir were ambushed by unknown assailants in territory formerly claimed by the apparently dead Beitullah Mehsud in South Waziristan while spokesmen for the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) denied involvement and locals implicated Uzbek militants in the attack; Pakistani security force operations reportedly led to the surrender of more than a dozen militants in Swat.
Pakistani President Ali Zardari announced legal reforms that will allow for political party activity in the FATA in hopes of loosening the monopoly held by local clerics and Islamist groups in the region; militants in Upper Dir agreed to surrender to Pakistani forces following a local jirga; Pakistani security forces claim to have cleared a section of Lower Dir of Taliban militants and encourage displaced families to return to the area.
Pakistani military forces shelled suspected bases of Hakimullah Mehsud in the Kurram and Orakzai agencies on Thursday, reportedly killed a dozen militants; Pakistani security forces continued search-and-sweep operations in Malakand Thursday; nearly 120,000 families displaced by the conflict in Malakand division, which includes Swat and Buner, have reportedly returned to their homes; an anti-Taliban tribal elder in South Waziristan was killed by a suicide bomber on Thursday; pro-government tribal elders in Buner, south east of Swat district, were attacked and shot on Thursday.
Taliban militants attacked forces loyal to pro-government militant commander Turkistan Bhittani in Jandola on Wednesday, leaving tens of fighters dead as a result; the Pakistani government declared its intention to restructure the ISI, having reportedly retired several dozen senior officers recently; the Pakistani military shelled militants from Lashkar-e-Islam in Khyber agency on Tuesday in retaliation for a rocket attack in Peshawar; Quetta police report that a gun-and-bomb attack on a security checkpoint left several people dead and wounded; the U.N. reports that it expects nearly 100,000 residents of Waziristan to flee from Pakistani military operations; UN officials indicate that over 700,000 displaced residents of Swat have returned to their homes.
Militants within Hakimullah Mehsud’s Pakistani Taliban group clashed internally on Tuesday resulting in the death of nineteen militants in Orakzai agency; a suspected drone strike struck militant hideouts in South Waziristan on Tuesday killing at least ten according to security officials; twenty-nine suspected militants were arrested in Swat and Malakand districts on Tuesday according to Pakistani security officials; a rocket attack on a Frontier Corps base in Peshawar left three civilians dead and was followed by retaliatory strikes against militants in the region
Pakistani Taliban aides continue to refute Pakistani government claims that Beitullah Mehsud had likely been killed in last week’s drone strike; a shoot-out reportedly occurred a Pakistani Taliban succession shura held over the weekend, attended by Beitullah Mehsud’s deputy Hakimullah Mehsud and close advisor Wali-ur-Rehman; a group of militants reportedly attacked and clashed with Pakistani security forces on Monday who were en route to Mir Ali in North Waziristan; a Baloch separatist group spokesman confirmed that the group executed several Frontier Corps soldiers over the weekend who had been taken hostage recently, demanding that Pakistani forces withdraw from Quetta and release Baloch separatists.
Reports emerged, according to Taliban aides and anonymous Pakistani government and intelligence officials, that Beitullah Mehsud had been killed in Wednesday’s drone strike that targeted the home of Mehsud’s father-in-law; a taxation minister in Pakistan’s Baluchistan province was assassinated in Karachi on Thursday evening; a delegation of elders from the Mehsud tribe traveled to Islamabad Thursday to lobby for an end to Pakistani military operations in Waziristan; residents of Swat valley have reportedly raised an anti-Taliban tribal militia of 5,000 people.
A suspected drone strike in Zanghara, South Waziristan reportedly killed one of Tehrik-i-Taliban-Pakistan (TTP) leader Beitullah Mehsud’s wives on Wednesday along with three others; operations by Pakistani security forces and local anti-Taliban militias reportedly killed a dozen militants in Swat and Dir on Wednesday; a local Taliban commander in Maidan announced Tuesday his intention to vacate the Swat area and cease hostilities; Pakistani police forces have set up a community police station in the Swat valley and hope to recruit four thousand “community police” to work alongside regular police forces and enforce security.
AUGUST 4, 2009
Suspected militants attacked a security forces checkpoint late Monday in North Waziristan, provoking a clash that left four soldiers and three civilians dead; local residents of the Swat valley continue to express fears about lingering militant presence as sporadic fighting continues in the area; members of militant groups Sipah-e-Sahaba Pakistan (SSP) and Lashkar-e-Jhangvi (LeJ) have been arrested in connection with last week’s riots in Punjab that targeted a community of Christians and killed eight.
Pakistani security forces bombed suspected militant locations near the Swat valley, reportedly destroying several Taliban bases according to military officials; security forces continued to arrest suspected militants in Swat and Malakand over the weekend; TNSM founder Sufi Muhammed has been booked on charges of treason, terrorism and rebellion; unconfirmed reports surfaced indicating North Waziristan militant commander Gul Bahadur released ten soldiers kidnapped from a Frontier Corps fort last week.
JULY 31, 2009
Militants under the command of Gul Bahadur reportedly kidnapped ten members of Pakistan’s Frontier Corps security forces from a fort near Razmak, North Waziristan; paramilitary forces constructing a checkpoint in North Waziristan were attacked by militants; security forces shelled suspected militant positions in Khyber agency on Thursday; the U.S. military will begin to shift Predator drone strikes in Afghanistan to target the Taliban and affiliated insurgents.
JULY 30, 2009
Militants from Lashkar-e Islam executed four men for kidnapping and murder under an improvised sharia court order in Khyber agency; clashes at a Frontier Corps post in North Waziristan left three militants dead and several soldiers wounded on Thursday; locals in a village in the Swat valley, encouraged by Pakistani security forces, are reportedly reorganizing small and lightly armed local militias to protect from Taliban militants thought to be hiding in the area.
Police officials reported that Taliban militants killed a pro-government tribal militia leader after raiding his home; a bomb explosion outside a courthouse in Dera Ismail Khan killed a Shi’ia lawyer and two of his bodyguards; North Waziristan militant leader Gul Bahadur claimed credit for Tuesday’s bombing of a checkpoint in Miramshah that left a paramilitary soldier dead; security officials claimed to have carried out clearing operations in Lower Dir on Tuesday targeted at militants.
Operations in Swat and Dir conducted by local militias and Pakistani security forces reportedly killed nearly a dozen on Tuesday; a suicide bomber killed two policemen at a checkpoint in Miram Shah, North Waziristan; Pakistani helicopters shelled Lashkar-e Islam positions in Khyber agency on Tuesday; the United Nations refugee organization suspended operations in NWFP and Baluchistan following threats from a Baluch nationalist group.
JULY 27, 2009
Clashes between militants and Pakistani security forces continued over the weekend in Swat and Dir according to security officials and unidentified sources; three terrorists with alleged ties to last year’s Marriott hotel bombing were arrested Sunday by police and security officials in the suburbs of Islamabad; TNSM leader Sufi Muhammad was reportedly arrested on Sunday in Peshawar; airstrikes on Monday in Khyber agency reportedly killed nearly two dozen militants according to Frontier Corps officials; a commander for the Abdullah Mehsud group recently denied reports that Ikhlas Khan had been named the new amir for the group following a purported consolidation.
Clashes between militants and Pakistani security forces in Swat and Dir continued Thursday, reportedly killing nearly two dozen militants; despite NATO assurances to the contrary, Pakistani officials have voiced concerns about spillover effects from the U.S. offensive in Afghanistan; an estimated 350,000 displaced people, out of nearly two million, have reportedly returned to their homes in the Swat valley.
Drone strikes in Pakistan may have killed Osama bin Laden’s son Saad earlier this year, according to counterterrorism officials; a spokesman for Tehreek-e Nafaz Sharia Mohammadi (TNSM) commander Maulana Fazlullah denied reports that the militant leader in Swat had been critically injured as had been reported; U.N. officials indicated that several hundred thousand displaced residents of Swat had voluntary returned to the valley over the last ten days.
Ongoing airstrikes in South Waziristan left six Pakistani Taliban militants dead according to Pakistani intelligence officials; Clashes between militants and the Pakistani military left more than two dozen dead in the Swat and neighboring districts on Wednesday; three anti-Beitullah Mehsud militant groups reportedly consolidated ties and named Ikhlas Khan as the new amir for the Abdullah Mehsud group.
Pakistan’s Frontier Corps claims to have killed more than fifty militants since Sunday in Dir district; Pakistani officials claim 350,000 of the two million displaced people have returned to Swat; Lashkar-e Islam militants reportedly attacked policemen in Khyber agency, killing four on Monday; an order from a political official in Waziristan has led to the arrests and seizure of businesses belonging to Mehsud tribe members.
Recent clashes between militants and Pakistani security officials in Swat and Malakand left a dozen militants dead; suspected Taliban militant ambush outside of Peshawar killed four policemen on Monday; an LeT-trained gunmen on trial for involvement in the Mumbai attacks last fall confessed to participating in the attack in court; former Pakistani president Musharraf supports a long-term reconciliation policy between Afghanistan and senior Taliban leadership.
The Pakistani military on Thursday deployed infantry units, tanks, and armored vehicles to Miramshah in North Waziristan; airstrikes on Wednesday left several dead in areas on South Waziristan; Pakistani security forces claim to have destroyed militant hideouts and killed more than a dozen militants in Buner district near the Swat valley on Wednesday; a U.N. official was shot during an aborted kidnapping at a refugee camp in Peshawar on Thursday.
Pakistani government-aligned militant commander Turkistan Bhittani accuses local district officials in Tank of facilitating Beitullah Mehsud’s supporters while reportedly setting up a parallel administration in the area; al Qaeda deputy al Zawahiri calls on Pakistanis to wage war against the U.S. in Pakistan and Afghanistan; clashes between militants and the Pakistani military continue as IDPs return to the area.
Local police have arrested suspected militants in connection with yesterday’s bombing in Punjab province; Pakistani officials claimed to have arrested more than a dozen al Qaeda-affiliates planning attacks in Punjab province; fighting between local tribal militias and Taliban militants was reported on Tuesday; some refugees began returning to Swat from government-run refugee camps.
A blast in Pakistan’s Punjab province on Monday killed more than a dozen people and wounded seventy others; a militant commander allied with the Pakistani government pulled his forces from the Tank district bordering South Waziristan after Pakistani military enforcements arrived over the weekend; Pakistani official claims that bin Laden is in Kunar, Afghanistan; according to Pakistani security officials, the Pakistani military continued its air strike campaigns in South Waziristan and Dir district over the weekend; the Pakistani government has begun to transport a small number of families back to the Swat valley.
Pakistani army spokesman Gen. Abbas indicates that the Pakistani military has maintained contacts with Afghan Taliban leader Mullah Omar and is willing to mediate between Omar and the U.S. in exchange for concessions related to India; unidentified local sources claim TNSM commander Fazlullah is critically wounded; UN relief coordinator highlights difficulties in repatriating refugees following Pakistani military operations in Malakand; four Pakistani policemen were killed in an attack on a checkpost in Bajaur agency.
Pakistani jets reportedly bombed suspected militant positions in South Waziristan and Orakzai agency Thursday; Pakistani Prime Minister Gilani urged residents of Swat to return to their homes; a Pakistani army vehicle hit a mine outside of Quetta, killing five paramilitary soldiers; Pakistani military officials indicated TNSM leader Maulana Fazlullah was injured in recent strikes.
Drone strikes targeting militants in South Waziristan on Wednesday killed over two dozen; an anti-Taliban tribal elder raising local militias to fight militants in Khyber agency was kidnapped yesterday and found dead on Wednesday; a suicide bomber struck near a checkpoint in Peshawar killing three others;Pakistani military spokesman declares army operations are nearly complete in Swat and Buner.
Pakistan’s high court rejected a government appeal to re-arrest Lashkar-e Taiba (LeT)-affiliated leader Hafiz Muhammad Saeed; drone strikes on Tuesday in the Zangara area of South Waziristan killed more than a dozen militants; Pakistani military continues to clash with militants in Swat this week; Pakistani security forces claimed to have arrested militants in Dera Ismail Khan, bordering South Waziristan on Monday.
Pakistani military airstrikes continued to strike areas in Waziristan over the weekend; drone attacks targeted a militant training camp and madrassa in South Waziristan over the weekend; recent clashes between Pakistani military forces and militants in Swat were reported; a Pakistani military helicopter crashed in Orakzai agency on Friday killing more than two dozen; TNSM leader Sufi Muhammad reportedly surfaced in Peshawar.
A suicide bomber targeted a bus full of Pakistani government employees in Rawalpindi; the Pakistani army has reportedly ruled out expanding operations into North Waziristan; the Pakistani army claims to have killed militants belong to the Lashkar-e Islam group in the Khyber region; Pakistani troops reportedly are reportedly positioned on the western border as U.S. and Afghan forces commence operations in Helmand province on the Afghan side of the border.
Tribesman continued to clash with militants in Kurram agency who reportedly fled to the area from Swat; a pro-Pakistani government tribal elder was targeted and killed by gunmen in Khyber agency; a U.N. inquire into the assassination of former Pakistani Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto has officially begun.
Suicide bombers struck an Afghanistan-Pakistan border post at Torkham and a restaurant in Pakistan’s Balochistan province near a NATO supply convoy route; Pakistani air forces bombed areas of North Waziristan; surveillance drones are reportedly being used to gather and share live video feeds, communication and other intelligence for Pakistani military operations.
Pakistani military assaults continue in Waziristan after Pakistani Taliban militants ambushed a Pakistani military convoy in North Waziristan on Sunday; clashes continued in Kurram agency over the weekend between warring groups, reportedly stoked by militant activity; Pakistan has placed bounties of up to $615,000 on Beitullah Mehsud and other Pakistani Taliban commanders; banned militant groups including Lashkar-e Taiba have reportedly increased operations and recruitment in Kashmir; police reportedly killed Pakistani Taliban militants in Karachi on Saturday.
A suicide bomber, reportedly dispatched by the Pakistani Taliban, targeted and killed two Pakistani soldiers on Friday in Pakistani-controlled Kashmir; Pakistani army chief travelled to South Waziristan on Thursday, meeting with field commanders and urging local tribes to support the military’s operations; Pakistani forces reportedly continued search-and-sweep operations in the Swat valley on Thursday.
U.S. Senate approves significant five-year aid package for Pakistan, including $400 million in annual military aid; conflicting accounts persist regarding death of senior TTP commander during Tuesday’s major drone strike in South Waziristan; militants loyal to Beitullah Mehsud and slain rival Qari Zainuddin Mehsud reportedly clashed in Tank district bordering South Waziristan yesterday; local residents in South Waziristan reportedly facing food and water shortages due to military blockades and recent operations in the area.
Eighty people reportedly killed in multiple drone attacks in South Waziristan on Tuesday; Pakistani military operations in Bajaur agency reportedly responsible for deterring money and arms from flowing into eastern Afghanistan; deputy for Beitullah Mehsud officially takes responsibility for killing of Islamabad-backed rival Qari Zainuddin; aid groups report militants filling vacuum created by delayed aid to IDPs in refugee camps.
Islamabad-supported rival of Pakistani Taliban leader Beitullah Mehsud shot down in Dera Ismail Khan; reported drone attack on militant training center in South Waziristan kills six militants.
Pakistani military air assaults on Pakistani Taliban militants continue in South Waziristan; reports claim al Qaeda and Taliban leaders met in South Waziristan to convince Beitullah Mehsud to shift operations to Afghanistan and avoid conflict with Pakistani military forces; Pakistani officials claimed operations killed militants elsewhere in FATA, including in Bajaur agency; Pakistan’s interior minister claims TNSM commander Maulana Fazlullah has been cornered.
The Pakistani army reportedly carried out aerial assaults on militant hideouts in South Waziristan; commentators highlight difficulties in a potential Pakistani army operation in Waziristan, identifying necessary tactics including use of special operations forces, airpower, and precise raids; security forces claim to have arrest over 100 militants in raids Kohat district; police forces reportedly arrested operatives linked with suicide bombing networks in Charsaddah and Rawalpindi.
Two rivals of TTP leader Beitullah Mehsud continued to publicly support potential Pakistani army operations targeting the Pakistani leader, with Qari Zainuddin Mehsud claiming Beitullah has links to India and Israel; an Indian defense intelligence briefing indicates the Pakistani army inflated the numbers of militants killed and underreported army casualties during recent Swat operations; IDPs are reportedly placing strains on local communities as their numbers are expected to swell if operations in Waziristan commence.
India and Pakistan pledge to resume ministerial-level talks; unconfirmed reports signal al Qaeda commander Qari Zia Rehman killed in Bajaur agency; Lahore police announced the arrest of a Punjabi Taliban member implicated in the March attack on the Sri Lankan cricket team; reports indicate Pakistani military operations in South Waziristan will be limited to target Beitullah Mehsud’s immediate network; residents of Waziristan have reportedly started taking refuge in neighboring districts ahead potential Pakistani military operations in the area.
Pakistani military officials claim to be taking ground preparation for operations in South Waziristan; international donors are pledging aid and equipment to upgrade Pakistani police forces; Pakistani and Indian heads of state met for the first time since last fall’s Mumbai bombing.
NWFP official indicates Pakistani military to launch offensive in South Waziristan; Pakistani military reportedly undertook strikes in Bannu, Malakand, and Waziristan over the weekend; eight people were killed in a market bombing in Dera Ismail Khan, adjacent to South Waziristan.
An outspoken anti-Taliban cleric was killed by a suicide bomber in Lahore on Friday; a suicide truck bomb targeted a mosque in Nowshera killing six on Friday; Pakistani military reportedly continued to clash with militants in pockets of Bannu, Malakand, and South Waziristan; Pakistani Taliban reportedly faces funding shortages which may lead to increased criminality in an effort to acquire more cash; U.S. House passed a $1.5 billion annual aid package to Pakistan while debates lingered on “how many strings come attached.”
JUNE 11, 2009
Aid groups face funding shortages and security concerns following fighting in Swat and violence in Peshawar; local anti-Taliban militias claim to have cornered militants in Upper Dir; Pakistani military officials claim to kill scores of militants in reactive operations in district bordering Taliban stronghold, where the army reportedly fought off militant attacks on military forts; a grenade-and-bomb suicide attack struck Peshawar days after a hotel bombing.
JUNE 10, 2009
The death toll from yesterday’s Peshawar hotel bomb rose to sixteen as Pakistani security officials indicated that Pakistani Taliban leader Beitullah Mehsud may have been behind the attack; Pakistani military forces allegedly killed nearly two dozen militants in retaliatory operations in Bannu district near North Waziristan; “anti-Taliban” local militias continued to clash with militants in Upper Dir; reports continue to surface regarding Pakistani military preparations for an offensive against militants in South Waziristan.
JUNE 9, 2009
On Tuesday, militants exploded a truck bomb inside the gates of a five-star hotel in Peshawar killing a dozen people; local villagers in Upper Dir received support from Pakistani military artillery and gunships as they continued to clash with militants in Upper Dir; local residents in Bannu district bordering Waziristan indicated that the Pakistani military had prepared for and begun an offensive aimed at militant hideouts.