Pakistan Security Brief
Pakistan Security Brief – February 10, 2010
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.
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Interior Minister Rehman Malik has stated that he has seen ‘credible evidence’ that Hakimullah Mehsud is dead but has so far refused to officially confirm the TTP leader’s death. Malik also stated that an investigation is underway to evaluate rumors that Qari Hussain, the TTP’s head trainer of suicide bombers and a potential successor, may be dead as well. Maulvi Noor Jamal, a TTP commander and potential successor, has professed that Mehsud is still alive and has denied reports that he is currently the interim leader of the TTP.[1]
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At least 19 people have been killed following a suicide bomb attack on a tribal police vehicle in Khyber Agency. The police were on a routine patrol travelling along a highway in the Wazirdand area when their vehicle was rammed by another car packed with explosives, destroying both vehicles and killing 11 police officers. Three other vehicles were damaged in the explosion and eight civilians have been counted among the dead so far.[2]
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An army brigadier was killed and two other officers were injured in a militant ambush during a rescue operation of an army Cobra helicopter that crashed in the Tirah valley of Khyber Agency. The Cobra was reportedly targeting militant hideouts in the region when it crashed for reasons which are currently unknown. The crew’s status has also not yet been ascertained.[3]
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Security forces conducted search operations today in the Mamond and Salarzai sub-districts of Bajaur Agency, arresting five militants and demolishing the homes of six others, including a militant commander. The tribal council at Wara Mamond praised the security forces for their actions and promised reprimand for individuals who would give aid to militants.[4]
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Two people have been injured after a bomb detonated inside a shop at a bazaar in Hangu district. The attack breaks a peace deal the government negotiated in the region last week in which local Taliban sects promised not to attack shops or homes.[5]
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A US national security team has arrived in Islamabad for a series of meetings with Pakistani officials to discuss security and stability in Afghanistan. National security adviser, General James Jones, is expected to focus the talks on the new US strategy for Afghanistan, which will likely include urging Pakistan to expand its military operations into North Waziristan, home of the Haqqani network and other Taliban elements operating in Afghanistan. Pakistan has been reluctant to pursue an operation in North Waziristan but has expressed its interest in pursuing a wider role in determining Afghanistan’s future.[6]
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The Corps Commanders’ Conference was held at the General Headquarters in Rawalpindi today to comprehensively evaluate both current and emerging threats to Pakistan’s security. The meeting will also include a briefing and analysis of the recently concluded Azm-i-Nau II war game.[7]
