The Long War Journal: Pakistan's Suicide Squad

Written by Bill Roggio on November 21, 2006 12:51 AM to The Long War Journal

Available online at: http://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2006/11/pakistans_suicide_sq.php

Pakistani intelligence uncovers a suicide bombing network, more assassinations in Waziristan

The recent suicide bombings against an Army post in Dargai and police in Peshawar have sparked fears of a larger conspiracy to attack Pakistani security forces throughout the Northwest Frontier Province and beyond. "Law enforcement agencies in the NWFP have unearthed a vast network of suicidal attackers in the country," the Frontier Post reported. The Daily Times stated "terrorist organisations have despatched suicide bombers around the country to attack government officials and other VIPs," based on intelligence reports. The number of bombers is estimated between 8 and 11.

The Pakistani government seems content with maintaining the status quo. The Dargai suicide attack killed 45 recruits and wounded over 20, yet the Pakistani government has not responded. Twenty-two Taliban and al Qaeda training camps are currently in operation in the Federally Administered Tribal agencies. The government is still eager to sign a 'peace agreement' with the Taliban and al Qaeda in Bajaur, despite the agreement being put on hold after the Chingai airstrikes. The Chingai madrassa is already being rebuilt. The Taliban are openly recuperating in hospitals in Quetta after being wounded in fighting in Afghanistan. North and South Waziristan remain sanctuaries and Taliban states-within-a-state.

In North Waziristan, the campaign of assassinations continue. The Taliban assassinated another "U.S. spy." He was found with a note pinned to his body that said he was a `US spy’ and that he had been punished in accordance with the Shariat [Islamic law.]"

"The body had two bullet wounds with slit neck," noted Dawn. The murdered cleric was initially reported as being Afghani, however it was determined he was indeed Pakistani.

As the Pakistani government ignores the situation in the tribal areas, the intelligence network of pro-government and Western tribal members is decimated. The Taliban and al Qaeda also consolidate their gains and sorie into Afghanistan and the heart of Pakistan.