(2)Nazir orders Mehsud Taliban to leave Wana
Just days after a suicide attack at a mosque in Wana, the main town in South Waziristan, Mullah Nazir has ordered members of the Movement of the Taliban in Pakistan to leave the area. Nazir believes that followers of Hakeemullah Mehsud were responsible for the bombing that killed Maulana Noor Mohammed, a pro-government and pro-Taliban cleric and former member of parliament, and 32 other people. From the Press Trust of India:
Witnesses yesterday said Maulana Halimullah, a close associate of Maulvi Nazir, distributed pamphlets in Wana asking [Hakeemullah] Mehsud's supporters to leave areas dominated by the Ahmadzai Wazir tribe."We will take stern action against the culprits if they do not leave Wana in two days," the pamphlet said.
Over the past two weeks, tensions between Nazir and Hakeemullah have risen after a clash in Wana between followers of the two groups that resulted in the deaths of three people.
Keep in mind that Nazir, as part of his deal with the Pakistani government, wasn't supposed to shelter Hakeemullah Mehsud's leaders or fighters.
READER COMMENTS: "Nazir orders Mehsud Taliban to leave Wana"
Posted by Jason at August 29, 2010 7:47 AM ET:
I find this very significant
1] As Bill mentioned, there weren't supposed to be any Mehsud TTP elements there in the first place. It's clear there are, many of them in fact.
2] Tensions are high enough AND Nazir feel strong enough to actually start enforcing his OWN type of law on the Mehsuds. The tribally-complicated landscape of Waziristan is providing a perfect arena for a possible escalation or fight.
3] Condemnation of the attacks in Wana signal a clear diversion of strategic and localized interests. Nazir does not have the interest/balls/will to shoulder a burden that the Mehsud/TTP elements are willing to take on.
4] How will as-Sahab Media, al-Qaeda's infamous, trend-setting media arm deal with this split? After all, they even interviewed Mullah Nazir and cast him as a local hero.
Much appreciation for the website!
Posted by KaneKaizer at August 30, 2010 8:32 PM ET:
I sure wouldn't lose any sleep over Taliban killing Taliban. Might gain some, actually.