4 Threat Matrix: Haqqani Network blamed for coordinated attacks in Afghanistan

Written by Bill Roggio on April 16, 2012 11:33 AM to 4 Threat Matrix

Available online at: http://www.longwarjournal.org/threat-matrix/archives/2012/04/haqqani_network_blamed_for_coo.php

This should come as no surprise to readers of The Long War Journal. Yesterday, as the attacks in Kabul, Nangarhar, Paktia, and Logar were underway, we said that the likely culprit was the Haqqani Network, working under the aegis of the Kabul Attack Network. Today, Afghan officials said that a fighter captured in Nangarhar admitted the Haqqanis organized and executed the suicide assaults. From The Associated Press:

A militant arrested in the attacks on the Afghan capital and three other cities has confessed that the 18-hour assault was carried out by the Haqqani network, a lethal group of fighters with ties to the Taliban and al-Qaida, a top Afghan security official said Monday.

Thirty-six insurgents were killed during the brazen attacks that also claimed the lives of eight policemen and three civilians, said Interior Minister Besmillah Mohammadi...

"One terrorist who was arrested in Nangarhar province confessed, saying 'It was the Haqqani network that launched these attacks,'" Mohammadi told reporters in Kabul.

The US Department of Defense also said that the Haqqanis likely orchestrated the terror attacks. From AFP:

"Initial indications are that the Haqqani network was involved in this set of attacks that occurred yesterday in Kabul," press secretary George Little said of Sunday's assault.

At The Weekly Standard, Thomas Joscelyn noted that, given Pakistan's support for the Haqqani Network, that country is likely sending yet another message to the US and NATO: Get out of Afghanistan.