Militants Are Now In Complete Control Of Nortwest Pakistan

Videos Show Militants' Reach In Northwest Pakistan -- Reuters

If U.S. policy makers need proof of how little control Pakistan has over its strategic border region with Afghanistan, all they need to do is watch videos available on YouTube of militants believed to be terrorizing the streets of North Warizistan.

Armed men in black with balaclavas freely roam the streets of one of the biggest towns in North Waziristan, where the United States wants Pakistan's military to launch an offensive against militant groups.

There are no signs of security forces as the men belonging to a militant hit squad created to hunt suspected U.S. spies throw a man into a station wagon and pin him down.

Nervous bystanders keep their distance. Another man looks horrified as militants haul him off a pick up truck. Both are shown in another video being blown up by explosives placed at their feet.

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My Comment: In view of these videos, Pakistan's army chief Ashfaq Kayani's reaction to this damning evidence is hysterical.

Why Pakistan Is Starting To Unravel

Violence In Karachi Exposes Deep Divides -- Washington Post

KARACHI, Pakistan — A trash-strewn dusty street here became a front line in recent ethnic battles that killed 100 people in four days.

Now, in the aftermath, residents speak of the street as though it is a chasm, dividing the population of this oceanside city of 18 million and even Pakistan itself.

On one side, people known as Mohajirs, long the dominant group in this economic hub, seethingly point to bullet-scarred and burned houses and demand a new province that would be theirs alone. On the other side, Pashtuns who migrated here in recent years after fleeing an Islamist insurgency in their native northwest also point to bullet holes, and some express worry that a sort of ethnic cleansing is to come.

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My Comment: We in the West perceive Pakistan as one big unified Islamic country .... that is further from the truth. Pakistan is in fact a federation with diverse ethnic and sectarian groups. And while using Islam as a common thread to keep these ethnic groups unified has been successful since independence, it is now starting to unravel. If you want a better understanding of Pakistan .... this is a must read post for you.

Video Of Mass Execution Of Pakistani Policemen Released By The Taliban

A still image taken from video released by Pakistani Taliban on Monday. Reuters TV/Reuters

Taliban Release Horrific Video Showing Execution Of Pakistani Policemen -- The Daily Mail

Their final moments are brutal.

Forced into a line facing their captors, some with arms bound behind their backs, they listen silent and helpless to the Taliban commander who holds their fate in his hands.

But for these prisoners there will be no mercy. Pakistani policemen, they were captured during fighting in the north-western district of Dir.

The insurgent leader, who has come over the border from Afghanistan, condemns them as 'enemies of Islam and apostates.'

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More News On The Mass Execution And Murder Of Pakistani Policemen By Taliban Insurgents

Pakistan Taliban release 'police killing' video -- BBC (Video)
Taliban Video Shows Execution of 16 Pakistanis -- New York Times
Taliban Executes Pakistani Policemen on Camera -- ABC News
Taliban video shows police execution: Pakistan officials -- AFP
Pakistan Taliban release video showing forces' execution -- Reuters
Taliban execute Pakistani policemen on video -- Forbes/AP
Pakistani Taliban Release Video of Police Execution -- Voice of America
Taliban release video of security forces execution -- The Telegraph
15 Pakistan policemen killed by Taliban firing squad, new video shows -- The Telegraph

My Comment: The message is clear for those who are fighting against the Taliban. Do not be captured if you want to continue the fight.

Pakistan Launches Offensive Against Taliban Insurgents

Pakistan Begins Offensive In The Kurram Tribal Region -- BBC

Security forces in north-west Pakistan have begun a military offensive against insurgents in the Kurram tribal region, officials say.

The area is part of Pakistan's tribal areas near the Afghan border.

Initial reports suggest that so far they have met little resistance.

Thousands of civilians are fleeing targeted areas, many taking shelter in relief camps. Telephone networks in the area have been closed down as the offensive continues.

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More News On Pakistan Launching An Offensive Against Taliban Insurgents

Pakistan’s Army Starts Offensive Against Taliban Near Afghanistan Border -- Bloomberg
Pakistan launches military operation near Afghan border -- Reuters
Forces launch offensive near Afghan border -- The Nation

My Comment: With no independent observers on the ground, we will have to accept the Pakistanis on their word for what they are doing. What is my take .... this offensive was announced a long time ago .... knowing this I am sure the Taliban left the region to adjacent regions a long time ago.

Are Children Being Used As Suicide Bombers By Pakistan's Taliban?

Are Pakistan's Taliban Using Children As Weapons? -- Christian Science Monitor

A 9-year-old girl says she was kidnapped in Pakistan by Taliban with the intent of forcing her to be a suicide bomber. She escaped, but her experience raises concerns about the use of children by militants.

A 9-year-old schoolgirl narrowly escaped a plot laid by her Taliban kidnappers this week in Pakistan’s northwest to use her as a suicide bomber at a military checkpoint, raising concerns about militants' intent to use children in their battles.

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More News On Pakistan's Taliban Using Children As Weapons


Pakistani schoolgirl 'kidnapped for suicide attack' -- BBC
9-year-old girl told to be suicide bomber, Pakistan police say -- CNN
Pakistani girl said she escaped kidnappers who tried to get her to bomb checkpoint -- New York Daily News
Taliban kidnaps child for suicide bombing -- UPI
Kidnap girl, 9, forced to wear suicide bomb vest -- Sydney Morning Herald
Targeting girls -- Express Tribune
Mystery continues to shroud arrest -- The International News

Border Clashes Between Pakistani Troops And The Taliban Continues For A Third Day

Pakistani Taliban Claim Responsibility for Cross-Border Attack -- Voice of America

The Pakistani Taliban says its forces in Afghanistan are responsible for a deadly raid in Pakistan.

A Taliban spokesman made the claim Friday during a phone call with reporters. He said about 40 to 50 insurgents were involved in the cross-border attack on a security checkpoint near Pakistan's northwestern Dir tribal area. The government says up to 400 militants had swarmed the area.

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More News On Pakistan's War Against The Taliban

Hundreds besiege Pakistan border area for third day -- AFP
Pakistani troops force back militants from across Afghan border for 3rd day, scores dead -- Washington Post
Taliban vow more attacks against Pak govt, military facilities -- Times of India
80 dead in Upper Dir gunbattle -- The Nation
30 security officials, 40 terrorists killed in Dir raid -- Daily Times
Pakistani-Afghan border clashes kill 70 -- Xinhuanet
Militants from Afghanistan clash with Pakistani forces -- Seattle Times/AP
Hundreds besiege Upper Dir border area for third day -- DAWN/AFP
27 security personnel, 45 Taliban killed in Dir -- DAWN
Pakistan Taliban claims cross-border raid -- Reuters
Cross-border raid: Demarche delivered after Dir raid leaves 75 dead -- Express Tribune

70 Killed In 2-Day Battle On Pak-Afghan Border

At Least 70 Killed In 2-Day Battle On Pak-Afghan Border -- Washington Post

PESHAWAR, Pakistan – At least 70 people have been killed in two days of intense fighting between between Pakistani security forces and hundreds of militants who crossed from Afghanistan into northwest Pakistan, officials said.

Local officials and residents in Upper Dir, a remote valley that borders the Afghan province of Konar, said Pakistani troops regained control of the area after 36 hours of fierce clashes with heavily armed militants who attacked a police checkpoint on Wednesday.

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More News On The 2-Day Battle On The Pak-Afghan Border

Pakistan: 63 die in border clash with militants -- Yahoo News/AP
Nearly 30 Pakistani police, 40 militants killed in raid -- Yahoo News/Reuters
Taliban border attack kills 28 in Pakistan -- AFP
Afghan militants ambush Pakistan troops in Upper Dir -- BBC
Official: Afghan militants attack Pakistani checkpoint, killing dozens -- CNN
Day-long Attack Kills 23 in Northwestern Pakistan -- Voice of America
22 security, 45 militants killed in Dir operation -- Pak Tribune
27 Pakistani Troops Dead as Border Clash Enters Second Day -- New York Times
Militant Attack Kills More Than 50 Pakistani Soldiers And Militants At Afghan Border -- Radio Free Europe
Bloodbath at Pakistani checkpoint -- Stuff.co.nz

My Comment: U.S./NATO forces are located not far away in Afghanistan. The size of the Taliban forces is impressive, and it indicates to me that Pakistan is failing (or unable) to stop or impede the Taliban in this region.

Pakistani Military Denies That It Has Plans For An Offensive In North Waziristan

Pakistani Military Denies Plans For Offensive In North Waziristan -- Voice Of America

A top Pakistani military commander is ruling out an imminent offensive against Taliban and al-Qaida-linked militants in the North Waziristan tribal region. The United States has long urged Pakistan to conduct a military operation to uproot militants who launch cross-border attacks on U.S. and NATO forces in Afghanistan.

Recent media reports suggested that the United States has finally persuaded Pakistan to launch an offensive in the North Waziristan tribal district to dislodge sanctuaries of the Haqqani network, which allegedly has ties to Pakistan's spy agency.

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More News On Pakistan Denying That There Are Plans For An Offensive In North Waziristan

Army rules out North Waziristan operation -- Daily Times
No plans for North Waziristan campaign: Pakistan commanders -- Reuters
Pakistan general dismisses North Waziristan 'hype' -- AFP

My Comment: I guess this was all just talk, as well as this.

Did U.S. Forces Enter Pakistan (Again) To Capture Extremists

A US Raid Captures Taliban In North Waziristan? -- Long War Journal

Two unconfirmed reports from Pakistan today claim that "NATO" forces in two helicopters crossed from Afghanistan into Pakistan's tribal agency of North Waziristan, snatched five Taliban/Haqqani Network members, and took them back across the border into Afghanistan. The reports differ: Xinhua claimed five leaders from the Movement of the Taliban in Pakistan were captured, while The Nation said five Haqqani Network operatives were captured.

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Update: Nato frisks away 5 men in unilateral NWA raid -- The Nation

My Comment: It is hard to know if this story is true .... especially since the focus is to now invade this part of Pakistan with Pakistani troops.

Pakistan Preparing To Attack The Taliban In North Waziristan

Is Pakistan Going To Attack The Taliban In North Waziristan? -- Long War Journal

Pakistani sources are telling The News that the military has agreed to launch "a careful and meticulous military offensive" in the tribal agency of North Waziristan. The report has not been confirmed, and we've heard multiple reports over the past two years of an impending operation in the Taliban and al Qaeda stronghold that never occurred. Here is the meat of The News report on the latest yet-to-be-launched North Waziristan operation:

The understanding for carrying out the operation was developed during the recently-concluded visit of the US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Admiral Mike Mullen. Pakistan has always maintained that any such operation would be at its own time of choosing. It argues that its 140,000 troops committed to the northwest are too stretched fighting militants who pose a domestic threat.

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More News On Pakistan's Planned offensive In North Waziristan

Report: Pakistan to Launch Operation in North Waziristan -- Voice of America
Pakistan to launch offensive in North Waziristan - report -- Reuters
Report: Operation in North Waziristan set -- UPI
Pakistan to launch offensive military attack in N. Waziristan -- IBTimes
Pakistan under pressure to launch attacks on Islamist militants -- The Telegraph
Pakistan to launch operation in North Waziristan: Report -- Express Tribune
Forces’ ‘selective’ actions in N Waziristan on cards -- Online International News
Pak to launch military operation in North Waziristan: Report -- Daily India/ANI
Report: Operation in North Waziristan set -- Ganut News
Pakistan Aid Agencies to Prepare for N.Waziristan Evacuation -- New York Times/Reuters
Pakistan may permit US troops in N. Waziristan offensive -- World Bulletin
Stirring up the hornet’s nest in Pakistan’s northwest -- Afghan Journal/Reuters
Factbox: Reports of offensive puts North Waziristan in focus -- Reuters

After The Taliban Raid On A Pakistani Naval Base, Questions Arise On The Security Of The Country's Nuclear Arsenal

Pakistan Media Ridicules Military After Attack -- Yahoo News/Reuters

ISLAMABAD (Reuters) – Pakistan's military was ridiculed and accused of complicity in the media on Tuesday after a small group of militants laid siege to a naval air base, holding out for 16 hours against about 100 commandos and rangers.

As few as six militants infiltrated the PNS Mehran naval base in Karachi, the headquarters of Pakistan's naval air wing, on Sunday night, killing 10 security forces and wounding 20.

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More News On Pakistan And Concerns Over The Security Of Its Nuclear Arsenal

NATO concern over Pakistan nuclear arsenal -- Al Jazeera
Taliban Strike Raises Concerns Over Safety of Pakistan’s Nuclear Weapons -- Bloomberg
Navy siege rattles Pakistan -- The Australian
Contradictions emerge in accounts of Pakistan raid -- Yahoo News/AP
How did six Taliban hold off 100 security forces for 16 hours? -- Reuters
Pakistan’s Military Faces New Questions After Raid -- New York Times
‘Star Wars’ Terrorists Storm Pakistani Naval Base -- The Danger Room
Naval base attack weakens Pakistan's counter-terror surveillance -- Reuters

Aftermath Of The Taliban's Attack On A Major Pakistani Military Base

18 Hour Raid At Karachi Naval Base Heaps Humiliation On Pakistan -- The Telegraph

Armed militants stormed a naval base in Karachi, keeping Pakistani forces at bay for 18 hours, heaping further embarrassment on the country's powerful military establishment yesterday (MON).

Commandos managed to regain control of the navy facility but not before the extremists, armed with grenades and automatic weapons, killed 12 security officers and destroyed two planes.

The Pakistani Taliban claimed responsibility for the raid, which they said was in revenge for the death of Osama bin Laden earlier this month.

This ease with which a handful of attackers were able to penetrate a military base will increase pressure on the country's military leadership, already embarrassed by a US special forces operation to kill the al-Qaeda leader on its soil.

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More News On The Taliban Attack Of A Major Pakistani Naval Base

Pakistan humiliated by Bin Laden revenge attack -- The Independent
Taliban raid: After another blow to its image, Pakistan's military regains control of base -- Christian Science Monitor
4 terrorists, 10 personnel killed in attack on Mehran base: Rehman Malik -- Associated Press Of Pakistan
How the Pakistan air base strike happened -- Financial Times
Pakistan retakes naval base after attack -- Yahoo News/Reuters
Pakistani commandos regain control of Karachi military base -- The Guardian
Before Attack, Pakistan’s Navy Boasted of Role in Fight Against Taliban -- New York Times
Naval base attack raises questions over safety of Pak nukes -- Times of India
Naval base attack: Big blow to Pakistan's snooping capabilities -- Times of India

Taliban Militants Storm A Major Pakistani Naval Base In Karachi

Pakistan: Militants Attack Karachi Naval Air Base -- BBC

The BBC's Shahzeb Jillani says this attack will be deeply embarrassing for Pakistan.

Gunmen have attacked a military base in the Pakistani city of Karachi, killing at least 11 soldiers, officials say.

The attackers are now holding hostages, including Chinese military personnel, at the Mehran naval aviation base.

Eight hours after the incident began, blasts and gunfire were heard as security forces brought in more troops and tackled the militants.

The Pakistani Taliban says it is responsible for carrying out the attack.

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More News On Today's Taliban Attack Of A Major Pakistani Naval Air Base

Militants storm Pakistani naval base in Karachi -- Yahoo News/AP
Battle with militants reaches climax at Pakistan base -- Yahoo News/Reuters
Militants storm Pakistan naval air base, five dead -- Yahoo News/AFP
Battle at Karachi naval base rages -- Financial Times
10 killed as terrorists attack Pak military base -- Rediff
Militants Attack Karachi Military Base, 4 Killed -- Voice of America
9 killed, several airplanes destroyed in air force base attack in Pakistan -- Xinhuanet
Militants strike naval air base in Pakistan -- Washington Post
Pakistan Gun Battle Rages as Militants Storm Naval Air Base -- Bloomberg
Gunmen storm Karachi military base -- The Telegraph
Eight more blasts rock naval base in Karachi -- Reuters
Official: 4 killed after militants attack Pakistani naval air station -- CNN
Pakistani Taliban claim responsibility for Karachi attack -- Reuters
Taliban Claim Deadly Attack On Pakistani Naval Base -- Radio Free Europe
Karachi attack 'embarassing for Pakistan' -- BBC

Are Pakistan's Islamic Militants About To Be Defeated?

Photo: General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani (file photo)

Pakistan Army: We Have Broken Terrorists' Backbone -- Strait Times

ISLAMABAD - PAKISTAN'S army chief said on Saturday that his forces have broken the 'backbone' of Islamist militants in the country in an apparent attempt to counter American criticism over the country's campaign against extremism.

It was unclear on what basis General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani made his comments. While the army has conducted several operations against militants close to the Afghan border, the country is routinely rocked by terror attacks and extremists still hold sway in many tribal regions.

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My Comment: With the exception of General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani himself, no one has come out and voiced this same opinion .... I repeat .... no one.

Casualties Rise In Pakistan's War Against The Militants

The country witnessed a series of faith-based attacks in which not only were minorities targeted but 418 Muslims belonging to various sects were killed. File Photo

Pakistan Militants Killed 2,500 In 2010, Report Says -- BBC

More than 2,500 people were killed in militant attacks in Pakistan in 2010, according to the independent Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP).

Nearly half of victims were civilians killed in suicide blasts. There were 67 such attacks last year, the group said.

The report also said at least 900 people had been killed in US drone strikes during the same period.

The number of people killed by the army is not mentioned, but it estimated to be in the region of 600-700.

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More News On the Violence In Pakistan

Human Rights Commission Critical of Pakistan -- Voice of America
Pakistan rights commission report bleak -- UPI
Govt personnel involved in rights abuse: HRCP -- DAWN
Report: More Attacks on Minorities, Protection Weak in Pakistan -- Christian Post
Over 12000 murdered across Pakistan in 2010: HRCP -- Pakistan Observer
Over 12,000 murders across Pakistan in 2010: HRCP -- Express Tribune
12,580 people killed in Pakistan in 2010, over 900 in U.S. drone strikes – HRCP -- Channel 6 News
U.S. drones kill 957 civilian Pakistanis in 2010: report -- Xinhuanet
US drones kill 957 in Pakistan in 2010 -- Voice of Russia
Pakistani city is hit by new round of targeted killings -- BBC

Heavy Fighting Reported In Pakistan's Tribal Regions

Pakistanis Flee Army Offensive Near Afghan Border -- BBC

At least 20,000 people have fled fierce fighting between troops and militants in the Pakistani tribal region of Mohmand, officials and witnesses say.

Many of the displaced are sheltering in temporary camps, the authorities add.

Troops have been using helicopter gunships and heavy weapons to pound suspected militant positions for a week, according to residents.

Mohmand, on the border with Afghanistan, has long served as a sanctuary for the Taliban and al-Qaeda.

"We are targeting militant hideouts there," military spokesman Maj-Gen Athar Abbas confirmed.

The army told the BBC that 60 to 70 militants had been killed in what it calls a search and clearance operation.

There is no independent confirmation of the casualty figures - independent media have no access to the area.

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More News On Pakistan's Offensive In The Tribal Regions

22,000 Pakistanis flee fighting near Afghan border -- AP
Scores flee Pakistan army operation -- Al Jazeera
22,000 flee due to fighting in Pakistan -- Sify News
Military operation forces 22,000 to flee Pakistani tribal region -- DNA
100 militants dead, 22,000 residents have evacuated from Pakistan -- All Voices
About 22,000 flee Mohmand operation: UN -- Pakistan Observer
About 22,000 Pakistanis flee fighting in Mohmand -- Dawn/AP

Female Suicide Bomber Kills Dozens In Pakistan

Female Bomber Kills Dozens in Pakistan, Official Says -- New York Times

PESHAWAR, Pakistan — A suicide bomber believed to be a woman killed 42 people and wounded 80 others in the northwestern Bajaur tribal region on Saturday, an area official said.

The official, who requested that he not be identified because he was not authorized to speak to reporters, said that a woman wearing a burqa was stopped at a security post in the tribal region boardering Afghanistan.

“She threw a hand grenade, and before the security force could respond, she detonated herself,” the official said.

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More news on Today's Suicide Attack In Pakistan

More than 80 dead in Pakistan suicide bombing and raids -- Yahoo News/AFP
Female bomber kills 43 at food center in Pakistan -- Yahoo News/AP
Burqa-clad suicide bomber kills 40 in Pakistan -- Yahoo News/Reuters
Suicide bomber in burka kills 40 queuing for food aid in Pakistan -- The Telegraph
Pakistan suicide bomb kills scores -- The Guardian
43 killed outside World Food Programme distribution area in Pakistan -- CNN
Suicide bomber attacks crowded food center in Pakistan; dozens dead -- Washington Post
Suspected Suicide Bomber Kills 41 in Pakistan -- Voice of America
Suicide bomber kills at least 42 seeking food aid in Pakistan -- L.A. Times
Deadly Pakistan suicide blast hits crowd of hundreds -- BBC
Backgrounder: Major bombing attacks in Pakistan in 2010 -- Xinhuanet

Pakistan Will Not Heed U.S. Requests To Attack Insurgent Strongholds On The Afghan/Pakistan Border

Despite U.S. Aid Pledge, Pakistan Plans No New Offensives

LAHORE, Pakistan — Despite the Obama administration's pleas last week at a top-level "strategic dialogue" and a new pledge of $2 billion in U.S. military aid, Pakistan has no near-term plans to launch new offensives in its tribal area to aid the U.S. war effort in Afghanistan, officials and analysts said Friday.

The focus of U.S. demands is North Waziristan, on the Afghan border, where Pakistan has provided sanctuary to the Haqqani network since the U.S.-led invasion of Afghanistan after the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

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More News On Pakistani Unwillingness To Attach Militants on The Afghan/Pakistan Border

In Pakistan, Uncertainty Grows Over North Waziristan Operation -- Radio Free Europe
Time not right for Taliban attack: Pakistan -- The Australian
Pakistan Resists Military Action in 'Epicenter of Terrorism' -- Voice of America
External pressure for NWA operation not acceptable: FM -- Daily Times
Pakistan not to bow to foreign pressure for NW operation: FM -- Xinhuanet

My Comment: There is no political will in Pakistan to expand military operations against Islamic extremists in their country .... none whatsoever.

Pakistan Civil War News Updates -- September 1/2, 2010

Civilians Die In Pakistani Air Raid Targeting Militants -- BBC

At least six civilians were among about 45 people reported killed in Pakistani military air strikes targeting militants in the north-west.

Security officials said family members were among those who died in the raids in the Khyber tribal district.

According to the officials, Pakistani jets and helicopters pounded targets in the Tirah valley from where suicide attacks were being prepared.

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More News On Pakistan's War Against The Taliban

Pakistani jets target militant hideouts, 60 killed -- AP
Pakistan raids kill 62 militants and family members -- Reuters
Death toll from air strikes in Pakistan rises -- CNN
Pakistan air strike killed at least 60 -- Zeiza
Air raid kills 60 alleged militants in Pakistan -- NDTV

Lahore blasts deepen threat to foreign aid workers in Pakistan -- Christian Science Monitor
Punjabi Taliban kill 29 in attacks on religious processions in Lahore -- Long War Journal
Triple bomb blasts hit Lahore Shia procession -- BBC
Blasts said to kill 25 Shiite mourners -- UPI
Blasts rock Lahore; at least 28 dead -- CNN
Pakistani Taliban claims responsibility for Lahore attacks -- Xinhuanet

Pakistani troops killed militant chief -- UPI
30 militants surrender in Pakistani tribal area -- Newsy
Pakistan Security Brief - September 1, 2010 -- AEI Critical Threats
Pakistan Tribal Elders: Living On A Sword's Edge -- Eurasia Review

The Taliban Are Coming Back In Pakistan

Taliban Regrouping In Pakistan Areas Thought Secure -- Washington Times

Insurgents expanding to additional territories.

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan | As Pakistan delays a long-awaited offensive in North Waziristan, the remote area dubbed the last bastion of indigenous Taliban and al Qaeda, Taliban insurgents are quietly staging a comeback in several districts and territories where the military earlier declared victories.

Simultaneously, Islamist fighters are spreading into parts of the Pakistani tribal belt that previously had no Taliban presence as they also extend their reach and bolster roots in main areas of Pakistan.

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My Comment: After committing tens of thousands of soldiers and a long and bloody campaign .... the Taliban are now coming back. If this continues, one will have to question if Pakistan's counter-insurgency campaign is working, and if not .... to then look for an alternative strategy.