4 October 2023

Balochistan

 An unknown shooter martyred a CTD police officer named Saeed Ahmed at Jail Road, Quetta. Defunct Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) claimed responsibility of the attack (19 September).

In two separate incidents, shooters shot dead an autorickshaw driver Hussain (Hazra Community) and another person by the name of Abdul Qadir in Quetta (19 September).

 Unknown assalients shot dead National Awami Party Centeal leader (ANP) Arabab Ghulam Kasi in Kuchlak area of Quetta district (20 September)

Unidentified shooters, equipped with automatic weapons, martyred the Levies force official Abdul Bari in Mazai Ada area of Qila Abdullah, a bordering district with Afghanistan (24 September). The personnel deployed at the post immediately returned fire, forcing the motorcyclists to run away.

LEAs foiled an attempt of vehicle bomb attack on the city and seized a car carrying 35 k.g high explosive from a parking lot near a police station on the Eastern bypass of Quetta (27 September).

Security forces foiled the attempt of infiltrating terrorists from Afghanista near the border in Sambaza area of Zob district and killed three out of them. However, during the exchange of fire with them four soldiers – Havildar Sattar, Lance Naiks Sher Azam and Adnan and Sepoy Nadeem embraced martyerdom (28 September).

Sixty people including a police officer, DSP Nawaz Ghaskori, were killed and a large number of other persons wounded in a powerful suicide bomb blast in the Eid Milad-ul-Nabi procession near Madina Mosque in Mastung district. No militant group has claimed responsibility. The pattern of attack leads suspicion to ISIS-K/Daesh while the involvement of the Indian intelligence RAW also cannot be ruled out (29 September).

Comments & Analysis: The pattern of the attack suggests a potential involvement of ISIS-K/Daesh. Mastung has been identified as a hub for such groups, and their past activities in the area raise suspicions. The recent attack on JUI(F) leader Hamdullah and the killing of a main commander of ISKP in the area underscore the persistent security threats in Mastung.

Investigating agencies and intelligence agencies ought to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation into the incident to determine the perpetrators and their motives. It is advisable to engage international agencies if necessary to ensure a comprehensive examination. A strong and sustained collaboration with China and Iram in counterterrorism efforts can pay dividends. Share intelligence, best practices, and coordinate actions to prevent cross-border terrorism.

The enormity of the incident emphasizes the necessity of conducting a deeper and more sustained combing operation in the Mastung area. This operation should aim to track and tackle terrorists and their facilitators who may be operating in the region. This operation should involve intelligence agencies, law enforcement, and the military working collaboratively.

The mention of the possible involvement of the Indian intelligence agency RAW adds a geopolitical dimension to the incident. Albeit Indian involvement in igniting the security situation in Balochistan is an open secret, thorough and deeper investigation is required to gather fool-proof evidence in this regard. It is important to diplomatically engage with relevant authorities to address concerns and seek cooperation in counterterrorism efforts.

It is imperative to strengthen security measures in Mastung and other vulnerable areas. Additional security forces should be deployed and advanced surveillance techniques must be employed to deter and respond to potential threats.

Involve local communities in intelligence gathering and counterterrorism efforts. Building trust with the local population can yield valuable information and assistance in identifying and preventing potential threats.

The heart and minds policy are an integral part of any counter terrorism and counter insurgency policy. It is high time to address the root causes of terrorism, which may include socioeconomic disparities, political grievances, and religious extremism. Implement policies and initiatives that promote inclusivity and address the underlying issues contributing to radicalization.

Simultaneously, there is a need to raise public awareness about the security situation and encourage vigilance. Inform the public about potential threats and the importance of reporting suspicious activities to the authorities. Provide emergency response training to local law enforcement and community members to enhance their ability to respond effectively to incidents and minimize casualties.

To top all, the federal and provincial governments should ensure political stability in the region, as internal political tensions can exacerbate security challenges. Political unity is essential in addressing and preventing acts of terrorism.

Implementing these suggestions requires a coordinated and multifaceted approach involving security forces, intelligence agencies, local communities, and international partners. The goal should be to prevent future incidents and create a secure environment for the residents of Mastung and the broader region.

KPK

Unknown shooters martyred a police constable named Farman in a targeted attack in Miranshah in North Waziristan district (18 September).

Three police personnel including ASI Asif Iqbal, Constables- Javed and HaniburRehmsn were injured in exchange of fire with shooters in Bachkha Ahmadzai area of Lakki Marwat district (18 September).

Unidentified shooters martyred Police Constable Nazar Khan in Hathala area of Dera Ismail Khan district (19 September).

Police in an IBO arrested a gang of kidnappers led by one Jamshed and rescued two abductees – Haseeb Gul and @ Suhail from their captivity in Khyber district. The accused had demanded one hundred million rupees as ransom from their families against release (19 September).

Security forces killed six terrorists during exchange of fire in Janikhel area of Bannu district (20 September).

Security forces killed two terrorists in Datakhel area of North Waziristan district (20 September).

Security forces killed one terrorist identified as Ikramullah during exchange of fire in Malachi area of Dera Ismail Khan district (20 September).

Police recovered 350 k.g gunpowder during the search from an auto rickshaw at Nala post and arrested the driver Haroon Rashid in Bara tehsil of Khyber district (21 September).

Police arrested its two own police officers including constable Abdul Qaider allegedly involved in throwing grenade at the residence of Eng Arifullah in Nawagibaba area of Bara thesil in Khyber district (23 September).

LEAs and police in an IBO arrested two alleged terrorists identified as Almgir and Rehmatullah from Peshawar. They were working as facilitators of an Afghan based defunct TTP commander Abdul Razak to provide him names, pictures, and videos of the potential targeted citizens with the aim of making extortion phone calls to pay ransom amount. They were also involved in running Illegal business of weapons and explosives at Dara Adam Khel in Kohat district. Several extortion calls were made by Abdul Razzak from Afghanistan to the local cutizens (23 September).

During conducting of a police raid at the hideout of a kidnapper Hikmatullah, exchange of fire took place between the two side in Sultankhel area of Lakki Marwat which led to the killing of kidnapper as well as the young hostage Sadia Bibi (23 September).

Engineer Amir Khattak who alongwith his labourers was abducted by unknown armed persons from Pir Mela Zakakhel in Tirah valley for alleged ransom a month ago, was finally freed by their kidnappers at Swakh Garhi Kamarkhel area in Khyber district (24 September).

Unidentified armed persons abducted the former minority community Chairperson Veerban from Kirri Shamozai area of Dera Ismail Khan (24 September).

Unknown assaliants shot dead three persons including a woman in Junglekhel area of Khost. Investigations are underway to determine whether it was an act of terrorism or personnel enmity (26 September).

Security forces killed three terrorists including one identified as Kifyat @ Tor Adnan during exchange of fire in Tirah valley of Khyber district (26 September).

CTD and police in a joint operation killed a wanted terrorist identified as Samiullah during exchange of fire in Kir Milan area of Kalachi tehsil in Dera Ismail Khan district (26 September).

Unknown shooters shot dead a tribal elder Malik Shawrl Khan in Mamashkhel area of Bannu district (27 September).

LEAs along with CTD busted a big network of extortionists in the country being run by defunct TTP to carry out terrorism. Faizullah of Mohmand district and Saeedullah Afghan national and have been arrested from Mardan and Lahore, respectively. They coerced and intimidated a number of people, particularly businessmen, to pay extortion money (27 September).

Police during a search recovered six Kalashnikovs, seven handguns, four rifles, fifteen pistols, fifty-six magazines and 14500 bullets from a car in Shabqadar, Charsada district which were being smuggled. Police also arrested the two carriers in the car identified as Bilal and Anar Gul (27 September).

Security forces killed a high value terrorist identified as Faisal wanted in Katlang area of Mardan district (29 September).

Lance Naik Gherat Khan embraced martyerdom in exchange of fire with terrorists in Parachanar area of Kurram district (29 September).

Unknown assalients killed local NADRA office Watchman Kamran at Bakkakhel in Bannu district (29 September).

Five persons, including a police official, were killed in two suicide bomb blasts in a mosque adjacent to the Doaba police station in Hangu. According to a report the finger impression of one of the suicide bombers could not match with the available data of the Pakistani nationals in NADRA (29 September).

Unknown armed motorcyclists shot dead Awami National Party (ANP) local leader Javed Khan in Swabi (30 September).

Ten terrorists were killed by the security forces in an IBO in Tank district (3 Oct).

Islamabad

CTD police Islamabad in a tip off raid arrested two alleged terrorists identified as Mouez Ahmed and Imran Younas from Khunapul area near the twin city limits of Islamabad and Rawalpindi and recovered weapons and explosive material from their possession (23 September).

Punjab

Three terrorists were killed while a police Head constable Haroon was martyred in exchange of fire during the attack of a group of 14/15 terrorists on the Kundal police post in Mianwali district. Out of the slain terrorists, two were identified as Zubair Nawaz and Muhammad Khan of defunct TTP (Tipu group) of Lakki Marwat (1st October). Zubair Nawaz is brother of Arshad Nawaz, the Ameer of TTP Tipu Group of Lakki Marwat. He was a high-priority individual on the most-wanted lists in both Punjab and KPK provinces due to his involvement in the killings of police officers, Shia community members, robberies, and extortion. The second terrorist, Muhammad Khan, was identified as a resolute member of the group, even more dangerous than Zubair.

Comments & Analysis: Though the police force fought bravely and defended the police station quite well, there seems to be either absence of credible intelligence regarding the movement of the terrorists or the threat alert was not given due attention. Such plans should be foiled beforehand, and the attackers should be neutralised before reaching the target. This goal can be achieved by strengthening intelligence-gathering mechanisms to ensure timely and credible information about the movements and plans of terrorist groups.

Threat assessment protocols are either non-existent or are ignored. There is a need to review and enhance threat assessment protocols to ensure that all potential threats are thoroughly evaluated. It should be ensured that threat alerts are promptly and thoroughly evaluated. It will help prioritize the allocation of resources based on the assessed level of threat to critical infrastructure such as police posts.

Based on these arrangements, it would be easier to implement or improve early warning systems that can detect and alert security forces about potential threats in advance. This can include technological solutions, informants, and community engagement to gather information.

It is important to foster collaboration with local communities to gather intelligence and raise awareness about potential security threats. Engaging with the community can provide valuable information and enhance the overall security apparatus.

It is high time to embrace modern technologies, such as surveillance cameras, drones, and other monitoring tools, to enhance situational awareness and provide real-time information to security forces.

Implementing these recommendations requires a comprehensive and proactive approach to counterterrorism. By focusing on intelligence, community engagement, training, and technology, law enforcement agencies can enhance their capabilities to prevent and respond to terrorist threats effectively.

Sindh

Unknown assalients killed one Sher Khan hailing from Swat in Gulshan-e-Iqbal, Karach (21 September).

CTD police, Hyferabad claimed to have arrested an alleged terrorist Imdad Ali affiliated with Sindhudesh Revolutionary Army (SRA) from Jamshoro (24 September).

Nine persons including four men and women and five children were killed in a rocket launcher shell blast at the house of Ali Nawaz Sabzoi in area of Kandkot tehsil, Kashmore district. Police during initial investigation is of the view that the rocket shell might have links with the weapons possessed by docoits hiding in the riverain area of Kacha (27 September).

Unknown shooters in a targeted attack killed one Qaiser Farooq and injured the other Shakir, students of Gulshan-i-Umar seminary in Samanabad, Karachi (30 September).

Overview: The month of September witnessed highest numbers of attacks by the terrorist outfits particularly TTP and ISIS-K/Daesh in Pakistan. Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir has said that terrorists and their facilitators, having no link with religion and ideology, are proxies of the enemies of Pakistan and its people. He vowed that the state would deal with them with all available resources. Also, caretaker Interior Minister Sarfraz Bugti said the state will go after Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and Daesh to eliminate their dens. He hinted at involvement of Indian intelligence agency RAW behind such attacks to create instability in the country. According to some political critics, the growing attacks by ISKP/Daesh indicate the strengthening of the outfits by joining hands with the other militant organisations including TTP and LeJ and spreading its targets out of Afghanistan more vigorously. There is also a need to share data about ‘Daesh’ with the friendly countries including Turkey, Iran, and China. At the same time, the analysts should carefully examine geopolitical interests of India and big powers in the region for their links behind increase of such attacks in Pakistan. According to the Interior Minister, illegal Aghan nationals were responsible for fourteen out of twenty-four suicide bombings in Pakistan this year. The Apex Committee has decided to deal with undocumented immigrants and armed organisations in a stern manner. Undocumented immigrants will have to leave Pakistan by Nov 1, 2023.