A file photo of security personnel inspecting a burnt out police checkpost following an attack by armed militants last year. PHOTO: AFP
DERA ISMAIL KHAN: Militants attacked an isolated army checkpoint in Lakki Marwat on Saturday, with at least 31 people killed in the initial assault, subsequent crossfire and a rocket attack on a house, officials said.
The Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) claimed responsibility, saying the attack was in response to a US drone strike in North Waziristan last month in which two commanders were killed.
Security sources said at least 12 militants and nine officials and civilians were killed in the clash. Two bodies had suicide bomb belts on them, an official said.
"Cross-firing between militants and security officials continued for four hours," one source said.
The militants also targeted a house next to the camp with rockets, killing 10 members of one family, sources said.
"Pakistan has been co-operating with the US in its drone strikes that killed our two senior commanders, Faisal Khan and Toofani, and the attack on military camp was the revenge of their killing," the TTP spokesman said.
He said four suicide bombers attacked the camp and blew themselves up. He said more than a dozen soldiers were killed.
COMMENTS (49)
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@Nadir: It will be good for you and the country if you will open your eyes in the world of reality rather than grope in a world of imaginary conspiracies.
@Shaikhchalli: Thanks for the benevolent gesture. I hope hatred gives way to affection.
@Basit: You appear to be well informed and knowledge over situation my friend. Aren't you duty bound to help your own people from hole? Pl do something whatever you are capable of. Long live Pakistan.
I make this appeal so as to save my countrymen. I hope we also will be better when you are doing fine.
Hope wisdom prevails and no one sheds blood. Human life is worth more than this love less acrocities for sure. May Allah bless heven to the departed.
Lastly i don't understand why should innocent pakistanis pay with their lives while those gun wielding hard cores have grudge against America. If they are really powerful, their ability shall be tested against those who drone them.
The military's top brass are relaxing in their centrally air-conditioned posh bunglows whereas their men and civilians are dying at posts and streets respectively. However, nobody in Pakistan dare ask them of such gross indifference when there is state of anarchy in the whole country.
@sandeep limaye:
You wrote my thoughts.
And still PAK thinks that the threat is in the east and from drones and Abattobad visit?
The first and last casualties of Islamic extremism are the Muslim countries since others see it very clearly where it is leading into.
TTP agenda has nothing to do with AFG or US. Their only agenda is sharia land as it was in AFG and they are not going to rest until they get what they want or until they are wiped out.
PAK is an easy target for TTP achievement because of many local sympathizers and strategic retired military commanders in TTP subsidiary wings.
Pakistani army should immediately stop co operating with American army and help tribals in their fight against terrorism.
@BlackJack: You can discretely fund and attack someone at the same time. For the US, TTP are just collateral damage.
Now, look back and see what happened after the Abottabad raid. Zardari made the last attempt to wipe out terrorists from Pakistan with USA's assistance and support. He promised unconditional support to USA. He also tried to save the Establishment by taking credit for the raid. Even at the cost of sounding a lier, he claimed that Pakistan provided valuable information and worked jointly with the US to eliminate OBL. Had the Establishment and Judiciary supported him instead of going after him, it would have been a good turning point. This was not long ago. The problem is that, even today, the army is supporting some factions of the terrorists in the hope that they shall control Afghanistan through them. The civilian government is careful as they know that the army has not abandoned their hope to rule Pakistan again. Everyone is confused and careful because they do not know the intentions of the others.
If Pakistan is not able to wipe out the terrorists from both Pakistan and Afghanistan before the US leaves the region, it would be disastrous for Pakistan.
Condolences for the families of the bereaved and wish the injured a speedy recovery. @Mustafa alvi: Ali Khan's comment proves his concern was not without merit. @lala gee should respond to @BlackJack's question. I am guessing based on his other posts that @nadir was being sarcastic.
i fail to understand stupid arguments in this forum, TTP being funded by US or any one else. the question is, WHAT THE HELL THE GOVT AND ARMY ARE DOING. IS THE MIL OPS WORTH THE BLOOD OF MORE INNOCENTS BEFORE WE DECIDE TO CARRY OUT THE DECISIVE MIL OPS.
PLEASE WAKE UP PAKISTAN BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE>
@Haris Chaudhry: You are right. We are sitting like silent spectators and one day there would be no one left to be killed by these monsters. with each passing day these forces of darkness are getting strength.
@Ali Khan: Shameful. You are the kind of person he is talking about. Are you suggesting all Indians and all of us pious beings? Don't you ever look in the mirror?
@Indian: Don't worry. Those Pakistanis don't believe in anyone, including their fellow citizens or other Muslims. They are just a pathetic bunch of humanity. Your gesture is deeply appreciated.
imagine for a while --- paksitani students are studying in indian universities ---- paksitani skilled workers working in nook and corner of india---- paksitani patients are treated in indian hospitals---- pakistani businessmen are comming to india and doing business-- pakistani tourist visiting india--- pakistani players are playing in ipl and every indian league imagine for while --- indian tourist are roaming in pakistan without fear--- indian artist are performing in pakistan---- imagine for while --- indian and pakistan army is working together to eliminate this rogues from the earth--- and we are living as brothers imagine for a while ---- imagination is free it caste nothing
Accepting the truth is half a battle won.
We must uncover RAW-CIA-Mossad nexus
My Sincere Heart Felt Condolences for the Families of the Slain. TTP says it is revenge, How funny Americans kill 2 terrorist commanders and they kill thousands every day in Pakistan and not in America. The saddest part is that we are still engrossed in GOOD taliban and BAD taliban. When will the army come out of this syndrome.
@ Ali Asgard
You should realize by now that the TTP is not funded by the US...that is just a lie circulated by the Taliban supporters in Pakistan...the US is trying to kill these Taliban animals for the good of Pakistan and the US...it is the enemy within Pakistan who is funding the TTP not the west...
Should it not be the lead story. at least it is more important than the cricket match. or is it that some lives do not matter.
My prayers are with ordinary Pakistanis. There is no doubt your country is going through perhaps its worst times. May the extremists lose this war and peace wins.
After the assassination of Bashir Ahmad Bilour both the ANP and MQM leadership tried their level best to convince the leadership of mainstream political parties and religious political parties to unite and work out a national policy for curbing the menace of terror. But the mute response to ANP,S proposal of All Parties conference compelled its leadership to abandon their hope for the permanent solution to the scourge of terrorism. The statement Amir Haider Khan Hoti , KPK Chief Minister and articulation of the provincial governments changed stance on this issue by Mian Iftikhar Hussain, KPK Information Minister the other day is clear manifestation of this grim reality.
'The Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) claimed responsibility, saying the attack was in response to a US drone strike in North Waziristan last month in which two commanders were killed.'
Looking at above statement atleast one thing is clear - Drones are targeting TTP hyenas!!! Go drone go
@Jat: Nasty people like you can't help but spread the 'love' can ya... You took a harmless comment and ran amok with it. That, too, in a situation that frankly doesn't involve you in any way. Pointless. Kindly point your hatred and disdain somewhere else please.
@Ali Khan: Please change that 'WE' to an 'I' and do NOT speak for all Pakistanis. As someone else also said, a prayer is a prayer and I will gladly accept anyone's prayers or well wishes. Keep your nastiness to yourself.
TTP has given this motive only to show world that they are victimized by drone strikes. although the truth is reverse. They are funded by US . In this war the only loser is Pakistan i guess.
@Jat: fighting an insidious enemy on the eastern front and the Taliban on the western. It seems that by casting aspersions on our army your intentions are to abdicate all responsibility of the corrupt and incompetent politicians and the so called rulers. If that is the objective I suggest we beg them to take over once again, at least they can't make matters any worse.
My Sincere Heart Felt Condolences for the Families of the Slain,
Whoever It may be A Muslim,Hindu, christian, Jew, Shia or Ahmedi all have Families Some will have Wife, Kids, Mothers, Sisters Brothers who will feel the PAIN of Loss.
Stop this Madness and be real men.
Killing will never WIN any Hearts.
pakistan is safe for cricket.
@Haris Chaudhry: The only good Taliban is a dead Taliban
@Prashant Singh: @Indian: Thank you. Good to see someone nice comments. There is a need to understand that Pakistanis are victim of terrorism but we are fighting back and we will continue to fight till the complete elimination of this menace form our country.
@Pakistani: You still have hope ? Can you please explain the possible practical actions and circumstances on which you are basing your hopes upon ? What will be done, and by whom, to improve things in your country ?
Extremely sad and horrific incident. May their souls rest in peace. May Almighty give some "sense" to these people. By the way all this was started by General Zia to bleed India but now it is turning on to the Pakistan. Probably the only solution to this is the realization by Pakistani brothers is that India is not their enemy but their cultural brother and above all we (Indians and Pakistanis) share the same blood and ancestors. The sooner the better.
a peon boy where i work belongs to KPK said military started killing his people long ago consequently these groups came into existence and just like Afghanistan where taliban has local support so does TTP in kpk
@Saeed: Why don't you ask where is the Army and the Army Chief ?
@Indian : no sir prayers are always meant with clean intentions and i acknowledge ur prayer and hope for the best for u too..thank you for showing care..it gives us hope to keep standing for peace and unity:)
Looks like 2013 will be an interesting year for the fight against terrorism.
and the Pakistani Napoleons are planning their new "conquest" !
Where is the commander in chief? London, Paris, Dubai???
Indian? Very sad, as an Indian I will pray for Pakistan’s peace and prosperity (even though some Pakistanis might not be comfortable with Hindu prayers)
We dot need aneye thing from aneye indian pls Keep it for selves.
@Indian: A prayer is a prayer. These extremist might me uncomfartable with all of this but please dont mistake all of us for being like that because we are not.
its time to decide:
Either get ready to be killed and come in news some day OR Kill All these taliban rascal once for all..START A FULL FLEGEDGE CLEAN SWEEP ARMY OPERATION PLZZZ
Each day brings a new jihad in Pakistan
Was it the good-taliban or bad-taliban who carried this out ?
When will the security forces, politicians, intelligence agencies and fence sitters (including common Pakistanis) wake up to the fact that we are fast resembling a failed sub-saharan state in Africa !
These fascists murderers will not stop killing until there is no one left to kill ! Wait longer and they will come for you.
Very sad, as an Indian I will pray for Pakistan's peace and prosperity (even though some Pakistanis might not be comfortable with Hindu prayers)
Tragic. But why is the US attacking the TTP, which I thought they were funding?