FRC first quarter report 2016: Violence by banned outfits increases 34% this year

Highest number of terrorist attacks recorded in Mohmand

SHABQADAR: Militancy and violence increased by 34% in Federally Administered Tribal Areas is on the rise since the start of 2016 as compared to the last quarter of 2015.

This was stated in a report issued by the Fata Research Centre (FRC).

According to a copy of the report available with The Express Tribune, improvised explosive devices (IED) were used in 42% of attacks while 26% involved ambushes on security forces and
tribal elders.



However, 64% of people who died or were injured in the attacked were terrorists. This shows the effectiveness of the counter-terrorism measures employed by the government.

Numbers and analysis

The report stated Mohmand Agency recorded the highest number of terrorist attacks while North Waziristan Agency witnessed the highest number of counter-terrorist operations from January to March 31.

According to Irfanuddin, a security analyst at FRC, Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan Jamaatul Ahrar (TTP-JA) has emerged as the most virulent terrorist group in not only the northern agencies of Fata but also in districts adjoining Peshawar.

Newer alliances are emerging within militant factions and will change the way violence is executed, he said.

Irfanuddin said the resurgence of militant groups directly threatens the security situation in Peshawar and its adjoining districts. He added locals in Peshawar’s suburbs adjacent to Darra Adam Khel are reportedly patrolling their villages during night.

The incidents of extortion in Peshawar and surrounding districts have risen once more after witnessing a brief decline during the last quarter of 2015. In South Waziristan, attacks by militants have penetrated as deep as Serwaki tehsil.

These attacks took place in Mehsud territory earlier that had been cleared under Operation Rah-e-Nijat in 2009. Such attacks may inhibit repatriation of Mehsud internally displaced persons (IDP) to their ancestral area.

Terrorist attacks were also reported from the area of Suleman Khel tribe which had hitherto remained peaceful.

Kurram Agency has witnessed a spike in terrorist activities. The security situation in North Waziristan, Orakzai and Khyber agencies could worsen if militants are allowed to regroup in Kurram.

“It may also reignite sectarian violence since with rising temperature, this summer may witness an unprecedented level of violence compared to the previous year,” the report added.

Emerging rifts

On the other hand, militant outfits are gradually losing control over their commanders, who are either acting independently or switching their loyalties.

For the first time prominent militant commanders surrendered to the government.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 26^th,  2016.