Security sources said clashes in Bajaur left at least three soldiers and seven militants dead on Monday. PHOTO: AFP
ISLAMABAD: The Pakistani Taliban on Tuesday claimed responsibility for attacks on security forces in Bajaur tribal region and Shia Muslims in Rawalpindi.
Security sources said clashes in Bajaur left at least three soldiers and seven militants dead on Monday.
A group of heavily armed militants, hiding in the mountains, fired at the security forces during a search operation in Salarzai area, bordering Afghanistan, they said.
The security forces launched a counter attack and killed seven militants, the security officials confirmed.
A captain was among the three security personnel who died in the attack while two others were injured.
Spokesperson for the outlawed Tehreek-e-Taliban (TTP) Pakistan, Muhammad Khorasani, claimed responsibility for the attack and said the TTP fighters “killed six soldiers including a captain.”
“We lost only one fighter,” Khorasani told The Express Tribune via his Afghan mobile number.
Officials say that most of the militants had fled to Afghanistan and now operate from the border region.
“The fighting continued since morning until afternoon.” the TTP spokesperson had said.
Bajaur had once been a stronghold of the Taliban militants and the security forces cleared most the areas from the militants during the 2008 operation.
However, militants are believed to be hiding in some of the rugged mountains, who carry out attacks on the forces.
On Monday, the security forces launched a search operation in Banda area of Bajaur where the clash took place.
Khorasani also claimed responsibility for a recent sectarian-motivated attack in Rawalpindi.
Police in Rawalpindi say that three Shia Muslims were shot late Friday after they were returning home from a religious gathering.
A police officer Abdul Razaq said that gunmen fired at a lawyer Fayyaz Hussain Shah, 40, and his nephews Mir Ghazi Shah, 20 and Mir Hamza Shah, 22, as they reached their home.
He further said Shah was active in his Shia community and was also a local leader of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf.
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@Emjay If TTP shot dead PTI leader than Imran Khan is responsible. If petrol depleted than Imran Khan Responsible, Tell me for whom you and your affiliated party is responsible? BUT ET will censor this as he don't like Unbiased comments....
It clearly seems that the terrorists continue to press ahead with their agenda in Pakistan. The terrorists seem to have no remorse and, given the brutality of their crimes in recent weeks, it is safe to assume that they are willing to cross all lines in order to achieve their terrorist mission. To say the least, Pakistan is faced with the growing threat of terrorism at the moment, but we stand with the brave nation of Pakistan during these testing times. We have full confidence in Pakistan's ability to counter the growing threat of terrorism. Our officials are meeting regularly to address our common concerns in regards to the region's (Afghanistan and Pakistan) security and stability. We repeat what Rear Admiral John Kirby said during a press briefing in Washington last week: "It is for Pakistan to continue the fight against terrorism in its own interest as Pakistanis have been victims of terror. And it's a common threat, a common challenge that we all have to continue to work on together and to look for ways to improve that cooperation. I will also tell you that cooperation with Pakistan and Pakistani military in general continues to improve."
Ali Khan Digital Engagement Team, USCENTCOM
Different powers are busy to fight their cold wars in Afghanistan and every power has its own friends and foes. American want Afghan help against China, Saudi Arab want Afghan help against Iran, Indian want Afghan tribes to continue their terrorist activities against Pakistan. Different royal families in Pakistan have different priorities; ‘House of Boney’ wants American good wishes, and ‘House of Zardari’ wants Iran’s good wishes and ‘House of Nawaz’ want Saudi Arab’s good wishes. The only option left for Pakistan is to become ‘neutral country’ otherwise I see no light on the end of this tunnel.
More infuriating than this is the constant support these messed up TTP insurgents enjoy from some of the "ulema" and authorities' reluctance in apprehending some of the most prominent "links" that are leading prayers in Islamabad.
Yawwwwnnnn.... so what else is new ?
Taliban are quiet when scores of their buffoons lay dead with heads split open but celebrate cowardly attacks. Goes to show their "bravery". Thank you, Shaheeds, you saved many lives from these monsters by laying down your own, definition of bravery.
They killed a local leader of PTI because he was Shia. So what does Imran Khan has to say now about TTP? More talks?