PAF base attackers came from Afghanistan, says DG ISPR

The Attack was Planned in Afghainstan: DG ISPR

(ARY News) Pakistan Military’s spokesman Asim Salim Bajwa has said that the attack on Pakistan Air Force base camp in Peshawar was carried out by a splinter group of banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and the foul play was planned in Afghanistan.

“The attackers came from Afghanistan and the whole foul play was planned in the neighbouring country. This attack was being executed through direct coordination from Afghanistan as well,” he informed, while addressing a press conference this evening.

“When you’re in a state of war, such attacks may occur. But the way such terror strikes are responded and retaliated should also be observed,” said Mr. Bajwa.

He said terrorists attacked people who were vulnerable and offering prayers at a mosque.

He also said that the forces would continue their operation until complete elimination of terrorism from Pakistan’s soil.

The military’s spokesperson revealed that 29 people had embraced martyrdom during the attack. He told that terrorists were restricted far behind from a sensitive area and they had planned to target a large number of civilians, but forces foiled their plan.

Giving the breakdown of casualties, of the total 29,  he said 23 of the dead are from Pakistan Air Force, three from the army — 16 of them were offering prayers in the mosque, while seven others including two civilians were in a nearby barrack performing ablution.

He said the number of injured was also 29. “It was a civilian and an open area that allowed terrorists to enter PAF facility.”

How the attack was carried out?

The DG ISPR said terrorists sneaked into the PAF facility from the main gate and split into two groups.

They got immediate response from Air Force guards. The guards responded effectively and in a gallant manner.

One group proceeded towards the administrative area while another moved towards the technical area. Within 10 minutes, the Quick Reaction Force reached the spot and engaged the militants.

He said the attackers were confined within 50 meters and the fight ensued within the same radius. The Fajr prayer had just commenced when the attackers barged into the base camp.

The militants martyred 16 worshippers at the mosque using heavy guns and hand grenades. At least eight attackers had attacked the mosque, he added.

Similarly, other group of terrorists had forced their way into the vehicle parking area and hid themselves under washing pit. Guards of Defence Services Group also joined our fighting forces shortly after the attack, he said.

Later SSG commandos and other armed forces personnel arrived at the spot to respond to the terrorists, he said.

“Alhamdulillah, the role of coordination among forces was vital and successful in responding to the militants’ attack,” said the DG ISPR.

He, however, said it is quite possible that the driver who operated the vehicle carrying terrorists could have left.

He didn’t confirm media reports keeping the number of attackers at 16. He said “Whichever terrorist entered the PAF base camp has been killed.”

TTP group behind attack

The military’s spokesperson said it was a splinter group of TTP which launched an attack on PAF base camp.

He said he would share further information as it transpires.

He thanked the media for keeping nation ‘objectively informed’.

Pakistan has 2.5 million refugees and several such of them cross into the country. Not all of them arrive here for work or vocation. They mingle among the general public here, explained the DG ISPR.

“We have successfully tackled terrorism and we have seen results of Zarb-e-Azb,” he said.

He maintained that the nation was united, focused on eliminating terrorism from the country. “I dont see people becoming frightened from this incident. Our armed forces will continue defending our soil and crush such attackers.”

Terrorist Attack on PAF Camp Badaber, Peshawar

Heavily-armed militants attacked the Pakistan Air Force base Badaber in Peshawar this morning, killing 29 people, says PAF spokesperson. These included 16 worshippers at a mosque located inside the base camp while three PAF technicians and an army captain were also killed battling with militants. Army soldiers quickly surrounded the attackers, confining them to a small area and killing at least 13 of them, said Pakistan’s military spokesman. ARY News reported in the evening that at least one attacker had been caught alive.

Terrorist attack on PAF camp Badaber, Peshawar once again necessitates the detailed revision of security plans for various airbases across the country. This is not the firs time PAF has been attacked by the terrorists. Earlier Mehran Base Karachi and Minhas Base Kamra have been attacked by terrorists and PAF has suffered major loses of its assets. P3-C Orion and Erieye AEW were destroyed in these attacks.

In today's attack though no such lose has been suffered by PAF, it will be prudent to ask why these terrorists were not checked by any law enforcement agency while they were on there way to Badaber camp?

Camp guards and QRF displayed professionalism while thwarting the attack and eliminated all the terrorists before letting them harm any of PAF's asset present on the base but still the loss of lives was on the higher side making it one of the most devastating attack after 14 December 2014 when TTP attacked Army Public School (APS) Peshawar in which more than 140 people were killed majority of them were students.

Analysis:

It must be noticed that this attack was mounted on PAF base Peshawar, but PAF camp. This shows that terrorists are desperate to make a big news. Since 1960's Badaber has remain a listening station used by CIA against Soviets. Camp mostly houses the residential quarters of PAF officials. So it will be prudent to assume that these terrorists were actually wanted to take hostage some of the PAF residents in the camp. Terrorists might wanted to use the hostages as bargain for the release of some arrested terrorists from custody of LEAs.

Terrorists Hit Back in Baluchistan

The level of violence has gone down in Baluchistan to a noticeable extent but still the situation is far from satisfactory. Latest incident of shooting in which three lives were lost in Quetta is yet another stern reminder of this fact. At least three persons, including two police personnel, were killed when the vehicle of a superintendent of police (SP) was attacked while three other people were killed in the incident. An exchange of firing between the police and bike snatchers ensued at Kashmirabad near the Qambrani Road area of the provincial capital on Monday.

Superintendent of Police (SP), Sariab, Zahoor Ahmad, said that unidentified bike snatchers riding a motorbike opened fire at his vehicle when it was crossing the area. Two cops were martyred and three passers-by suffered wounds in the firing. One bike snatcher was killed in retaliatory fire by police.

The bodies and the injured were taken to the Civil Hospital.Police cordoned off the entire area and started efforts to trace out the suspects.

 

ISI - NDS Deal & Indian Worry!

By Shahzad Masood Roomi


“MoU signed by ISI and NDS includes intelligence sharing, complementary and coordinated intel operations on respective sides.”

This is what ISPR's official statement reads on twitter.com regarding recently signed deal between Pakistan's ISI and Afghan NDS to jointly fight against terrorism through coordination and intel sharing. There is NO mention of any country in this statement. 

Today. Indian National Security Adviser (NSA), Ajit Doval had following to say about this deal.

"What Pakistan wanted was to take assurance and pressurize Afghanistan that they will not allow their territory, to be used for any security related work by India. That is the crux of it. This is based on a faulty assumption that India probably uses Afghan soil or Afghan nationals, for its security purposes," 

ANALYSIS:

In the complex security scenario, such deals among the most adversely affected nations is nothing surprising even though both have long history of mistrust on security related issues, but the way Indian NSA has reacted raises many questions on the true nature of Indian involvement in Afghanistan.

If India is not involved in supporting any kind of terrorism in Pakistan using Afghan soil, then why to object a deal which is purely against the terrorists like Taliban, Al-Qaeda etc. the groups who are common enemies of both Pakistan and Afghanistan. But as now the Indian apprehension about a security related agreement has been confirmed, it is only natural to assume that India actually "do" have role in creating security related troubles in Pakistan's Western provinces.

The statement of Indian defense minister, in which he has hinted at using terrorists to fight terrorism also endorse this assertion!

Apart from that, an essential element of deal between ISI and NDS is the accord for provision of joint probe of the terrorism suspects and this explains why Indian security establishment is so worried about this deal. This will eliminate the fog of uncertainty and mistrust between NDS and ISI which hitherto has helped the hostile entities to conceal their covert ops in the region which might be the part of their larger strategic plans.

A heated debate is already taking place within the Indian strategic community on the possible implications of this deal for the strategic interests of India in Afghanistan. And the most important question being asked after this deal between Pakistani and Afghan intelligence agencies is, Has India lost Afghanistan to Pakistan?      

Failure is Not an Option: Corps Commander Karachi

Karachi Corps Commander Lt. General Naveed Mukhtar, yesterday while addressing to a seminar organized by NDU Islamabad Karachi chapter, has declared the parallel power centers in the city as stumbling blocks for law and order. He stressed on the need of operational and professional independence of local administration, particularly, Karachi police in order to achieve the peace and stability in the restive mega city. 

Reiterating the decision given by Supreme Court of Pakistan in 2011, about law and order in Karachi, he said that militant wings and criminal elements must be removed from the ranks of political and religious parties.  He expressed the need of having single power center in the city and province.

Dismissing the impression of selective operation against particular political party, he said that the operation in the city is completely apolitical and indiscriminate. He made it clear that target killers, terrorists, kidnappers and criminals of all color and creed would be targeted in the operation.

He also said that several myths of the invincibility of crime has been broken and criminals are challenged with enormous effort by law enforcement agencies. While stating these efforts, he also expressed the challenging aspects and complex dynamics of Karachi violence. He said that situation in the city is compounded due to presence of every kind of criminal elements ranging from Al-Qaeda to drug dealers. Here he also pointed towards the ineffective governance and administration in the city as additional challenges for security forces. Due to these circumstances, security forces had to adopt unusual strategies and the sacrifices of public and security forces personnel would not go in vain.  

He said due to efforts of security forces, now criminals outfits and gangs have been divided into many splinters which are operating from the suburbs of the city due to which the operational difficulties have increased in the operation. 

During his speech he also mentioned many kind of mafias which have emerged in the city due to lack of governance and corruption in administration. He also touched upon the tragic incident of Safoora Chowrangi during his speech. "Only words cannot heal the wounds and grief of those who lost their loved ones.", he said. 

He said Karachi is being targeted to disrupt Pakistan's international trade and economic engine as the city accounts for 65% revenue generation in the country.

He maid it clear that the targeted operation would continue till the end of criminal elements in the city.

Suicide vest maker Tahir Farooqi arrested in Lahore

According to media reports, Punjab police, with the help of intelligence agencies, in a joint operation, arrested an important commander and suicide vest making expert of Lashkar-e-Janghavi today in R.A. Bazar area of Lahore Cantt. It is believed that Farooqi is involved in March 2010 suicide bombing in which 39 lives were lost while another 95 people were wounded.  

4 years after this attack, RA Bazar became the target of yet another suicide bombing claiming 13 lives and leaving 30 injured.

Law enforcement agencies also recovered a heavy cache of arms his custody. He belongs to banned Lashkar-e-Jhangvi and is reported to be head of its armed wing. After his arrest, Tahir Farooqi was shifted to an undisclosed location for further interrogation. Arrest of Tahir Farooqi is a significant development in war against terrorism and more arrests are expected soon in the light of the investigation.

China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and the Attack on Pasni Air Traffic Control (ATC) Radar

By Shahzad Masood Roomi

As Pakistan and China sent strong strategic message to the world by showing the resolve to go ahead with strategically critical China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) by singing 51 various agreements, the forces afraid/annoyed by this strategic plan made their intentions clear when unknown terrorists tried to destroy one of the critical air traffic radar facility located in Pasni (Baluchistan). This radar is part of Karachi FIR (Flight Information Region) and plays a critical role in directing both domestic and international air traffic passing over Pakistani skies.

Source - Civil Aviation  Authority website 

Deputy Commissioner Gwadar Abdul Hameed said terrorists shot fire on the radar 8Km far from the location and managed to flee after exchange of fire with law enforcement agencies." No loss of life was reported in the incident.

ASF spokesman Abbas Memon told the media that all the installation of the Pasni radar were safe. He termed the attack on the radar an organized assault by terrorists.

ANALYSIS:

CPEC is being watched very closely by global media and diplomatic community. This strategic plan is yet another manifestation of the most prominent geopolitical trend of the 21st century. Strategic shift of power from the West to the East! The US once was the largest investor in Pakistan, but as the US economy strangled due to prolonged unfinished wars, China has replaced the US not only as the largest investor in Pakistan but also as the largest global economy. Through CPEC, China will built some 3000 Km of roads and more than 16,000 megawatts of electricity. China will also complete, $2 billion Pak-Iran gas pipeline as well.

Since 2006, Pakistan and China have been trying to implement the CPEC but Pakistan's precarious internal security profile prevented both the governments to initiate this futuristic mega project. After the persistent successes of Pakistan Army against the terrorists in North Waziristan Agency, in the restive FATA region after launch of Operation Zarb e Azb, the Chinese government, for the first time, began to see Pakistan as a secure country to kick start this delayed program to built Pakistan's infrastructure from the deep seaport of Gawader to the Kashger region of Eastern China. The project holds strategic significance for both the nations. For Pakistan, it is going to be a game-changer as far as the country's economic outlook is concerned.

Inflow of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) to Pakistan has been decreased during the last 15 years. This project will encourage other investors around the world to see Pakistan as a safe place to invest. For China, the route is critical in order to secure the sustained energy supply route instead of relying on more expansive and dangerous Strait of Malacca.

In this backdrop of strategic importance of this plan for both the countries, the timing of this most recent terrorist attack and the visit of Chinese President Xi Pinjing is not a coincidence. Evidently, this attack was part of an attempt by hostile anti Pakistan actors (both state and non-state) to send a strategic message to the Chinese government to reconsider their plans to invest $45 billion in Pakistan. Usage of the RPGs against sensitive installations has become the most predictable tactic of the terrorists in Pakistan after assaults on Mehran air base in Karachi in 2011. In order to avoid similar attacks on other installations, Pakistani security forces will have to increase the area of secure defense perimeter against sensitive installations. RPGs have become terrorists' weapon of choice in such attacks. Even a failed RPG attack certainly can create serious psychological impact traumatizing the civilians. The timing of this attack must be viewed as announcement of new terror campaign against the Chinese personnel working on many projects and to those who are yet to come Pakistan to work on CPEC. Pakistan has already formed special security force against this potential threat. But keeping in view the remote areas where CPEC would be implemented, it would be prudent for Pakistani government to arm this security force with aerial surveillance capabilities to make its work easier and enhance its threat assessment capability.     

Afghanistan: America's Never Ending War!

By Shahzad Masood Roomi

US president Obama announced on Friday, that the combat role of the US troops in Afghanistan would be extended for another year and now much talked pullback would begin in as early as December 2015 provided this extension of US war pay some dividend within one year which seems highly unlikely. Under this new order now the US troops can conduct military operations without seeking approval from Kabul.

Question is, what actually compelled President Obama to expand the US troops combat role in Afghanistan when almost everyone was expecting a draw-down of major portion of US troops from Afghanistan? According to New York Time's report, the decision has been made as combat situation is not what the US had hoped for when cut off date of December 2014 was announced in May, earlier this year by President Obama.

"Mr. Obama’s order allows American forces to carry out missions against the Taliban and other militant groups threatening American troops or the Afghan government, a broader mission than the president described to the public earlier this year, according to several administration, military and congressional officials with knowledge of the decision. The new authorization also allows American jets, bombers and drones to support Afghan troops on combat missions.", reads NYT report.

It is common knowledge that Post 9/11 legislation done in Washington has empowered the private military contractors, manufacturers in the power corridors. For any US government, it would be almost impossible to disengage from military conflicts around the globe. This recent decision by President Obama would also benefit Military Industrial Complex (MIC) and Pentagon irrespective to its aftermath. This decision is being considered similar to the one President Obama had to make in 2009 to send 30,000 more troops in Afghanistan under the pressure of Pentagon. Last 5 years' progress in WoT shows that the surge of US troops in Afghanistan failed to achieve its stated goals of degrading, dismantling and destroying Al-Qaeda and Taliban. "We are going to dismantle and degrade their capabilities and ultimately dismantle and destroy their networks. It is my intention to finish the job." said President Obama in 2009 while announcing the surge in 2009. These bitter realities have played a key role in this latest decision by the White House despite the fact that the US economy has been rattled due to this prolonged Afghan/Iraq wars.

But the problem, for the Obama, is that after 5 years of surge, it is evident that the Obama's Af-Pak strategy failed both on the battlefield and on the negotiation table while, back in the US,  Democrats are going in general elections within the next two years, without attaining half of the goals they set for themselves in 2009 Af-Pak review. The results of mid term elections, recently held in various US States, also point towards the waning public support for this prolonged war. So, understandably, Democrats are desperate for a clear and decisive victory. But can extension of combat role of the US troops in Afghanistan achieve this?  In this backdrop, this new decision by President Obama demands some pondering on its after effects on the regional geopolitical landscape.

Cost of War:

How this decision would change the general complexion of WoT within one year? Would there be another extension to the combat role of the US troops in Afghanistan next year? These questions are critical as they are related to the military and financial rationale of prolonging this war. Back in 2009, it was estimated that the surge would cost $30 billion annually on additional 30,000 troops sent to Afghanistan. This cost was in addition to the cost of keeping earlier 68,000 US troops in Afghanistan sent in 2001 after 9/11. The studies conducted recently on cost of this war indicates that the cost would be in between 4 and 6 trillion dollars. This is a very high cost indeed even for a economy as big as America's.

South Asian geopolitics and US strategic interests:

With a strategic shift in power from the West to East, the geopolitical landscape in South Asia is also transforming rapidly. Emergence of China and Resurgence of Russia has affected the geopolitics in this region more than any other part of the world. South Asia is significant for global politics as majority of world population is inhabited here. Apart from China and Russia, India is also positioning itself to become a big and effective player in the region. In the Indian strategy of extending her influence in the region, military power projection and employment of "soft-power" are two most visible means.

The biggest historical dilemma with strategic power shift phenomenon from one region to another is that it is a slow, rare and infrequent and often a process full of conflicts and confrontations of various sorts. Historically, such power shifts always invited conflicts and recent strategic stand-off between China and the US in the Pacific rim of Indian Ocean around Japan, clearly indicates that this strategic flux of global economic and political power can get ugly very quickly. Both, rising and the existing powers (China and the US), have been locked in eyeball to eyeball situation and no one wants to blink. Despite the massive budget cuts and financial constrains, the US is compelled to maintain its current level of defense spending and even an increase in defense expenditure has been forced as the technological edge between the US and China is eroding fast. This explains the announcement of  Defense Innovation Initiative by the US Defense Secretary, Chuk Hegal, ealier this month. Under this initiative the US government would provide more funds for defense R&D (Research and Development). Main aim of this program is to develop new, smart weapons and various combat systems.

Afghanistan is strategically important. Not only for the US but more so for recently announced, "New Silk Route" strategy of China which aims for Asian economic integration. Chinese silk route goes around Afghanistan through Central Asia and Pakistan. This strategic infrastructure build up is a strategic Chinese attempt to secure her vulnerable energy supply lines and open up new markets for Chinese made products in Middle East, Europe and Central Asia by providing a cheap and efficient land-based transportation system. So, Chinese strategy for sustained oil supplies and Chinese export will not only expand her political influence in the region but would also contribute in Chinese military modernization. Chinese infrastructure developments in neighboring countries is going to get challenge US strategic interests in the region. This is why  energy experts like John Foster of Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives believe that the real reasons for Western military involvement may be largely hidden. "Rivalry for pipeline routes and energy resources reflects competition for power and control in the region.", stated Foster in one of his analysis on Why Afghanistan is strategically so important. Afghanistan lies in center of major energy and trade corridors in the region. It is going to be the root of TAPI gas pipeline (Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan and India).        

Due to these Chinese overtures in the region, the Americans are compelled to maintain a strategic footprint in Afghanistan, directly or through a proxy like India, Recently, Indian interest in Afghanistan and the Indo-US strategic partnership in Afghanistan became vivid trends in South Asian geopolitics. Not only the US praises Indian role in Afghanistan but wants to expand this Indian foot print as well. This US desire was recently expressed by none other than Rear Admiral John Kirby, Pentagon Press Secretary. “I will leave it to India to decide and to speak to what they will contribute to regional security after the end of this year, but we certainly look to India’s leadership and their continued participation.”

Implications for Regional Stability:

US reliance on India as a strategic partner in Afghanistan to safeguard converging Indo-US strategic interests in the region has become a serious concern for Islamabad during the recent years. Pakistan Army Chief has already declared India a hurdle in ongoing War on Terror in FATA region bordering restive Afghanistan. And days after that, Pakistani Defense Minister, Khawaja Asif declared the US as 'unreliable' partner. Pakistani resentment stems from the fact that despite accepting the fact that India has been creating problems for Pakistan from Afghanistan, Post 9/11 US foreign policy has largely favored India in Afghanistan at the cost of Pakistan's security interests in Afghanistan.   

This decision is also critical for Pakistan's internal security which has been compromised by the violent elements/terrorists of TTP/Al-Qaeda hiding inside Afghanistan. Pakistan Army has been demanding a stiff action against these elements by Afghan government since many months but Kabul didn't accept Pakistani demands in this regard. A prolonged combat in Afghanistan would compound the already volatile security on open-boarder between Pakistan and Afghanistan. This is something Pakistan does not want but if the US withdraw from Afghanistan too early, that would be more catastrophic. Furthermore, -despite prevailing hostile local sentiments -the US forces in Afghanistan are part of UN approved international campaign against Taliban.

For Pakistani perspective, there is no military solution of Afghanistan and with her current military oriented strategic mindset the US would not be able to pull troops back.  It is imperative that the US forces must continue their support against insurgency but it is responsibility of Afghan government to seek a broad based political solution of the problem. For now, Pakistan would continue to face security threats from Western front and combat in FATA region would also continue to bleed Pakistan Army and State as well. For Pakistan it is critical to take initiative and unite all noticeable factions in a political process and Afghan stability must be the top strategic priority in Pak-US relations and strategic dialog as well. Even for the US, this is the only way out if Obama really want to disengage from America's never ending war!

(END)

10 Years of War on Terror & Pakistan

Shahzad Masood Roomi

Afghanistan proved strategic black hole for British and Soviet empires in 19^th and 20^th centuries and it looks like that after the destruction of two former superpowers, the US is going to vanish in this black hole in 21^st century. But this time around the war has very distinctive and unique dynamics than any other previous attempts to capture this land lock country.

Pakistan, along with many other Muslim World countries is faced with sub-conventional security threats. The covert war is not hypothetical anymore. The objective of this imposed war is to make Pakistan a dysfunctional state first, denuclearize it in the second phase and then move towards the final balkanization and dismemberment. The threat Pakistan faces today is existential! Pakistan faces a genuine, real and close threat to its very survival in a very hostile regional environment.