Rewritten Article
Pakistan: At Least 23 Killed in School-Turned-Military-Base Attack
A devastating attack struck a Pakistani school that had been temporarily repurposed as a military base. According to authorities' representatives, an explosive-loaded vehicle detonated within the school, causing three rooms to collapse. Rescue workers were still retrieving bodies from the debris as the representative spoke.
The aftermath revealed a grim picture: many victims were found asleep, and several were clad in non-military attire, making it difficult to definitively identify them as military personnel. At least 27 people sustained injuries, with fears that the death toll could potentially rise further.
The TJP group claimed responsibility for the "martyrdom attack," which reportedly commenced at around 22:30 CET. The Pakistani army initially remained tight-lipped about the incident.
Since the Taliban seized power in Afghanistan in August 2021, Pakistan has experienced a substantial escalation in suspected Islamist-motivated attacks. These incidents have primarily targeted police officers and other security forces, with many of the attacks attributed to the Pakistani Taliban group, Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).
The Pakistani Institute for Conflict and Security Studies in Islamabad suggested that attacks in the first half of 2023 have risen by nearly 80% compared to the same period the preceding year. Some prominent attacks, such as one in January that claimed over 80 lives, were allegedly planned in neighboring Afghanistan, an accusation Kabul vehemently denies.
The representative from the authorities urged for an end to such violent episodes, calling upon both Islamabad and Taliban groups to quell the violence.
Additional Insights
- Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) Activities:
- Known as Pakistan's Taliban, the TTP has intensified its campaign against Islamabad since the Taliban's takeover in Afghanistan. The group has gained a significant presence in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, particularly in the merged districts of the former Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA).
- Estimates suggest that around 6,500 fighters are affiliated with the TTP, although local sources believe the number could surpass 20,000.
- Cross-Border Attacks:
- The TTP leverages Afghanistan as a safe haven to launch attacks against Pakistan. Pakistan's military mounts repeated calls on the Taliban to take decisive action against such militant groups operating from Afghanistan's territory.
- In December 2024, Pakistani military jets bombarded Paktia province in Afghanistan, targeting TTP hideouts. However, Taliban officials claimed that nearly 50 civilians were killed in the attack, including women and children.
- Security Concerns and Military Response:
- Pakistani Army Chief, Gen. Syed Asim Munir, has urged the Taliban to implement decisive counterterrorism measures against extremist groups operating from Afghanistan's territory. The Pakistani military has heightened its counterterrorism operations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, focusing on dismantling TTP hideouts and disrupting civilian casualties.
- Impact on Local Population:
- The surge in militant activity has brought heightened lawlessness and fear among local residents, with many reluctant to leave their homes after sunset due to the threat of violence. The economic situation has deteriorated, and trust in the state's ability to provide security remains low.
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