Pakistan: ISLAMABAD UNDER THREAT

http://newsweekpakistan.com/

INTELLIGENCE AGENCIES CLAIM AT LEAST A DOZEN TERRORISTS HAVE ENTERED THE FEDERAL CAPITAL TO STAGE ATTACKS ON GOVERNMENT INSTALLATIONS.

At least 12 suspected terrorists have entered Islamabad with an intent to stage attacks on sensitive installations, according to a senior intelligence officer.

“Intelligence agencies have submitted reports to the Interior Ministry, informing it that 12 terrorists, between 20 and 30 years old, have entered the federal capital and are hidden somewhere in the suburbs of the Tarnol area,” he said on condition of anonymity as he is not authorized to speak to the media.

“We have informed the government that they [terrorists] could stage suicide attacks in Islamabad or Rawalpindi to target sensitive government installations,” he added. According to the official, the threat of retaliation from the Taliban would persist as long as the military offensive against the militants’ hideouts in North Waziristan continued. “With the military operation already in progress against Pakistani and foreign militants in North Waziristan,” he said, “there will always be a fear of strong retaliation from the terrorists.”

On June 15, the day the government launched Operation Zarb-e-Azb in North Waziristan to clear the country’s tribal areas of militants, two companies of the Pakistan Army were deployed to Islamabad for extra security. The Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan had earlier warned the government that its militants would “burn” Islamabad and Lahore, the capital of Punjab province, in retaliation for the PMLN-led government’s decision to opt for the military operation.