September 2008 - Pakistan Special Weapons News

Pakistani Officials: US Drone Strike Kills at Least 4 VOA 30 Sep 2008 -- Pakistani officials say a suspected US spy drone has fired missiles at a house in northwest Pakistan, killing at least four people.
Nine tribesmen, four militants killed in Bajaur fighting IRNA 30 Sep 2008 -- Troops and tribesmen killed 13 militants in fighting in Bajaur, as two sides teamed up to fight extremists in the Taliban and al Qaeda hub.
Pakistan army loses 611 soldiers in 15 months fighting - officials IRNA 30 Sep 2008 -- Pakistan Army has lost 611 soldiers in operations against militants in tribal regions and Swat valley in the northwest since July 2007.
US losing war in Afghanistan, Pak tribal region: former army chief IRNA 30 Sep 2008 -- Former Pakistani Army chief General Mirza Aslam Beg: US has almost lost its war in Afghanistan and Pakistani tribal region.
Pakistan allowed US to conduct limited operations, says ex-FM IRNA 29 Sep 2008 -- Former Pakistani FM Kasuri: Pakistan allowed United States to conduct limited operations in the country against militants.
Pakistan army chief visits violence-hit tribal region as shelling continues IRNA 29 Sep 2008 -- Pakistan army chief visited a tribal region where the security forces continued shelling of positions of suspected militants.
Pakistani Army: More Militants Killed in Northwestern Operation VOA 27 Sep 2008 -- Pakistani security forces say at least 25 militants and 3 soldiers died in fighting in a northwestern tribal region near Afghanistan.
Pakistan forces fire warning shots as NATO helicopters cross into territory IRNA 26 Sep 2008 -- Pakistani forces 'fired anticipatory warning shots' as NATO helicopters from Afghanistan crossed into Pakistan territory.
Three suspected militants blow up to avoid arrest in Karachi: police IRNA 26 Sep 2008 -- Suspected militants blew themselves up in the port city of Karachi when the police launched operation to arrest them.
Pakistan asks Muslim world to formulate anti-terror strategy IRNA 26 Sep 2008 -- Prime Minister Gilani: Pakistan wants concerted action by the Muslim world for formulation of a strategy to counter terrorism.
Pakistan Cabinet says intelligence agencies fail to lay hand on terrorists IRNA 26 Sep 2008 -- Pakistani Cabinet: Intelligence agencies failing miserably to lay hand on the perpetrators of terrorism in the country.
India, Pakistan Pledge More Peace Talks VOA 25 Sep 2008 -- India's prime minister and Pakistan's president have agreed to a new round of peace talks before the end of the year
NATO Helicopters, Pakistan Troops Exchange Fire at Afghan Border VOA 25 Sep 2008 -- NATO officials in Afghanistan say Pakistani troops have fired on NATO helicopters flying inside Afghanistan
Pakistani Troops Fire on U.S. Choppers Inside Afghanistan AFPS 25 Sep 2008 -- Pakistani soldiers manning a border checkpoint fired on U.S. helicopters flying in Afghan airspace today, Defense Department officials said.
AFGHANISTAN-PAKISTAN: Bajaur residents flee fighting IRIN 25 Sep 2008 -- As fighting in Pakistan's northern areas intensifies, about 2,800 families from the tribal area of Bajaur are reported to have crossed into neighbouring Afghanistan.
Pakistan Heightens Security at Airports After Bomb Threat VOA 25 Sep 2008 -- Pakistani authorities say they have heightened security at all airports after a phone caller threatened to bomb the Islamabad airport.
Group claiming terror attack on Islamabad hotel vows more attacks IRNA 25 Sep 2008 -- A group calling itself 'Fedayan-e-Islam' and claimed responsibility for the truck suicide attack on Marriot Hotel Wednesday said it would carry more attacks on American targets.
Afghanistan Calls for Joint Border Patrol with Pakistan VOA 24 Sep 2008 -- Afghanistan's defense minister is in Washington, promoting his plan to establish a joint Afghan-Pakistani military force to patrol the dangerous border between the two countries
Pakistan confirms US suspected drone crashes in tribal region IRNA 24 Sep 2008 -- Pakistan army Wednesday confirmed the downing of an American spy plane in the country's tribal region.
U.S. drone reportedly downed in Pakistan - TV RIA Novosti 24 Sep 2008 -- Pakistani air defenses downed a U.S. drone early on Wednesday in the northwestern South Waziristan region of the country, near the Afghan border, the Tolo TV channel said.
Pakistani Army Recovers US Drone Near Afghan Border VOA 24 Sep 2008 -- Pakistani military officials say they have recovered an American drone aircraft that crashed in a village near the Afghan border
US-Pakistan Relationship Seen as Real Target of Bombing VOA 23 Sep 2008 -- The terrorist attack that killed 60 people Saturday in Pakistan struck the Marriott hotel, part of an American-based chain
Gates: Terror Groups in Pakistan Greatest Threat to Afghanistan, US VOA 23 Sep 2008 -- U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates warns that terrorist groups that have found a safe haven in Pakistan are the greatest threat to stability in neighboring Afghanistan and represent a significant danger to the United States
Hotel Bombing Complicates Pakistan's Fight Against Terrorism RFE/RL 22 Sep 2008 -- A little known Islamic group has claimed responsibility for the suicide truck bombing on September 20 at Islamabad's five-star Marriott Hotel that killed at least 53 people and injured as many as 270 others, Al-Arabiyah television has reported.
Bush Meets With New Pakistani President VOA 23 Sep 2008 -- President Bush has met for the first time with Pakistan's new president, Asif Ali Zardari
Pakistan, Afghanistan Discuss Joint Force To Fight Insurgents RFE/RL 23 Sep 2008 -- As security deteriorates in the border region between Afghanistan and Pakistan and with two diplomats targeted by kidnappers, Kabul and Islamabad are discussing an Afghan proposal to set up a joint force to combat militants on both sides of the border.
Pakistan: 60 Suspected Militants Killed in Recent Fighting VOA 23 Sep 2008 -- Pakistan's military says its soldiers have killed some 60 suspected militants in two days of fighting in the northwest part of the country.
Information on terrorist attack in Islamabad received three-day ago: official IRNA 22 Sep 2008
Pakistani PM confirms Czech Ambassador killed in Islamabad hotel blast IRNA 22 Sep 2008
Prime Minister House was target of suicide attack, says Pakistani PM IRNA 22 Sep 2008
Pakistani investigators visit suicide bombing as death toll rises IRNA 22 Sep 2008 -- A Pakistani investigation team visited site of the truck suicide bombing and collected explosive materials for forensic laboratories test.
Pakistani elders vow to resist local Taliban IRNA 22 Sep 2008 -- Elders in a remote city in Pakistan's northwest vowed to resist local Taliban and decided punishment for those who will give shelter to militants.
Afghan Defense Minister Recommends Border Region Task Force AFPS 22 Sep 2008 -- The Pakistani government is looking at a proposal by Afghanistan to create a joint force tasked with combating insurgents.
Top Afghan Diplomat Abducted in Pakistan VOA 22 Sep 2008 -- Officials in Pakistan and Afghanistan say unidentified gunmen have kidnapped Afghanistan's consul-general in northwestern Pakistan.
Zardari: External forces will not be allowed to operate on soil IRNA 21 Sep 2008
American diplomat killed in the Islamabad hotel suicide attack IRNA 21 Sep 2008 -- An American diplomat was killed in the huge suicide truck bomb attack on Islamabad's Marriot Hotel.
US Military Denies Violation of Pakistani Airspace VOA 21 Sep 2008 -- The U.S. military is denying reports that Pakistani soldiers fired at two U.S. helicopters for allegedly violating Pakistani airspace.
Czech ambassador killed in hotel blast in Pakistan RIA Novosti 21 Sep 2008 -- The Czech ambassador to Pakistan died in a suicide bomb attack on the Marriott hotel in Pakistan's capital that killed at least 53 people.
Pakistani PM Appeals to Public for Help Identifying Bombers VOA 21 Sep 2008 -- Pakistan's prime minister is appealing to fellow Pakistanis to identify what he called the "black sheep" responsible for devastating attack.
Pakistan Security Officials Describe Hotel Attack VOA 21 Sep 2008 -- Pakistani security officials disclosed new details about Saturday's hotel bombing and released a video showing the attack.
Suicide attack on Pakistani security forces convoy kills 10 IRNA 20 Sep 2008 -- At least 10 Pakistani soldiers were killed in a suicide attack on a convoy of security forces in the country's tribal region.
Truck Bomb Devastates Islamabad Marriott VOA 20 Sep 2008 -- A truck bomb devastated the Marriott Hotel in Pakistan's capital city - killing at least 60 people and wounding some 250 others.
Pakistan's President Warns Against Territorial Violations VOA 20 Sep 2008 -- Pakistani President Asif Zardari addressed Pakistan's parliament for the first time, outlining plans on security policies in the tribal regions.
Pakistan says not informed by US about missile strike IRNA 19 Sep 2008 -- Pakistan not informed by the United States over missile strike in the country's tribal region, which killed at least 6 people.
Pakistan PM says US told no compromise on sovereignty IRNA 19 Sep 2008 -- Pakistani Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani: US government has been clearly told no compromise on the sovereignty of Pakistan.
Pakistan defence minister terms US forces incursion blatant violations IRNA 19 Sep 2008 -- Pakistan Defence Minister Chaudhry Ahmed Mukhtar: Incursions into Pakistani territory by the US forces against the agreements.
Qureshi terms incursions unproductive IRNA 19 Sep 2008 -- Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi: US incursions into Pakistan `unproductive' and warned that these could destablise the situation.
Two militants blow themselves up as armed men freed school children in Pakistan IRNA 19 Sep 2008 -- Two militants, who had held hostage around 300 children in northwest Pakistan, were killed as locals freed them.
Pakistani troops capture town in northwest as Taliban quit under peace deal IRNA 18 Sep 2008 -- Pakistani security forces took control of a town in the restive swat valley after elders brokered a deal for Taliban withdrawal.
Analysis: Pakistan's All Weather Ally cfr.org 18 Sep 2008 -- As the controversial nuclear deal between India and the United States moves toward a final review in the U.S. Congress, Pakistan appears to be pushing for a similar deal (IANS) with China
Pakistani tribesmen warn U.S against any border violation IRNA 18 Sep 2008 -- Pakistani tribesmen warned of severe action against the American troops if they tried to attack the tribal regions.
Pakistani FM says US Gave No Warning of Suspected Missile Strike VOA 18 Sep 2008 -- Officials not warned about missile strike after the US commander said the US would respect Pakistan's sovereignty.
India deploys Sukhoi Jets in Kashmir amid growing tension with Pakistan IRNA 18 Sep 2008
Mullen Travels to Pakistan to 'Continue Dialogue' on Afghan Border Region AFPS 17 Sep 2008 -- The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff arrived here yesterday to "continue dialogue" with senior Pakistani civilian and military leaders.
Top U.S. Defense Officials In Kabul, Islamabad To Discuss Strategy RFE/RL 17 Sep 2008 -- U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates is visiting the Afghan capital, Kabul, while Admiral Mike Mullen, the chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff, is in Pakistan for talks with government and military leaders
US Denies Reports That Helicopters Crossed Into Pakistan VOA 15 Sep 2008 -- The U.S. Department of Defense is denying Pakistani tribal leaders' allegations that Pakistani soldiers forced U.S. military helicopters to turn back to Afghanistan after the aircraft allegedly crossed into Pakistani territory.
Local Officials: Pakistani Soldiers Force US Helicopters Back to Afghanistan VOA 15 Sep 2008 -- Pakistani officials say their soldiers forced U.S. military helicopters to turn back to Afghanistan, after the aircraft crossed into Pakistani territory.
Pakistan Air Force fighter aircraft start flights in U.S missiles-hit tribal region IRNA 14 Sep 2008 -- Fighter aircraft of Pakistan Air Force on Saturday conducted flights in the tribal region for the first time where U.S missiles attacks have killed many people in recent days, witnesses in the region said.
Pakistani President, PM discuss US forces border violations IRNA 14 Sep 2008 -- Pakistani president and the prime minister discussed the frequent violation of Pakistani airspace by US forces, which has killed scores of people in recent days, officials said.
Pakistani forces kill 85 more militants in air, ground operations: officials IRNA 14 Sep 2008 -- Pakistani security forces on Saturday killed 85 more militants in fresh air-strikes and ground operations in various parts of the tribal region of Bajaur, officials said.
Alleged US spy killed in Pakistan IRNA 14 Sep 2008 -- An Afghan man accused of spying for the United States has been killed by suspected Islamic militants, witnesses said on Sunday.
Pakistani Military: Dozens of Militants Killed in Tribal Region VOA 13 Sep 2008 -- Pakistani military officials say dozens of militants have been killed in three days of fighting in the country's northwest.
Riedel: U.S. Needs to Tread Carefully in Pakistan cfr.org 12 Sep 2008 -- Interviewee: Bruce O. Riedel, Senior Fellow, Foreign Policy, Saban Center for Middle East Policy, Brookings Institution
Pakistani Leaders Denounce Suspected US Strikes VOA 12 Sep 2008 -- A suspected U.S. missile strike has killed at least 14 people in a militant stronghold in northwest Pakistan
Pakistani PM for involvement of Kashmiris in dialogue process IRNA 12 Sep 2008 -- Pakistani Prime Minister Syed Yousaf Raza Gillani Friday expressed the belief that Kashmris should be an integral component of the ongoing peace process as they are primary stakeholders.
Pakistani forces kill 20 Taliban militants dead in tribal region IRNA 12 Sep 2008 -- Pakistani security forces Friday killed 20 more militants in fresh clashes that broke out in the tribal region of Bajaur, officials said.
Pakistan Military Vows to Safeguard Territory Following Surge in US Strikes VOA 12 Sep 2008 -- A suspected U.S. missile strike has killed at least 14 people in a militant stronghold in northwest Pakistan
U.S. Commander Calls For Operations In Pakistani Tribal Regions RFE/RL 11 Sep 2008 -- The chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff, U.S. Admiral Michael Mullen, has announced that he is commissioning a new military strategy that will cover both sides of the Afghan-Pakistan border.
Pakistani, Afghan Leaders Seek Fresh Start To Target Enduring Threat RFE/RL 11 Sep 2008 -- When Pakistan's new president, Asif Ali Zardari, was inaugurated this week, Afghan President Hamid Karzai was the only foreign head of state in attendance.
US Officials: Bush OK'd US Raids on Pakistan VOA 11 Sep 2008 -- Senior U.S. officials say President George Bush gave secret orders in July authorizing U.S. armed forces to carry out ground assaults in Pakistan without seeking approval from Pakistan's government.
Report: Bush Gave Permission for US Raids on Pakistan VOA 11 Sep 2008 -- A U.S. newspaper is reporting that President George Bush gave secret orders in July authorizing U.S. armed forces to carry out ground assaults in Pakistan without seeking approval from Pakistan's government.
Analysis: Crisis in Kashmir cfr.org 11 Sep 2008 -- Since June, Indian-administered Kashmir has been roiled by large pro-independence protests triggered by a government decision to transfer land in the Muslim-majority state to a Hindu shrine.
Report: US, Pakistan Shift Approach in Bin Laden Hunt VOA 10 Sep 2008 -- An American newspaper says U.S. and Pakistani officials are shifting tactics in their search for al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden, intensifying the use of unmanned, but lethal, spy planes in western Pakistan.
Pakistan Tribal Sources Say Foreign Al-Qaida Operatives Killed in Missile Strike VOA 10 Sep 2008 -- Pakistani tribal sources say Monday's suspected U.S. missile strike in the North Waziristan tribal region killed four foreign al-Qaida operatives
PAKISTAN: New plan anticipates worsening IDP crisis IRIN 10 Sep 2008 -- In response to the displacement of civilians due to floods and conflict in parts of Pakistan, a Humanitarian Response Plan has been drawn up under the leadership of the UN Resident Coordinator, Fikret Akcura.
New Pakistani President Pledges Greater Cooperation Against Terrorism VOA 09 Sep 2008 -- The widower of Pakistan's former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto has been sworn in as Pakistan's president, formally returning the country to civilian rule nearly nine years after Pervez Musharraf seized power in a military coup
New Pakistani President Aims For Fresh Start With Afghanistan RFE/RL 09 Sep 2008 -- In a grand ceremony at Islamabad's sprawling presidential compound, Asif Ali Zardari was inaugurated as the country's new president.
Pakistan Swears in Zardari as President VOA 09 Sep 2008 -- Asif Ali Zardari, the widower of slain former Pakistani prime minister Benazir Bhutto, has been sworn in as Pakistan's new president.
Analysis: Pakistan's New Leader and the U.S. Dilemma cfr.org 08 Sep 2008 -- Pakistan's new president (BBC), Asif Ali Zardari, assumes office at a time of great political turmoil, intense terrorist violence, economic weakness, and deteriorating relations with neighboring India and Afghanistan
Zardari Elected President of Pakistan VOA 07 Sep 2008 -- The widower of Pakistan's assassinated former prime minister Benazir Bhutto has won elections to become the country's next president
Husband of Slain Former PM Bhutto Elected President in Pakistan VOA 06 Sep 2008 -- The widower of Pakistan's assassinated former prime minister Benazir Bhutto has won elections to become the country's next president
'Mr. 10 Percent' Likely To Win RFE/RL 05 Sep 2008 -- Asif Ali Zardari, the widower of assassinated former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto and chairman of Pakistan's largest political party, is favored to win the September 6 presidential poll in Pakistan.
Red Cross: Fighting Forces At Least 200,000 to Flee Homes In Pakistan's Tribal Areas VOA 05 Sep 2008 -- The International Committee of the Red Cross says the situation in Pakistan's tribal areas along the border with Afghanistan is increasingly volatile
Pakistan is set to choose Musharraf's replacement IRNA 05 Sep 2008 -- Pakistan is set to choose replacement for former President Pervez Musharraf in presidential election on Saturday.
Mystery Shrouds Case of Pakistani Scientist Linked to Terrorists VOA 04 Sep 2008 -- A Pakistani woman who is charged with trying to murder U.S. soldiers in Afghanistan refused to appear for her arraignment in New York City Thursday
Pakistan Furious Over U.S.-Led Border Raid RFE/RL 04 Sep 2008 -- Pakistan has angrily condemned a raid on a tribal region village that officials say killed at least 15 people, including women and children.
Pakistani parliament accuses U.S-led forces of undermining international law IRNA 04 Sep 2008 -- Pakistani Senate Thursday adopted a unanimous resolution, strongly condemning the attack of Afghanistan-based Coalition troops on a Pakistani border region, which resulted into the killing of some 20 people.
Pakistan-ISAF Attack Pakistan condemns attack in tribal region by Coalition/ISAF forces IRNA 04 Sep 2008 -- Pakistan Wednesday strongly condemned assault by Coalition/ISAF troops at a village in its territory, which has resulted in immense loss of civilian life.
Pakistan-Taliban Pakistan Taliban claim responsibility for firing at PM motorcade IRNA 04 Sep 2008 -- Pakistani Taliban Wednesday claimed responsibility for firing at the motorcade of Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani, who was not in the when shots were fired.
Pakistan Warns Cross-Border Raid Could Provoke Backlash VOA 04 Sep 2008 -- Pakistani lawmakers have denounced Wednesday's raid by foreign troops in Pakistani territory, passing a resolution condemning the operation and vowing to repel similar attacks in the future
15 killed as NATO helicopters shell Pakistani border areas IRNA 03 Sep 2008 -- NATO gunship helicopter bombed Pakistani border areas early Wednesday, killing at least 15 people and injuring several others, local tribesmen said.
Foreign Forces Reportedly Attack Pakistani Village RFE/RL 03 Sep 2008 -- Pakistani Defense Minister Ahmed Mukhtar says aircraft belonging to foreign forces in Afghanistan carried out overnight attacks on three houses in Pakistani territory.
Gunmen Fire on Pakistani PM Motorcade VOA 03 Sep 2008 -- Unidentified gunmen have fired on the motorcade of Pakistan's prime minister, but officials said he was not in his vehicle at the time of the attack.

Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

September 2008 - Pakistan Special Weapons News