HEIGHTENED SECURITY THROUGHOUT COUNTRY IN CASE OF RETALIATORY ATTACKS

On 17 October 2009 the Pakistani military launched a ground offensive against Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) in South Waziristan in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas. Heavy fighting has occurred near the towns of Ladah and Makin, which are strongholds of former TTP commander Baitullah Mehsud. The military has also attacked targets in Wana, Servakai, Manzai, Jandola, Razmak, Nawazkot, Sprinkamar and Khaisora. Pakistani officials claimed that nine soldiers and 78 Taliban militants have been killed in recent days, though the claims cannot be independently verified as the military has cut off all media access to South Waziristan. Approximately 100,000 civilians have already fled South Waziristan. Officials expect up to 150,000 more civilians to flee in the coming weeks. The government has heightened security throughout Pakistan in anticipation of probable retaliatory attacks; authorities have closed most schools and universities for the next three to seven days. Meanwhile, security forces arrested the unofficial leader of the TTP’s Karachi cell in the Sohrab Goth neighborhood on 18 October. Authorities seized several explosives, two suicide bomber vests and an anti-aircraft rocket launcher. Police officials believe that the cell, which was involved in the September 2009 plot to attack the Kemari Oil Refinery, planned to carry out bombings in the city.