Pak Taliban to target security forces, diplomatic missions

Elements of the banned Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan based in Afghanistan and the Mohmand tribal region have despatched suicide bombers for a string of planned attacks on security forces, diplomatic missions and public gatherings across Pakistan, according to a media report today.

Taliban elements in Afghanistan's Kunar province have dispatched nine operatives, including two suicide bombers, to Pakistan via the Torkham land border to carry out attacks, The Express Tribune quoted an intelligence report as saying.

The intelligence report, forwarded to police and law enforcement agencies, said the Taliban would target public gatherings, particularly those organised by the minority Shia community.
The report further revealed that the Taliban leadership in Mohmand Agency has dispatched two more suicide bombers for attacks.

The intelligence report suggested that the Taliban intend to target security installations and personnel, diplomatic missions and enclaves, government offices and luxury hotels.

It mentioned Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Lahore, Gujrat, Peshawar, Nowshera and Gilgit-Baltistan as likely areas for attacks.

The intelligence report further said the Taliban had cultivated a nexus with criminal elements in Punjab province for kidnapping foreign citizens and members of influential families.