Region of Concern: Pakistan
Written By Cayla Lee; Edited by Amy McGee
Date: December 23, 2022
Islamabad, Pakistan[1]
Event: On December 23, suicide bombers targeted Islamabad’s government district but detonated the vehicle they were in during a police chase before they could reach the capital. The explosion killed one police officer and injured six others, including two civilians. Pakistani militants known as Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), claimed the attack. The TTP said it was acting in retaliation to the killing of a leader. The military killed 25 TTP militants during an operation just two days prior to this attack.[2]
Significance: It is very likely that continuous attempts to attack the government will create divisions among officials and their approaches to providing solutions. These divisions will almost certainly prolong the time that the TTP has to prepare for more attacks. A disorganized government will very likely risk further instability due to political, economic, and security challenges already present in the country. It is likely that the Afghan Taliban is supporting the TTP, which will likely increase both organizations’ influence in the region. This will very likely increase tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan as their governing bodies oppose each other.
Recommendations: Police should investigate where the vehicle originated from by tracking its movements through SIGINT, such as street cameras surrounding the capital. They should investigate the origins of the bombers’ materials to determine whether the TTP is in possession of other dangerous materials. Law enforcement should issue safety warnings to the public and increase security at all government buildings to ensure the protection of capital officials. The military should take part in increased security measures by stationing personnel at various points across the capital. The government should facilitate discussions between political parties, civil society organizations, and the international community to devise plans to limit the TTP’s influence, funds, and other resources.
[1] “Islamabad, Pakistan” by TUBS licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0
[2] Suspected militants heading for Pakistani govt target blow themselves up, Reuters, December 2022, https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/four-police-wounded-car-explosion-islamabad-checkpoint-police-2022-12-23/