- While the number of attacks rose in November, the number of casualties, deaths decreased
After Zarb-e-Azb the number of terrorist attacks took a nosedive across the country, however, that trend seems to be changing as terrorists regroup and start a fresh wave of attacks targeting not just civilians, but also security forces.
Militants managed to carry out significant attacks during the month of November this year.
According to the monthly report issued by Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS), an independent Islamabad-based think tank, militant attacks have slightly increased in the month of November as compared to previous month of October.
In the statistics maintained by PICSS, 52 militant attacks were carried out in November 2015, in which 53 people were killed (which includes 22 Security Forces Personnel, two Razakars, 20 civilians and nine militants). From the 52 attacks by militants, 74 people were injured, which includes 12 security forces personnel, 57 civilians and five militants.
It is observed that in the month of October 2015, the total number of militant attacks was 43, from which 101 people were killed, and 110 were injured, the report says.
Although the number of attacks has increased in November, the resultant deaths and casualties are almost half of what they were in October. A slight increase in militant activities was observed in FATA, while rest of the provinces, including Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab and Sindh also witnessed an upsurge in the number of militant acts.
In Balochistan, 19 militant attacks were recorded by PICSS. For the past two months a slight rise in militant acts was aslo recorded by PICSS. In October 2015 the number of militant activities recorded were 17. One of the major incident that took place in Balochistan in November 2015 was an attack on a train. Jaffar Express is a frequent target of anti-Pakistan Baloch militants.
Weakened Baloch insurgents are now trying to put up some resistance through such attacks but many have begun surrendering before authorities, which has caused big problems for insurgents.
In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province, 11 militant acts were witnessed in November as compared to eight in October. While in FATA, 12 militant activities were noted by PICSS. Militants in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and FATA continue to target tribal elders with the aim of disrupting the social fabric of the society, given the central role these leaders play in tribal societies.
Attacks by militants from across the border continue and security forces continue their airstrikes in Khyber Agency, too. This suggests that the military operation in the agency is yet to be completed.
A notable attack was carried out in Bannu in which Federal Minister for Housing and Works Akram Khan Durrani’s convoy was targeted but he remained safe.
In Sindh, a rise in militant acts was recorded by PICSS, and over nine incidents were recorded. Sectarian attacks were reported by splinter outfits and banned militant organisations in Karachi, Shikarpur and Khairpur. In Punjab only one militant act was recorded.
In November a total number of 18 IED attacks were noted by PICSS, which is a comparatively high figure when compared to October where 11 IED attacks were recorded.
Around 16 militant assaults were recorded by the PICSS in November, while the number for October was 13. Three rocket attacks, nine incidents of target killing and six grenade attacks were recorded in the month of November.
In response to militant attacks, security forces are performing their duties with vigil across the board and IBO’s are continuing to curb out militancy. A total number of 93 security forces actions were carried out in November, from which 112 militants were killed, while two security forces personnel also lost their lives in these operations. 228 arrests were made by security forces.
