Taliban flex muscles in Miramshah

The News reports that in addition to ordering an end to attacks against the Pakistani security forces, the Shura-e-Murakeba also ordered an end to kidnappings and said all prisoners must be freed by March 1:

The Taliban joint council issued a leaflet in which the kidnappers were directed to release whoever was in their custody before the expiry of the deadline. The Taliban said there would be general amnesty for all those involved in kidnapping for ransom if they released their captives before March 1.

“After expiry of the deadline, if we found someone having anyone in their possession, the Shura-e-Muraqeba would have the right to take action under the Shariah law against the kidnappers,” the statement warned.

Additionally, hundreds of Taliban fighters appeared in Miramshah’s main bazaar:

Meanwhile, tribal sources from Miramshah, the headquarters of North Waziristan, said hundreds of armed Taliban militants on Sunday came on the streets and patrolled different roads of the area to show their strength.

The Taliban told local tribesmen in Miramshah bazaar that they were there for the protection of the tribal people and would take stern action against those involved in kidnapping for ransom and car lifting.

Keep in mind that the Pakistani Army has a garrison based in Miramshah, right next to the bazaar. The Pakistani military rarely venture off their base, as the Taliban run the show there.

Bill Roggio is a Senior Fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies and the Editor of FDD's Long War Journal.

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3 Comments

  • Paul D says:

    Plenty of target practice drone boys in Miramshah atm.
    Bill,
    Why do the Pak army let Taliban run/roam throughout North Waziristan?My guess they are Stategic assets re the Western flank of Pakistan.

  • Kent Gatewood says:

    Lot of targets.

  • Devendra Sood says:

    Viva La Pakistan!!! A heaven for Taliban and Al Qaeda and Hell for good, normal decent people.

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