Why US withdrawal from Afghanistan becoming ‘deadlier’ for Pak
NEW DELHI: In recent days, Pakistan has been gripped by a series of devastating terrorist attacks. From the interior regions of Balochistan to the mountainous terrains of the north, the frequency of such attacks is alarmingly high, impacting mostly security personnel but recently targeting foreign nationals, specifically Chinese workers.
Targeted attack on Chinese nationals
The Bisham attack, which resulted in the deaths of at least six individuals, five of whom were Chinese, was described as a suicide bombing.The foreign victims were traveling to the Dasu power project from Islamabad when their convoy was hit by an explosives-laden vehicle, highlighting the increasing risks faced by international collaborators in Pakistan.
In response to the escalating threat to Chinese nationals, a team of Chinese investigators has arrived in Pakistan to collaborate on the investigation into the suicide attack. This cooperation underscores the critical importance of safeguarding the thousands of Chinese workers involved in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects, amid Beijing’s calls for thorough investigations and enhanced security measures.
Recent months have witnessed an uptick in attacks targeting CPEC-related initiatives, with the Dasu Dam site experiencing multiple assaults, including a significant bombing in 2021 that killed 13 people. In light of these security concerns, Chinese contractors have temporarily suspended work on key hydropower projects, demanding Pakistan authorities to devise new security strategies to protect the workforce.
Baloch militants‘ rising aggression
In addition to the Bisham incident, Baloch separatist militants launched an assault on the PNS Siddique naval base in Turbat, claiming the life of an FC trooper. This attack follows a recently foiled attempt by Baloch militants on the Gwadar Port Authority Complex, indicating a surge in separatist violence within the country.
There has been a surge in terror attacks in Pakistan since the US withdrawal from Afghanistan.
US weapons in terrorist hands
In a concerning development, it has been reported that a variety of US-made weapons, left behind following the American withdrawal from Afghanistan, are now being utilized by terrorist groups against Pakistan. Groups such as the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), the Balochistan Liberation Army, among others, have been identified as using these weapons in their assaults, a Geo TV report said.
There has been a surge in terror attacks in Pakistan since the US withdrawal from Afghanistan. These US-made weapons are making terror attacks more lethal and deadlier in Pakistan.
The use of foreign arms by militants has been a point of contention, with Pakistan highlighting the issue following the rapid departure of US forces from Afghanistan—a claim the US has consistently refuted. Despite these denials, evidence from recent months shows terrorists employing American weapons in attacks within Pakistan. “Security sources have said that the terrorists involved in the recent Turbat attack were armed with US-made weaponry including an M32 multi-shot grenade launcher and M16A4 assault rifle,” the Geo TV report said.
The Pentagon has acknowledged that of the 427,300 weapons provided to Afghan forces, approximately 300,000 were left behind during the August 2021 withdrawal. This arsenal, now in the hands of militants, poses a direct threat to Pakistan’s security and has been used in various attacks, including assaults on the Chitral and Mianwali airbases.
As these incidents mount, the situation underscores the lasting implications of the US withdrawal from Afghanistan and the challenges faced by Pakistan in combating terrorism fueled by the influx of sophisticated weaponry.
(With inputs from agencies)
