On 16 December 2014, the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) attacked the Army Public School in Peshawar, Pakistan. Over 100 people have reportedly been killed in the attack. Sameer Patil, associate fellow for national security, ethnic conflict and terrorism at Gateway House, comments on the ongoing attack.
Statement:
“Unlike the attack on the Lindt Chocolate Café in Sydney, Australia on 15 December 2014, the attack on the Army Public School in Peshawar, Pakistan on 16 December 2014 is an organised attempt by a terrorist outfit – the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) – to hit out at the Pakistan Army’s interests.
This attack by the TTP is a response to the Pakistan Army’s military operation in North Waziristan launched in June 2014, following which the terrorist group had conducted a retributive suicide attack on the Pakistani side of the Wagah border in November 2014. Although the Pakistan military had claimed success in operation Zarb-e-Azb, the attack on the Army Public School clearly shows that the TTP has been able to maintain its operational network, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa which has emerged as a hub of militant activity.
The TTP split into various factions in May 2014 and these divided factions are battling for supremacy and publicity by engaging in terrorist violence. This division could prove to be dangerous for Pakistan’s security.
The attack on the school in Peshawar further substantiates that Pakistan needs to demonstrate resolve in combating all terror violence, and not distinguish between the terror groups attacking Pakistan’s interests versus anti-India terrorist outfits.”
Previous statements by Sameer Patil on the TTP:
Attack at Jinnah International Airport, Karachi
Pakistan Army’s Offensive on Taliban
What Mehsud’s Death Means (article)
For more information or interview requests, please contact Reetika Joshi at joshi.reetika@gatewayhouse.in.