Operation Ghazi Explained

On 13 February 2017, Jamaat-ul-Ahrar released a video announcing the launch of "Operation Ghazi", named after Abdul Rashid Ghazi who was killed in July 2007 inside the Lal Masjid.^[4] The operation started with the suicide bombing at the Mall, in which 12 civilians and six police officers were killed.^[1]

In the video, Jamaat-ul-Ahrar stated that its future targets would be legislative bodies Pakistan Army, intelligence agencies and supporting institutions; interest-based economic institutions; INGOs/NGOs and civil society organisations involved in the advocacy of human rights, women's rights and community awareness campaigns; liberal writers, political leaders and workers; media persons; and coeducational private schools, colleges and universities.^[4]

The Centrum Media released a video statement from Abdul Rashid Ghazi's son, Haroon Rasheed Ghazi, addressing Jamaat-ul-Ahrar. "We should come up with a political solution. This bloodshed is not in the interest of anyone. Our stance is very clear; we do not endorse any violent activities," he said.

Operation Radd ul Fasaad

On 22 February 2017, in response to the Operation Ghazi, Pakistan Army launched Operation Radd-ul-Fasaad (lit. "Elimination of Discord") across the country.^[5] The operation aimed at indiscriminately eliminating residual threat of terrorism and consolidating gains of operations made so far. It further aimed at ensuring security of the borders. The countrywide de-weaponisation and explosive control were laid as the additional objectives of the operation.^[6]

Timeline

2017

February 2017

• On 13 February 2017, a suicide bombing took place on the Mall in Lahore, where a group of chemists and pharmaceutical personnel were demonstrating at the Charing Cross.^[1]
• The same day, 2 officers of the Bomb Disposal Squad (BDS) were killed and 12 others were injured, when a bomb BDS personnel were trying to defuse went off. The bomb was placed near Karachi Stop on Saryab road, Quetta.^{[7] [8] [9]}
• On 15 February 2017, two attacks occurred in Ghalanai and Peshawar. In the first attack in Ghalanai, a suicide bomber killed three policemen and two civilians near an administrative building in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas. An accomplice was shot and killed. A second suicide bomber failed to cause any casualties when his suicide vest detonated prematurely.^[2]

In the Peshawar bombing, a vehicle carrying local judges and government officials was targeted by suicide bombers. The driver and a civilian were killed and five others were injured.^[2]

• On 16 February, the Punjab Police's Counter Terrorism Department raided a Jamaat-ul-Ahrar hideout in Multan and killed 6 militants, who had resisted the operation with firing and explosives.^[10]
• On 21 February 2017, suicide bombers targeted a sessions court in Tangi, Charsadda District. Seven persons were killed and 21 were injured.^[11]

March 2017

• On 5 March 2017, Pakistani military confirmed that 10 militants were killed and five soldiers lost their lives in attacks that took place in Mohmand Agency.^[12]
• On 17 March 2017, al-Jazeera reported that Jamaat-ur-Ahrar militants attacked a Pakistani military border post in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa from Afghanistan, killing two Pakistani soldiers. Six militants were also killed. Also that day a military operation in Rajgal Valley killed "several" LeI fighters, according to the Pakistani military media wing. Pakistan's military said it had foiled an attempted suicide attack on a paramilitary training centre in Shabqadar, in the northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, two suicide bombers and a soldier were killed in the attempted attack, while another soldier was wounded.^[13]
• On 31 March 2017, at least 22 people have been killed and more than 70 injured in a blast outside a mosque in north-west Pakistan. Jamaat-ul-Ahrar claimed responsibility for the attack.^[14]

Notes and References

1. Web site: 14 killed, over 100 wounded in Lahore blast . Pakistan Today . 13 February 2017 . Samiullah . Randhawa.
2. Web site: Suicide bombings kill 6 in northwestern Pakistan. ABC.com. 15 February 2017. ABC. 15 February 2017.
3. News: Pakistan 'kills 1000 militants' after Sufi shrine attack. BBC. 17 February 2017. 23 February 2017.
4. Web site: Jamaat-ul-Ahrar gives details of its targets in a video . Pakistan Today . 15 February 2017.
5. News: Pakistan Army launches 'Operation Radd-ul-Fasaad' across the country. 22 February 2017. Dawn. 22 February 2017.
6. News: Army launches Operation Radd-ul-Fasaad against terrorists across the country. 22 February 2017. Express Tribune. 22 February 2017.
7. Web site: Two killed in Quetta IED blast - The Express Tribune. 13 February 2017. 13 April 2017.
8. Web site: Two cops killed, 6 injured in Quetta blast. 13 April 2017.
9. Web site: Two cops killed while defusing bomb in Quetta - SAMAA TV. 13 April 2017.
10. News: 6 suspected Jamaat-ul-Ahrar militants killed in CTD raid in Multan. Dawn. 16 February 2017. 16 February 2017.
11. News: 3 bombers killed during attack on Charsadda court: officials. 21 February 2017. Dawn. 21 February 2017.
12. Web site: Clashes on Pakistan-Afghanistan border kill 15. All Jazeera. 6 March 2017.
13. Web site: Clashes hit Pakistan-Afghanistan border. Al-Jazeera. 17 March 2017.
14. News: Pakistan blast: Parachinar bomb leaves at least 24 dead. BBC News . 31 March 2017. 13 April 2017.