BRIEFS
Issue date: 2/3/10 Section: Eagle Eye
Analysis: Last year's Nov. 12 roundup of seven Tehrik-i-Taliban (TTP) members in the Gulistan-i-Jauhar district shows insurgents that fled the army's offensive in South Waziristan likely sought refuge in Karachi, and have planned attacks around the city. While Thursday's skirmish is one of many in recent months, the Taliban have not claimed responsibility.
It remains possible that this could be an attempt by TTP to force NATO into using the new supply route, announced Jan. 27, that runs through Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. However, it seems unlikely, since it would require more time for the TTP to mobilize an attack in response to Wednesday's announcement, and since the attack was carried out in an unprofessional manner.
Waseem Ahmed's statement is indicative of Karachi's view of the attack. The transportation company which was attacked falls under the restrictions of a 2009 Sindh business ordinance requiring all profit-generating enterprises to provide their own security details. Many in Karachi, including other Sindh businesses and security officials, may object to a NATO supply convoy receiving state security arrangements. Karachi is home to Mumbai's large crime syndicate, the D-Company; this attack is most likely a one-time retaliatory message to the foreign transportation company for failing to adhere to local ordinances-not the work of the Taliban.
[James McCarty]
SOUTH KOREA: Naval Clash With North Korea
Summary: Tension rises as South and North Korean navies exchange fire for the second time in 3 months.
Development: On Jan. 25, North Korea declared two no-sail zones near the inter-Korean maritime border in the Yellow Sea. The no-sail zones, located near South Korea's northernmost islands of Baeknyeong and Daecheong, overlap the Northern Limit Line (NLL). It is believed that the move is connected to North Korea's Dec. 21 declaration, which set a peacetime firing zone in an area south of the NLL. Pyongyang accused Seoul of being responsible for underwater explosions close to its waters prior to the declaration. South Korea denied the accusations, stating the explosions were part of a routine drill.
It remains possible that this could be an attempt by TTP to force NATO into using the new supply route, announced Jan. 27, that runs through Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. However, it seems unlikely, since it would require more time for the TTP to mobilize an attack in response to Wednesday's announcement, and since the attack was carried out in an unprofessional manner.
Waseem Ahmed's statement is indicative of Karachi's view of the attack. The transportation company which was attacked falls under the restrictions of a 2009 Sindh business ordinance requiring all profit-generating enterprises to provide their own security details. Many in Karachi, including other Sindh businesses and security officials, may object to a NATO supply convoy receiving state security arrangements. Karachi is home to Mumbai's large crime syndicate, the D-Company; this attack is most likely a one-time retaliatory message to the foreign transportation company for failing to adhere to local ordinances-not the work of the Taliban.
[James McCarty]
SOUTH KOREA: Naval Clash With North Korea
Summary: Tension rises as South and North Korean navies exchange fire for the second time in 3 months.
Development: On Jan. 25, North Korea declared two no-sail zones near the inter-Korean maritime border in the Yellow Sea. The no-sail zones, located near South Korea's northernmost islands of Baeknyeong and Daecheong, overlap the Northern Limit Line (NLL). It is believed that the move is connected to North Korea's Dec. 21 declaration, which set a peacetime firing zone in an area south of the NLL. Pyongyang accused Seoul of being responsible for underwater explosions close to its waters prior to the declaration. South Korea denied the accusations, stating the explosions were part of a routine drill.
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