US-linked Private Security
Firms’ Involvement Suspected
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Exclusive | PakistanKaKhudaHafiz.com
An attempt to attack the General Head Quarters of
the Pakistan Armed Forces has been foiled earlier today as four militants were
shot dead while trying to enter the premesis. ISPR (Inter-Services Public
Relations) spokesman Major General Athar Abbas confirmed that four attackers
dressed in army uniforms started firing on guards when stopped at the
gate.
RAWALPINDI – Loud gunfire and blasts were heard
near the Pakistan army’s headquarters in Rawalpindi at 11:30 this morning after
a team of gunmen brandishing assault rifles and grenades tried to break into the
fiercely guarded compound on Saturday, sparking a raging gun battle with troops
outside Islamabad.
Accoring to witnesses, four militants in a white
Suzuki van attempted to enter the GHQ premesis from gate number one. When
intercepted by the checkpoint guards, they started firing indiscriminately and
throwing hand grenades while making their way towards gate number two, where
security officials promptly acted, shooting the terrorists dead after a short
but intense pitched battle. It is not clear how many security officials were
martyred in the exchange.
The entire area has been cordoned off and roads
leading to the GHQ have been closed for traffic, and army helicopters have begun
hovering over the GHQ.
The van is said to contain explosives while
sophisticated weapons and communication equipment have been found both inside
the van as well as on the dead militants, which points towards possible
involvement of US private security agencies operating in Islamabad. These
private security firms are employed by the US Embassy in Islamabad, and have
been provided with banned sophisticated weapons after special approvals were
obtained from Interior Minister Rehman Malik and Prime Minister Yousuf Raza
Gilani.
Security forces recently raided the offices of one
such agency (Inter Risk) and recovered a large cache of sophisticated heavy
weapons, while arresting its owner Ali Jaffar Zaidi.
Investigation conducted by police revealed that
Inter Risk had made an agreement with an American security company, DynCorp, to
provide security to US installations and diplomats and security personnel along
with protecting their interests in Pakistan.
The firm was also asked to recruit security guards,
especially those who can qualify for joining Special Services Group, and
arranged a place for their training.
Sources said that during interrogation the accused
disclosed names of some bigwigs, including officials of the Interior Ministry,
allegedly involved in provision of licences of prohibited bore weapons to the
security firm.
But the investigators are reluctant to take the
‘big shots’ into custody, the sources said, adding that a request had been made
to the government by senior police officers.
With this morning’s attack on the General Head
Quarters of the Armed Forces of Pakistan, one hopes serious action will be taken
to shut down these US private security firms and their training centers, as well
as in investigating the involvement of the US Embassy as well as interior
ministry officials in anti-state activities.