2009 Alpuri bombing

Suicide bombing in Pakistan

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On 12 October 2009, a suicide bomber detonated himself in front of a military truck as it passed through a busy market in Alpuri town, Shangla District, Pakistan. Shangla is a district adjacent to the Swat Valley, which was recently the focus of a military operation against the Taliban.[3]

In April, Pakistan's army launched an offensive to eliminate the Taliban insurgency in Swat and nearby districts. Mian Iftikhar Hussain, the information minister for the troubled North West Frontier Province, stated that the bombing killed 41 people and injured 45 others.[4] A few days later, the death toll increased to 47.[1]

Background

Fall of Shangla

Shangla District was invaded by Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) in 2007. Following the invasion, numerous villages in the district fell under Taliban control, making Shangla a significant hotspot for Taliban activities in the region. Despite several military expeditions by the Pakistani Army at the end of 2007, none were successful in fully dislodging the Taliban presence.

In 2008, the Pakistani army managed to clear a substantial part of the district from Taliban influence; however, the insurgency persisted. Following the clearance, Shangla continued to experience frequent suicide attacks and targeted killings. Subsequent attempts to reclaim full control over Shangla faced challenges, prompting Taliban insurgents to target Pakistani security forces and checkpoints.[5]

Attack

A spokesperson from the army-operated Swat Media Centre reported that the suicide bomber targeted a convoy passing through a security checkpoint near a bustling market in Alpuri town, Shangla.[6] The attack resulted in 47 fatalities, including six Pakistani soldiers.

At the time, Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari condemned the attack. Then-Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani expressed condolences for the victims and called for an investigation into the incident.[7]

Aftermath

Following the deadly attack, several investigations were conducted, leading to the arrest of multiple individuals for questioning.[8]

References

  1. ^ a b Afaq, Tariq; Momand, Shams (7 December 2009). "10 dead, 45 injured in Peshawar suicide blast". Samaa TV.
  2. ^ "TTP claims responsibility for Shangla suicide attack". Dawn. 14 October 2009.
  3. ^ "Six soldiers among 41 killed in Shangla suicide blast". Brecorder. Agence France-Presse. 13 October 2009. Retrieved 1 August 2023.
  4. ^ "Suicide bomber kills scores at crowded market near Swat valley". France 24. 12 October 2009. Retrieved 1 August 2023.
  5. ^ Perlez, Jane; Khan, Ismail (16 November 2007). "Militants Gain Despite Decree by Musharraf". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 1 August 2023.
  6. ^ Kolekar, Gopal Rayappa (16 September 2021). The Modern Administration Of The Earth. Blue Rose Publishers. ISBN 978-93-5472-469-5.
  7. ^ "At least 32 killed, 46 injured in Shangla suicide attack: military". The Nation. 12 October 2009. Retrieved 1 August 2023.
  8. ^ "Pakistan arrests suspects for blast attacks". The Hindu. 13 October 2009. Retrieved 1 August 2023.