U.S.-trained investigators a terrorist target in Pakistan?

Fri, 03/14/2008 - 9:14am

I'm surprised U.S. media outlets haven't picked up on this nugget from a story about Monday's bombing in Lahore, Pakistan, which targeted the Federal Investigative Authority:

Deputy Inspector General (Investigations) Tasadaq Hussain said police had collected the remains of the two attackers. Part of the head and a leg of the FIA building attacker were found from the roof of a nearby building, he said. He said the attacks had targeted the US-trained Special Investigations Group (SIG) that had been working on the third floor of the building. Plastic explosive C4 was used in the attacks, he added. [my emphasis]

Syed Saleem Shahzad, writing for the Asia Times, says the unit in question is "a joint initiative of US and Pakistani planners set up to eliminate the strong roots of radicalization in Punjab province." The worry is that jihadi groups from the northwest are extending their influence into historically moderate Punjab, making it easier to infiltrate and attack hard targets. Shahzad warns:

Tuesday's attacks are significant... in that the establishment's most secret underground offices are now on the militants' radar, and more attacks are anticipated.

(Hat tip: The indispensable NightWatch)

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