New tools of terror: Jailbreaks by Taliban, Qaeda

Keeping terrorists in jails has become a security threat to the nations all over. And, the jailbreaks have become new tools of terror groups to achieve twin objectives of freeing their group members and send a message to the security agencies of their intent to create chaos.

Last Monday (July 22), there were jailbreaks at two prisons in Iraq. Over 500 prisoners, including Al Qaeda operatives, were freed after the terror groups attacked Abu Ghraib and Taji prisons.

The Iraqi officials claimed that they have recaptured nearly 340 prisoners, but that leaves over 150 terrorists captured by the American soldiers, who are roaming the streets and a security threat during Ramzan.

Yesterday, exactly a week later (July 29), Taliban fighters in police uniforms attacked a jail in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province and freed 250 prisoners.

The province is near the tribal regions bordering Afghanistan. There were 5000 prisoners in the Central Jail Dera Ismail Khan which is near the border town of Tank.

The jail break in Pakistan is an embarrassing blow to Pakistan's government. It immediately raises questions over Pakistan's ability to tackle the Taliban threat. The new government of Nawaz Sharif has to answer these concerns.

On Monday night, dozens of gunmen launched the attack by blowing up the electricity line to the prison. Heavy explosives were then detonated to breach the prison walls. More than 25 explosions were heard.

Militants then fought their way inside using rocket-propelled grenades and machine guns. They are reported to have called the names of Taliban prisoners through loud speakers.

The Pakistani Taliban said 100 militants and seven suicide bombers took part in the operation and 250 prisoners were freed. They also said the attack had been masterminded by Adnan Rashid, a Taliban commander who was himself freed from prison by militants in 2012.

The prison houses 5,000 prisoners belonging to Pakistani Taliban and members of banned sectarian groups such as Lashkar-e-Jhangvi, a Sunni militant group.

The jailbreaks are a counter-terrorism and intelligence nightmare.

OneIndia News