By William Tucker
Just after 1:00 pm local time on April 5, the U.S. Consulate in Peshawar Pakistan was heavily attacked by multiple vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices (VBIED) with a follow on attack by militants on foot. Militants in Pakistan and Iraq have been using VBIEDS as a means of breaching the fortified outer perimeters of hotels and government buildings as a means of creating a space from which other militants can enter the area. Multiple media reports state that the attackers were wearing security uniforms which helped the militants get closer to the target. Following precedent of the last several years, once the militants breached the outer walls the follow on attack targeted security personnel with small arms, mortars, and RPG fire.
The Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) have claimed responsibility, but because of the target and coordination used in the attack it is likely al-Qaeda had a hand in preparing and executing the mission. While it is possible that the TTP managed to carry out this attack without any assistance, it is more likely that al-Qaeda was involved because the terrorist group has substantial experience in this type of attack as seen in Iraq and Africa. Furthermore, the TTP has attempted this type of attack before, but they either failed to breach the perimeter wall or the follow on attack was not executed properly. With some reports claiming a suicide bomber was able to get into the area and detonate his vest shows that this attack was better coordinated.
Video note: This video is from Fox News; however it only contains footage from Geo TV and AAJ TV. The audio is in Urdu and I don’t have an English translation.
Comments are closed.