Pakistan: Suicide attack against IDPs kills 43 in tribal areas
| Publisher | Norwegian Refugee Council/Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre (NRC/IDMC) |
| Publication Date | 13 January 2011 |
| Cite as | Norwegian Refugee Council/Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre (NRC/IDMC), Pakistan: Suicide attack against IDPs kills 43 in tribal areas, 13 January 2011, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/4d30198d1.html [accessed 4 June 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
IDPs have continued to face threats related to the establishment of lashkar (tribal militias) to fight insurgent groups. On 25 December, a female suicide bomber killed over 40 people and injured 100 near a World Food Programme (WFP) distribution point for IDPs in Bajaur Agency, Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA). The Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) claimed responsibility for the attack, which it said targeted Salarzai tribes who have formed a lashkar to fight against the TTP. International leaders condemned the attack, which could prompt the government to put IDP returns on hold until the security situation improves in return areas.
This was the second such suicide attack against internally displaced tribespeople in 2010. On 17 April, two male suicide bombers killed at least 42 IDPs who were queuing to collect food rations at the Kacha Pukha camp. Some media reported that the attack was motivated by sectarian hatred, but a local police commander confirmed that the suicide bombers targeted members of the Mani Khel and Baramad Khel tribes, whose leaders had agreed to form lashkars against the Taliban.
See also: IDMC Pakistan country page
