Pakistan’s terror train never stops

Pakistan is still running training camps to support and arm the Taliban across the border in Afghanistan despite official denials, insurgents have claimed.

Middle-ranking Taliban commanders have boasted that they have received “practical guidance” and training in bomb-making by officers from Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence agency (ISI).
One commander, Mullah Azizullah, told a BBC documentary: “They are all the ISI’s men. They are the ones who run the training. First they train us about bombs, then they give us practical guidance. Their generals are everywhere. They are present during the training.”

In an interview at a safe house in Kabul in June, he added: “The Taliban movement was created with the help of the ISI. It is like when a tree grows — one has to plant it and water it.”

A middle-ranking commander called Mullah Qaseem told the makers of Secret Pakistan, a BBC Two show: “For a fighter there are two important things — supplies and a place to hide. Pakistan plays a significant role. First they support us by providing a place to hide which is really important. Secondly they provide us with weapons.”

Lt Col Tony Shaffer, who served with US Defence Intelligence from 1995 to 2006, said the ISI tipped off Ayman al-Zawahiri, the al Qaeda leader, during a bloody battle with Pakistani troops in Wana in 2004, allowing him to escape.

Pakistan continues to deny the reports with Gen Athar Abbas, the Pakistan army spokesperson telling the BBC: “To say that these militant groups were being supported by the state with the organised camps in these areas … I think nothing could be further from the truth.”