DTN News: Pakistan TODAY December 6, 2009 ~ Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan Chief’s Aide Captured In Hangu

DTN News: Pakistan TODAY December 6, 2009 ~ Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan Chief’s Aide Captured In Hangu *Source: DTN News / Int'l Media (NSI News Source Info) KOHAT, Pakistan - December 6, 2009:Maulvi Rafiuddin, a ‘commander’ of militants and key aide to Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan chief, was among seven militants who were captured in Hangu on Saturday.In this photo taken on Monday, Sept. 7, 2009, Taliban commander Baz Mohammed, center, speaks during an interview with the Associated Press at his headquarters in Dera Ismail Khan, Pakistan. Mohammed, a commander in a pro-government militia, is supported by the government as both share a common enemy, the Pakistan Taliban serving under the replacement of their chief Baitullah Mehshud, killed during a CIA missile strike last month. A large quantity of arms and ammunition was also seized by security forces during the operations. Maulvi Rafiuddin was caught last year along with five accomplices but had to be swapped with 10 government officials whom militants had kidnapped in sharp reaction to his arrest.More than 60 government servants, including 35 police recruits, were kidnapped by militants in separate incidents. Soldiers carry the flag-draped casket of Major General Umer Bilal, one of 40 who were killed in an attack on a mosque near the military headquarters a day earlier, before his funeral in Rawalpindi December 5, 2009. Pakistani officials on Saturday mourned those killed near the country's military headquarters in an attack that raised questions over how militants penetrated the security of the regional nuclear power. As Pakistan battles Taliban insurgents who have responded to offensives with bombings that have killed hundreds since October, it also faces U.S. pressure to root out militants who cross the border to fight Western troops in Afghanistan. Seven of the hostages were beheaded to put pressure on authorities for the release of Maulana Rafiuddin and his accomplices. The militants then had also laid siege to the Doaba police station and gunned down 12 personnel of Frontier Constabulary. The other militant arrested along with Maulvi Rafiuddin on Saturday was ‘commander’ Haji Gulzar who ran camps astride Hangu’s borders with Orakzai Agency and Kurram Agency. Maulvi Rafiuddin and Haji Gulzar were arrested at a military checkpoint in Spin Thall area when they were going to North Waziristan Agency carrying a huge quantity of heavy and small weapons. Officials termed their arrest a big triumph. Pakistani Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani (3rd R), army chief Ashfaq Kiyani (3rd L), chairman joint chief of staff committee Tariq Majeed (2nd R) and Interior Minister Rehman Malik with other relatives attend a funeral prayer of three out of the 40 people who were killed in an attack on a mosque near the military headquarters in Rawalpindi December 5, 2009. Pakistani officials on Saturday mourned those killed near the country's military headquarters in an attack that raised questions over how militants penetrated the security of the regional nuclear power. As Pakistan battles Taliban insurgents who have responded to offensives with bombings that have killed hundreds since October, it also faces U.S. pressure to root out militants who cross the border to fight Western troops in Afghanistan. Maulvi Rafiuddin and Haji Gulzar used to send militants on suicide missions and plant explosive devices at the Kohat-Parachinar highway which is frequently used by troops. They also masterminded several attacks on the families of police officials who took action against them. The officials said that a third important TTP leader, Aziz, and four other militants were arrested in Shahu Khel area of the Hangu district. The area was retaken by security forces a fortnight ago after a week-long battle with militants.