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Insight into a Suicide operated in Charbagh and Peochar in travel to the camp to retrieve them. Swat; Galjo and Ferozkhel in Orakzai Such efforts are not resisted by the Bomber Training Camp in Agency; and Chinaari and Mohammad camp operators if the children leave at Waziristan Ghat in Mohmand Agency.3 their own volition.10 Therefore, whether to stay at the camp or return to family By S.H. Tajik The training facilities themselves largely depends on the will of the suicide are usually established in abandoned bomber. Life at the camp, however, is since the overthrow of the schools, or in houses offered by locals.4 incredibly absorbing. Trainees who are regime in in 2001, In some camps, such as at the Nawazkot pulled out of the camp by their families has been increasingly victim facility, paintings depicting paradise often flee their homes to return to the to suicide bombings. In the past are drawn on the walls, such as images camp. One would-be suicide bomber three years, attacks have escalated of flowing rivers of milk with fairies admitted, “Yes, I felt attracted to life in dramatically, especially after the Lal walking along in lush green valleys.5 the camp as I felt happy over there with Masjid (Red Mosque) operation in 2007.1 my fellows. There was good food, pocket Today, suicide bombings are a frequent The training camps are generally money, good friends and vehicles for occurrence in Pakistan’s northwest, located in areas where the government driving.”11 and they have spread to previously has little oversight or control, which stable parts of the country, including in reduces the need for camp security. At During the winter months, training Punjab Province. night, however, a senior trainee guards is minimal due to severe weather in the camp, and no one is allowed to leave the mountains. The camps are also This article provides an in-depth look at the camp after night prayers (isha’).6 vacated in response to government how Pakistani Taliban suicide bombers The locations themselves are switched military operations, at which time the train for their operations at camps in regularly for security reasons. members melt into the general civilian South Waziristan Agency. It draws population.12 The average number of heavily from information acquired from Inside the camp, adults and minors are trainees in a camp ranges from 30-35, Pakistani police interrogations and generally segregated and trained in but this can vary.13 interviews with suspected militants. different areas of the facility; however, The article includes information on this is dependent on various conditions.7 Within the camp, Pashtu is the working general camp characteristics, why The age of suicide bombers range from language, although may be spoken. individuals join the camps, the daily seven to 40.8 Large suicide training The Taliban leadership provides all routine of the trainees, the rituals camps operate in two categories: junior expenses associated with the camp. carried out before an attack and finally and senior camps. Senior camps usually Trainees are occasionally provided 500 post-attack activities. accommodate trainees from 16 years of to 1,000 rupees for their expenses when age and older, while the junior camps they visit their homes.14 This serves as General Camp Characteristics accommodate trainees from seven years pocket money on a demand basis. Before the ongoing military operations in of age to 15.9 All the camp participants the Swat Valley and in South Waziristan are not necessarily tasked on suicide The first camp to specialize in training Agency, suicide bomber training camps missions, and they are allowed to quit suicide bombers was the Kotkai camp. were active in various parts of the their training. As is often the case, family It was closed after Qari Hussain, a Federally Administered Tribal Areas members do not approve of their kin’s senior Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) (FATA) and in Malakand Division participation, and they occasionally operative known as the “Trainer of of the North-West Frontier Province Suicide Bombers,” was deposed from 2 (NWFP). In FATA, the camps have been 3 Omar Waraich, “Taliban Running School for Suicide his leadership role as the head of the 15 located in North and South Waziristan, Bombers,” Independent, July 29, 2009. suicide bomber brigade in 2007. Orakzai, Bajaur and Mohmand agencies. 4 Pakistan Police interrogation report, subject Ishaq The most prominent camps operated in Mehsud, Islamabad, Pakistan, June 2008; Pakistan Po- 10 Ishaq Mehsud, June 2008. the following areas of South Waziristan: lice interrogation report, subject Abid Mehsud, Islam- 11 Abid Mehsud, July 2008. Kotkai, Nawazkot, Deeley, Karama, abad, Pakistan, July 2008; Pakistan Police interrogation 12 Ishaq Mehsud, June 2008; Abid Mehsud, July 2008. Kazha Pangha, Barwand, Karikot, Ladha report, subject Hameedullah Mehsud, Islamabad, Paki- 13 Abid Mehsud, July 2008. and Tangay. Newer training camps stan, August 2008; Pakistan Police interrogation report, 14 Ishaq Mehsud, June 2008. subject Mir Janan, Islamabad, Pakistan, September 15 Ibid. removed him from command 1 The Lal Masjid siege occurred in July 2007 when Paki- 2008; Pakistan Police interrogation report, subject Ait- when Qari Hussain’s followers attacked the residence of stani security forces engaged jihadist militants holed up ezaz Shah, Dera Ismail Khan, Pakistan, January 2008; Pir Amiruddin Shah, the government’s political agent in the mosque complex. The operation is viewed as the Pakistan Police interrogation report, subject Hasnain in Khyber Agency, in May 2007. The brazen attack catalyst that turned formerly Kashmir- and sectarian- Gul (also known as Ali Punjabi), Rawalpindi, Pakistan, killed seven guests and six family members, a violation focused militants against the Pakistani government. August 2009. of Pashtun ethics since women and guests were among 2 Operation Rah-e-Rast (Path to Righteousness) in Swat 5 This information was drawn from Geo TV news re- the dead. More importantly, Qari Hussain never sought began in May 2009. Operation Rah-e-Nijat (Path to Sal- porting in 2009. Baitullah’s approval to conduct the attack. Although vation) in South Waziristan began in October 2009. For 6 Ishaq Mehsud, June 2008. Qari Hussain was reported killed in January 2010, it ap- details, see Sameer Lalwani, “The Pakistan Military’s 7 Ibid. pears that he is still alive. For details on Qari Hussain and Adaptation to Counterinsurgency in 2009,” CTC Sentinel 8 Abid Mehsud, July 2008. his 2007 conflict with Baitullah Mehsud, see the follow- 3:1 (2010). 9 Ibid. ing reports: Abid Mehsud, July 2008; Behroz Khan and

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Wali Muhammad was put in command Landa Bazaar Hyderabad. I was sick of Walid, whose outnumbered army fought of the brigade and the camps were life and wanted to get rid of it. I escaped bravely against the enemies of Islam. shifted to Deeley and Karama in South Hyderabad in 2006 and went straight to Waziristan.16 Qari Hussain instead of home.”22 Ishaq, Instructors tell stories of past suicide an 18-year-old would-be suicide bomber bombers who have appeared in dreams Since the October 2009 Pakistan belonging to the Mehsud tribe in South saying that they are now in paradise.27 military operation in South Waziristan, Waziristan, dropped out of school early Camp members are also shown videos all of the suicide camps in the Mehsud- and was lured into a suicide training of previous bombers planning their dominated areas of the agency have camp because it operated in his village operations; they are not, however, been closed. of Kotkai.23 shown the scene after a suicide blast, likely due to fear that the images of Recruitment Motivations There are a number of motivations carnage will demoralize the recruits.28 Statistically, it is estimated that more that cause individuals to join suicide than 90% of suicide bombers who join bomber training camps. Recruits are The bombers are radicalized to such the training camps in Waziristan are primarily motivated by atrocities an extent that they compete over the Pashtun.17 Moreover, according to against Muslims. The main theme in chance to launch an attack. One would- an unpublished internal report from the camp lectures is revenge. Ishaq be bomber admitted, “Yes, the suicide Pakistan’s Special Investigation Group explained that instructors call attention bombers ask the amir persistently to in 2009, approximately 70% of suicide to the helplessness of Muslims whose give them an opportunity as soon as attacks are conducted by fighters from daughters and sisters are dishonored possible. They are always anxious to be the Mehsud tribe.18 Non-Pashtuns also by non-Muslims in Afghanistan and launched.”29 The more a trainee pushes join the camp, such as Aitezaz Shah, .24 According to Abid, the camp to conduct an attack, the sooner they who was arrested due to his alleged role leaders incite the audience when they are provided with an opportunity. One in the assassination of former Prime narrate stories about Muslim women example is suicide bomber Ismail, who Minister Benazir Bhutto.19 According languishing in the prisons of infidels.25 was sent to attack the police training to would-be suicide bomber Ishaq, school at Sargodha in 2007 only two the main explanation for the high Instructors consistently emphasize weeks after his induction at the camp.30 prevalence of suicide terrorism among the religious permissibility of suicide Some recruits prefer to carry out attacks the Mehsud is because the training attacks against non-Muslims and even in Afghanistan. This was the case with camps are located in areas inhabited their Muslim allies. According to this Abid, who wanted to carry out a suicide by the tribe.20 Additionally, pockets of logic, Pakistan’s security forces are attack against Americans at Birmal, civilians in Mehsud-dominated areas working for the and they Afghanistan. of Waziristan eulogize the bombers for hinder jihadist activities; therefore, their courage, which incites more youth suicide bombings against them are Camp trainees are told that a suicide to join the camps. permissible. As stated by one would-be bomber wins paradise for giving up his suicide bomber, “The instructor, Maulvi life for Allah, and enters the afterlife Most suicide bombers are recruited Rahimullah used to tell us that suicide the moment the explosives detonate. from kinship or friendship networks.21 attacks on the army, security forces and Once in paradise, the suicide bomber Other factors that draw individuals to even all government employees was has the opportunity to recommend 70 the camps include: curiosity, proximity permissible under the injunctions of people for paradise and Allah honors of the camps to civilian residential Islam.”26 that recommendation. The bombers communities, unemployment or under- are told that they are superior to other employment, poor academic options, Qari Hussain, known for his anti-Shi`a jihadists because they have no worldly boredom and lack of entertainment. beliefs, also motivated camp members ambitions such as status, money and Abid, a 16-year-old Mehsud from South by arguing that the Shi`a are kafirs esteem. While other jihadists can Waziristan, identified boredom and his (infidels) and therefore can be killed. survive after an attack on the enemy, uncle’s behavior for his reason in joining According to the camp instructors, the fidai (suicide bomber) faces certain a suicide bomber training camp: “I was innocent civilians killed in suicide death—the supreme sacrifice for Allah. working with my uncle in his shop at attacks are martyrs, and therefore there As a result, there is a sense of pride is no need to be concerned about their among the bombers as they refer to non- David Montero, “Pakistan’s Taliban Fight Each Other,” fate. Instructors justify these teachings suicide bombers as “common mujahids,” Christian Science Monitor, July 2, 2007. with references to the Qur’an and and they are not allowed to interact or 31 16 Ishaq Mehsud, June 2008. hadith. They use decrees by religious socialize with them. 17 Ibid.; Abid Mehsud, July 2008; Mir Janan, September scholars, and cite the precedent of the 2008; Hameedullah Mehsud, August 2008. famous commander and companion of 27 Aitezaz Shah, January 2008; Ishaq Mehsud, June 18 The Mehsud are a Pashtun tribe. the Prophet Muhammad, Khalid bin 2008; Abid Mehsud, July 2008; Mir Janan, September 19 Aitezaz Shah, January 2008. 2008; Hameedullah Mehsud, August 2008. 20 Ishaq Mehsud, June 2008. 22 Abid Mehsud, July 2008. 28 Ibid. 21 Marc Sageman, Leaderless Jihad (Philadelphia, PA: 23 Ishaq Mehsud, June 2008. 29 Ibid. University of Pennsylvania Press, 2008); Scott Atran, 24 Ibid. 30 Abid Mehsud, July 2008. “Who Becomes a Terrorist Today?” Perspectives on Ter- 25 Ibid. 31 Aitezaz Shah, January 2008; Ishaq Mehsud, June rorism 2:5 (2008). 26 Abid Mehsud, July 2008. 2008; Abid Mehsud, July 2008; Mir Janan, September

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The Camp Schedule Throughout the training period, the The rahbar’s duty is to take the bomber to Information on the daily schedule instructors make emotional speeches a predetermined target either a few days within the training camps has been designed to influence the trainees. before the attack, or on the actual day. acquired from interviews with Qari Hussain, in particular, apparently He helps the bomber become acquainted multiple detainees. The camp members mesmerized his listeners and was able with the area and remains in contact wake before sunrise to offer special to bring them to tears.38 The same with the high command directly to night vigils (tahajjud) followed by the emotional ambience is repeated during inform them about the success or failure recitation of the Qur’an until morning the concluding prayers (du`a). The two of the attack. On the day of the attack, prayers (fajr).32 After breakfast, most most famous books used at the camps for the rahbar decides the most opportune trainees receive driver’s education, religious lessons are Islam aur fidai hamlay time for the bombing. Due to the rahbar’s and they practice vehicle maneuvers. (Islam and Suicide Attacks), written by crucial role in the operation, obedience Experienced driving instructors teach Mufti Abdul Bashar Qasmi, and Fazail- and loyalty to the rahbar is inculcated in them how to handle motorcycles and e-Jihad (Virtues of Jihad), written by the camp. A suicide bomber, however, cars in preparation for vehicle-borne Maulana Masood Azhar. The religious reserves the right to disobey the rahbar (VBIED) suicide attacks.33 At the Kotkai instructors are all local, and local guest if he changes the venue of the attack, training camp, six station wagons were speakers also deliver lectures. The amir attempts to hand him over to another available for this purpose.34 of the camp hires a local maulvi (religious handler, or asks him to attack an leader) for translation of the Qur’an and impossible target or one that will result During the morning session, some other lessons. in too few casualties. A normal target trainees stay at the camp for services should result in the deaths of at least 10 that include cleaning the camp, Rituals and Preparation Before an Attack people, with the exception of VIP targets preparing lunch and buying utilities. Before an attack is executed, only the when the number of dead is irrelevant.40 Lunch is typically served around mid- head of the Pakistani Taliban, the head day followed by the noon prayers (zuhr). of the training camp, the rahbar (guide) The rahbar does not strictly monitor Afterward, the trainees split into two and the fidai know the target. The other the suicide bomber in the days before groups and study the Qur’an. A new members of the training camp are not the attack. The bomber can roam recruit is typically paired with a more informed about the target beforehand. around with the hosts (who provide a senior member to help teach him the Some suicide bombers leave behind safe house) in the target city until the prayers. The trainees then depart again notes that are delivered to their families moment he leaves for the attack. The for outdoor driving lessons after having upon their deaths. Some record “video bomber is provided with a code word tea with cookies.35 In the summer months, wills” before their departure, which for the final attack time. While the code they usually take a nap after lunch are released by the Taliban after the word can change, until recently it has before assembling for afternoon prayers mission is accomplished. Usually, been “marriage.”41 In the assassination (asar), which are usually followed by suicide bombers visit their families for of Benazir Bhutto, the code word was lessons from Maulana Masood Azhar’s one final meeting before departing on “the meal is ready.”42 Fazail-e-Jihad (The Virtues of Jihad) for their mission.39 Abid, for example, met more than an hour. The evening prayers his family before his failed attack on To boost the morale of the bombers (maghrib) are offered together followed by President Pervez Musharraf, but did before an attack, they are instructed a wazifa during which the trainees recite not tell them about the operation. to recite Ayat-ul-Kursi or a verse from Astaghfirullah, Alhamdulillah, Allah o Akbar Surah e Yaseen (chapter from the and Allah Allah 100 times each.36 The When a suicide bomber begins on the Qur’an).43 The verse is Wa jaalna mim wazifa is followed by dinner where the mission, his campmates say farewell baina aideehim saddan wa min khlfahum saddan trainees have informal conversations by embracing him and requesting that fa aghshainahum fahum la ubsaroon (And we with each other. During the training he recommend them for paradise. The have put a barrier before them, and routine, they are shown jihadist videos bomber is instructed to bathe and wear a barrier behind them, and we have on a DVD player.37 Afterward, they go clean new clothes, and he shaves his covered them up, so that they cannot straight to sleep after night prayers pubic hair. The purpose of the bomber see). By reciting this verse, the bombers (isha’) and no activity is allowed after the wearing new or clean clothes is to avoid believe they are invulnerable to law final prayers. suspicion and to have uninterrupted enforcement detection. They receive access to the target location. The bomber explicit directions from the amir of the recites Qur’anic verses, and continues camp and rahbar not to surrender at the recitation until the actual blast. any cost and to trigger the explosives if The rahbar instructs the bomber on the arrest is imminent or if they are about 2008; Hameedullah Mehsud, August 2008. proper timing of the blast in advance, to be intercepted. 32 Ibid. and the bomber begins preparations 33 Ibid. ahead of time. When conducting the attack, the 34 Abid Mehsud, July 2008. suicide vest is worn under the bomber’s 35 Aitezaz Shah, January 2008; Ishaq Mehsud, June 2008; Abid Mehsud, July 2008; Mir Janan, September 40 Ibid. 2008; Hameedullah Mehsud, August 2008. 41 Ishaq Mehsud, June 2008; Abid Mehsud, July 2008. 36 Ibid. 38 Ibid. 42 Hasnain Gul, August 2009. 37 Ibid. 39 Ibid. 43 Ishaq Mehsud, June 2008; Abid Mehsud, July 2008.

12 march 2010 . Vol 3 . Issue 3 garments, typically under a waistcoat so families of the bombers rejoice over the it is properly concealed. The orange color martyrdom mission, and some mothers Iran’s Ambiguous Role in detonation cord connects the explosives wear new black dresses to greet local Afghanistan vest or jacket to the striker sleeve, women after the death of their son. One which is adhered to the bomber’s left- bomber, however, explained that while By Sajjan M. Gohel hand wrist with duct tape. On reaching the mother of the bomber is typically the target, the ring of the striker sleeve sad, they cannot overtly express their iran is playing a pivotal role in is pulled with the right hand and the true feelings due to threats from the Afghanistan’s post-Taliban development. blast occurs. There is no evidence of any Taliban. It is a large source of foreign direct intoxicant administered to the suicide investment, and provides assistance bombers before the attack. Also, contrary to the general public’s in critical national infrastructure, perception, the Taliban do not regularly road construction, distribution of Since suicide bombers often either abort pay compensation to the families of energy supplies, and agricultural and their missions or are arrested before suicide bombers after an attack.47 Any communications development. Iran they can detonate their explosives, they posthumous compensation package is also shares ethnic, linguistic and have been able to narrate their pre- largely a myth. In some cases, when religious links with millions of Afghan attack emotions. The bombers’ felt no the parents of a bomber are extremely Shi`a. This is particularly true with fear of death or consequence before the destitute, they are given a small amount Afghanistan’s Shi`a-minority Hazara attack. Some bombers, however, were of financial assistance. community, which resides in the central anxious about missing the target, such and northern regions of the country. As as detonating their explosives early or Conclusion a result of these positive connections, too late (for example, after a convoy has The suicide bomber training camps in Iran has been viewed as a potential already passed). Before the attack, they South Waziristan have been shuttered stabilizing force in Afghanistan, with would feel pride that Allah had chosen as a result of Pakistan’s October 2009 its interests largely aligned with those them for such a great mission. Thoughts military operation. Yet insight into of the Western mission: concern about of their family did not enter their mind. how the Waziristan camps functioned the Taliban insurgency, resistance to al- They experienced no abnormal physical helps to provide context for how and Qa`ida and weakening the opium trade reactions such as sweating, dry mouth, why individuals choose to use their restlessness, heart palpitations, or body as an explosive device. Moreover, Paradoxically, Iranian-made armaments abnormal movements of the body. although the South Waziristan camps have been discovered in the hands of Breathing remained normal. There were have been closed, they may have been Afghan Taliban fighters, raising concern no speech abnormalities, nor did they relocated elsewhere. Continuing to deny and questions about Tehran’s overall appear to be in a hurry.44 militants safe haven to train and plan strategy in Afghanistan. An August for attacks is essential to reducing their 2009 report authored by General Post-Mission Activities operational capabilities in Pakistan and Stanley A. McChrystal, the commander At the completion of a successful in the region. of U.S. forces in Afghanistan, cited mission, the Taliban leaders do not Iran’s “ambiguous role” in the country, always inform the other trainees about Dr. S.H. Tajik completed his master’s stating that Iran is providing aid to the the real location of the suicide blast. degree in criminal justice administration Afghan government while at the same They also sometimes give them false and criminology from the London School time allowing weapons to pass into information about where the attack of Economics and Political Science. He the hands of the Taliban.1 U.S. Defense occurred.45 When an attack occurs has also received diplomas in Crisis Secretary Robert Gates has also accused in Afghanistan, however, the leaders Management from the Swedish National Tehran of playing a “double game” in inform the recruits of this fact. Defence College, and Risk, Crisis & Disaster Afghanistan.2 This “ambiguous” role Management from Leicester University. has created confusion over Iran’s true After an attack takes place, the amir of Dr. Tajik has 14 years of law enforcement intentions toward its neighbor. the Pakistani Taliban and the amir of experience on three continents: Europe the training camp visit the family of (Kosovo), Africa (Rwanda and Liberia) 1 Stanley A. McChrystal, “COMISAF’S Initial Assess- the suicide bomber, provided that the and Asia (Pakistan). He has worked with ment, Secretary of Defense Memorandum June 2009, 46 family is in Waziristan or accessible. the United Nations for more than five years Initial United States Forces – Afghanistan (USFOR-A) Although the other trainees at the in various conflict zones. He is currently Assessment,” Headquarters, International Security As- camp feel loss for their former friend, completing a book on suicide terrorism in sistance Force, Afghanistan, August 30, 2009. General they are consoled by the notion that Pakistan. McChrystal’s exact words were, “Iran plays an ambigu- the bomber has reached paradise. No ous role in Afghanistan, providing developmental assis- specific funeral rituals or celebrations tance and political support to GIRoA while the Iranian are offered at the camp for those who Qods Force is reportedly training fighters for certain go on suicide missions. They are, Taliban groups and providing other forms of military as- however, remembered in prayers. The sistance to insurgents. Iran’s current policies and actions do not pose a short-term threat to the mission, but Iran 44 Ibid. has the capability to threaten the mission in the future.” 45 Mir Janan, September 2008. 2 Mark Thompson, “U.S. Forces Get New Protection in 46 Abid Mehsud, July 2008. 47 Ishaq Mehsud, June 2008. Afghanistan,” Time Magazine, October 28, 2009.

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