ISIL involved in attack on Pakistan police academy, say officials
Concern group could be gaining traction in country
ISLAMABAD // An Al Qaedalinked militant group worked with ISIL to carry out a raid on a Pakistani police academy this week that left more than 60 dead, authorities said yesterday.
The claim appeared to confirm analysts’ predictions that ISIL, which had previously struggled to gain traction in Pakistan, was building links with local groups as rival Al Qaeda loses ground.
Pakistani authorities said the attack on the Balochistan Police College – the deadliest assault on a security installation in the country’s history – was carried out by the Al Alami faction of the Lashkar-e-Jhangvi (LeJ) group, an anti-Shiite outfit. Monday’s attack was also claimed by ISIL, which released photographs of the attackers – one of which bore a strong resemblance to a fighter killed by security forces at the academy. Asked whether Al Alami and ISIL had worked together, Al Almi spokesman Ali bin Sufyan said: “Yes, of course.
“We are ready to work with all the groups in Pakistan whether they belong to ISIL or Al Qaeda.”
LeJ is affiliated with the Pakistani Taliban who in turn pledge allegiance to Al Qaeda. Pakistan has carried out major offensives against the groups, sapping their ability to carry out attacks.
“Those left out are now regrouping and attempting to become part of ISIL,” said a security official based in the city of Quetta.
“But ISIL has not nominated any specific group as its franchise or affiliate in Pakistan and different militant groups are trying to use this open window, which sometimes creates a competition of sorts.”
The vacuum has created opportunities for ISIL to step in and develop new relationships with Pakistani militants, a source said.
“Al Qaeda is no longer focused in Pakistan like it used to be, its leaders have been killed or shifted to Yemen and local jihadists have no better option but to look towards ISIL,” said the source.
Local militants restructuring after defeats, leaving opening for ISIL