Pakistan: Tribesmen continue sit-ins in Waziristan May 17

Event

Around 1200 tribesmen are continuing a sit-in for the fourth consecutive day on Thursday, May 17, in Angoor Adda (South Waziristan Agency); hundreds more are demonstrating in the town of Mirali (North Waziristan Agency). In Angoor Adda, the demonstrators are protesting against the closure of a border crossing between Pakistan and Afghanistan, which complicates tribal movement. In Mirali, tribesmen are denouncing an increase in targeted killings, which have already resulted in ten deaths, as well as other violence in North Waziristan Agency.

Context

Authorities closed the border crossing following a bombing in Angoor Adda.

Pakistani security forces have conducted a number of military operations across South Waziristan Agency and North Waziristan Agency in recent years in an attempt to eradicate any remaining sanctuary areas used by the Taliban and other Islamist militants.

Advice

Due to the high threat of terrorism and other forms of violent crime, individuals in Pakistan are advised to avoid any demonstration or gathering, and to report any suspicious objects or behavior to the relevant authorities (their diplomatic mission or security manager). As a reminder, most Western embassies in Pakistan advise their citizens against nonessential travel to the country. Travel to the country should only be considered with proper security protocols in place.