Pakistan's Taliban on Tuesday threatened more suicide attacks on security forces and government offices, challenging authorities already overwhelmed by the worst floods in the country's history. The al Qaeda-linked group has killed nearly 120 people in suicide bombings since resuming a bloody campaign last week to topple the government after a one-month lull during the floods.
The Taliban claimed responsibility for the latest bombing, which killed 19 people in the north-western town of Lakki Marwat, and vowed more attacks in response to US drone aircraft strikes on its members in tribal areas. "Americans are carrying out drone attacks with the permission of Pakistan and we will take revenge with suicide attacks on security forces, police and government offices," Taliban spokesman Azim Tariq told Reuters by telephone from an undisclosed location.
"Drone attacks have killed dozens of innocent women and children but America has never expressed its regret." Renewed violence and the floods, which killed more than 1,700 people and made millions homeless, have raised questions about the stability of nuclear-armed Pakistan.