I’m as happy as anyone that some of the bad guys are dead, but I dunno. It’s starting to sound like the Taliban is engaging in what George Carlin might call job title inflation. I do have to say, I find the irony of militants attacking a security convoy and causing the prisoners to be killed rather delicious.
Pakistan security forces were transporting Amir Izat Khan and Maulana Muhammad Alam from Malakand to Peshawar when their convoy was attacked by militants, the military said.
Both prisoners were killed in the battle. It was unclear whether they were killed by the Taliban or security forces. The men were senior members of an organization run by Sufi Muhammad.
Muhammad represented the Swat Valley Taliban in the recent failed peace efforts between the Pakistani Taliban and the local government. He is also the father-in-law of Maulana Fazlullah, leader of the Pakistan Taliban in the Swat Valley.
Bet that was an awkward report back to home base.
Still, it feels like the Taliban is giving out leadership titles like TGI Friday gives out “associate” nametags. I don’t think I’ve heard a single news report saying “Six Taliban peons killed in attack; all six said to be at the bottom of the ladder and were of no importance to either side”.
