Pakistan

Since 2001, large sections of Pakistan’s North West Frontier Province (NWFP) and Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) have been the site of violent conflict between the Pakistani government and a coalition of militant, armed opposition groups, many of which operate under the umbrella of the
Tehrik-i-Taliban.

While the fighting in the NWFP and FATA has displaced hundreds of thousands from their homes in tribal agencies and provincial districts, civilians across Pakistan have also been the targets of an increasingly violent terror campaign. Throughout 2009, Pakistani cities, including the capital Islamabad, have been rocked by suicide bombings.

Along the Afghan-Pakistan border, civilians are often caught in the crossfire during clashes between militants and the Pakistani army. Residents are also targeted by militants for supporting the government and countering insurgent activity. Schools have been repeatedly burned, local politicians and tribal leaders have been assassinated and small cities and towns have been razed during the fighting.

Violence across the country appears to be rising further as the Pakistani government began an offensive into the South Waziristan region in Fall 2009.