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May 6, 2010

Pakistani FM: Attempted Bombing “Retaliation” for CIA Drone Strikes
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U.S. officials say they now believe the Pakistani Taliban may have
played a role in the failed car bombing of New York’s Times Square. The
Pakistani Taliban has claimed responsibility for the attempted attack
and the suspect, Faisal Shahzad, has reportedly provided new information
about his alleged contacts with Pakistani militants under continued
interrogation. A top Pakistani official meanwhile has echoed speculation
the failed attack could have been retaliation for CIA drone strikes in
Pakistan. Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi made the
comment in an interview with CBS News.

Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi: “This is retaliation.
Let’s not be naive. They’re not going to sort of sit and welcome you to
eliminate them. They’re going to fight back.”

In a video made before the bombing attempt, Pakistani Taliban leader
Qari Hussain Mehsud called the attack “revenge” for drone attacks in
Pakistan as well as the killings of militant leaders in Iraq. According
to the New York Post, Faisal Shahzad told interrogators he witnessed
several drone attacks during his recent eight-month stay in Pakistan.



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