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Bhutto Killing: Who Did It?

With ex-PM targeted by Taliban, aides fault security, suspect 'rogue elements' in military

By Caroline Miller, Newser Staff

Posted Dec 27, 2007 11:45 AM CST

(Newser) – There are no official suspects in the assassination of Benazir Bhutto at a political rally today, but suspicion centers on Taliban and al Qaeda-linked militants who made death threats against her in recent months, targeting her as pro-American. Bhutto aides are already faulting Pakistan's military establishment for not providing adequate security and being "dismissive" of Bhutto's repeated requests for "independent security arrangement," CNN reports.

After a suicide bombing in October killed more than 100 of her supporters, the former prime minister and her husband charged that that her enemies had ties to the military. Elements in Pakistan's intelligence agencies sympathize with the Taliban, the Guardian notes, speculating that "rogue elements" in the security services could have been involved in the two attacks.

Pakistani former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto waves to her supporters during an election campaign in the southern city of Rahim Yar Khan, Pakistan on Monday, Dec. 24, 2007. Bhutto said her agenda was... (Associated Press)

Pakistani former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto addresses her supporters during an election campaign in Rahim Yar Khan, Pakistan on Monday, Dec. 24, 2007. Bhutto said her agenda was "to empower the people,... (Associated Press)

Pakistani former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto shouts "Long live Bhutto" slogans during an election campaign in Rahim Yar Khan, Pakistan on Monday, Dec. 24, 2007. Bhutto said her agenda was "to empower... (Associated Press)

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Bhutto Killing: Who Did It?

With ex-PM targeted by Taliban, aides fault security, suspect 'rogue elements' in military

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