Malala Attackers Arrested, Pakistan Says

Malala's Attackers Finally Arrested
|

ISLAMABAD, Sept 12 (Reuters) - Pakistan's army said on Friday authorities had arrested a group of Taliban militants responsible for shooting Malala Yousafzai, a teenage activist who was targeted for her campaign against Taliban efforts to deny girls education.

Pakistani Taliban militants have claimed responsibility for shooting Malala in 2012 for her passionate advocacy of women's right to education but no one had until now been arrested. Two other schoolgirls were wounded in the attack.

Asim Bajwa, head of the army's press wing, told reporters that 10 attackers had been identified and arrested.

Malala survived and was airlifted to Britain for treatment, and has since become a symbol of defiance in the fight against militants operating in Pashtun tribal areas in northwest Pakistan.

Malala has won the European Union's human rights award and was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize last year.

Now based in Britain, she is unable to return to her homeland because of Taliban threats to kill her and her family members. (Reporting by Syed Raza Hassan; Writing by Maria Golovnina; Editing by Robert Birsel)

Our 2024 Coverage Needs You

As Americans head to the polls in 2024, the very future of our country is at stake. At HuffPost, we believe that a free press is critical to creating well-informed voters. That's why our journalism is free for everyone, even though other newsrooms retreat behind expensive paywalls.

Our journalists will continue to cover the twists and turns during this historic presidential election. With your help, we'll bring you hard-hitting investigations, well-researched analysis and timely takes you can't find elsewhere. Reporting in this current political climate is a responsibility we do not take lightly, and we thank you for your support.

to keep our news free for all.

Support HuffPost

Before You Go

Malala Takes The UN By Storm
(01 of08)
Open Image Modal
Malala Yousafzai signs United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon's guest books as Ban Ki-moon, center, and youth delegates look on, Friday, July 12, 2013 at United Nations headquarters. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer) (credit:AP)
(02 of08)
Open Image Modal
United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, left, listens as Malala Yousafzai, right, addresses the Malala Day Youth Assembly, Friday, July 12, 2013 at United Nations headquarters. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer) (credit:AP)
(03 of08)
Open Image Modal
Malala Yousafzai poses for photographers before a meeting with United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and youth delegates, Friday, July 12, 2013 at United Nations headquarters. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer) (credit:AP)
(04 of08)
Open Image Modal
United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, left, applauds as the members of the Malala Day Youth Assembly wish Malala Yousafzai, center, a happy birthday, Friday, July 12, 2013 at United Nations headquarters. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer) (credit:AP)
(05 of08)
Open Image Modal
Malala Yousafzai's holds a copy of the United Nations charter presented to her by Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, Friday, July 12, 2013 at United Nations headquarters. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer) (credit:AP)
(06 of08)
Open Image Modal
Former Birtish Prime Minister Gordon Brown, left, introduces Malala Yousafzai, third from left, background, during the Malala Day Youth Assembly, Friday, July 12, 2013 at United Nations headquarters. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer) (credit:AP)
(07 of08)
Open Image Modal
In this photo provided by the United Nations Foundation, Malala Yousafzai celebrates her 16th birthday by addressing hundreds of young leaders who support the United Nations Secretary General's Global Education First Initiative, during 'Malala Day' at United Nations Headquarters, Friday, July 12, 2013. (AP Photos/United Nations Foundation, Stuart Ramson) (credit:AP)
(08 of08)
Open Image Modal
United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, right, holds Malala Yousafzai's hand while posing for photographers, Friday, July 12, 2013 at United Nations headquarters. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer) (credit:AP)