Taliban regrouping in cleared areas: report

A report in the Washington Times claims that the Taliban have quietly begun to regroup in cleared areas.

WASHINGTON:

A report in the Washington Times claims that the Taliban have quietly begun to regroup in areas that had previously been cleared by the Pakistan military.

According to report, this information has been disclosed by officials in the Fata Secretariat. It claims that the TTP and foreign fighters from Al-Qaeda are regaining control of Bajaur, Orakzai and Mohmand.

The report said large groups of heavily armed Taliban have recently been observed on patrol in all these agencies. It claims that the Taliban are also collecting money from people, and are warning residents to stop helping government forces or else face severe punishment.

The report further added that militants are spreading into parts of the tribal belt that previously had no Taliban presence and the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan is also extending its reach and bolstering roots in the main areas of Pakistan.