Video exposes Taliban support for TTP

Leaked footage validates Pakistan’s assertions

ISLAMABAD:

A leaked video widely circulated on social media has substantiated Pakistan’s claim that certain factions within the Afghan Taliban are sheltering terrorists affiliated with the outlawed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and aiding them in launching attacks on Pakistani security forces.

In the 5-minute-long video clip, seemingly recorded with a mobile phone, an Afghan Taliban commander named Yahya is seen issuing directives to a group of armed militants purportedly belonging to the Hafiz Gul Bahadur faction of the TTP inside a tent situated in the Dangar Lgad area of Paktika province, Afghanistan.

Within the video, Yahya can be heard addressing the armed men, including a suicide bomber, in Pashto, stating, "We are ready to take revenge from Pakistan."

Discussing the details of an impending attack, he informs the militants that “there will be six rocket launchers and six assistants, along with two laser operators and their assistants, as well as a sniper.”

Yahya asserts that “all Mujahideen are prepared to follow the orders of Amir al-Mu'minin” and are committed to combatting Pakistan. He provides instructions on how the militants should infiltrate Pakistan and emphasizes not leaving any wounded individuals behind.

According to some experts, this video serves as evidence that certain elements within the Afghan Taliban are aiding the TTP in orchestrating attacks on security forces along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border and extending full support to the terrorists.

They note that the video also underscores the Afghan Interim government’s lack of control over the infiltration of terrorists from Afghanistan into Pakistan. Pakistan has consistently urged the Afghan Interim government to prevent terrorists from utilizing its territory.

These terrorists, who continue to exploit Afghan territory, pose a significant threat to Pakistan's security. Despite Pakistan's communication to the Afghan Interim government regarding the presence of the TTP and other militant groups within Afghanistan, no tangible progress has been achieved.

The unimpeded use of Afghan territory for terrorism against Pakistan constitutes a blatant violation of international agreements, they added.

Last week, Pakistan targeted hideouts belonging to the Hafiz Gul Bahadur group inside Afghanistan following a bold attack on a check-post in the North Waziristan district.

The aerial raid by Pakistan provoked a robust response from the Afghan Taliban, who issued a warning to Pakistan of potential reprisals.