Khawarij terrorists attempting to prevent followers from leaving Pakistan
A leaked audio clip, purportedly of Fitna al-Khawarij leaders Noor Wali Mehsud and Ghut Haji, has revealed directives aimed at blocking the return of terrorists from Pakistan to Afghanistan.
The audio, which surfaced on Wednesday, features Noor Wali instructing Ghut Haji to inform fighters that they are forbidden from leaving Pakistan, Express News reported.
In the audio, Noor Wali can be heard advising his followers, "No one has permission to return. Everyone must remain ready and be prepared to make sacrifices." He stressed that fighters should avoid changing routes and urged a united front under his command.
Defence experts consider this audio as further proof of extremist factions directing activities from Afghan safe havens.
They argue that these sanctuaries likely operate with tacit support from Afghan Taliban elements. Experts also suggest that terrorists are launching cross-border attacks on Pakistan from within Afghanistan.
The audio has raised concerns over future terrorists movement into Pakistan, hinting at continuous recruitment efforts led by Noor Wali.
According to analysts, the recording demonstrates mounting frustration among low-level fighters, who, facing pressure from Afghanistan-based leaders, are increasingly reluctant to continue.
Defence analysts also note that Pakistan’s intensified counter-terror operations are putting pressure on these extremist groups, potentially limiting their manoeuvrability within Afghanistan. The recording, they say, is an indication of shrinking operational space for terrorists due to regional counterterrorism measures.
Earlier this week, six terrorists were killed and six others injured during a security forces operation in the Spin Wam area of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa proivince's North Waziristan district on November 9, 2024.
The operation, carried out on the bases on intelligence information, targeted a group of terrorists known for attacks on security forces and civilian killings, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) reported.
During the operation, security forces successfully hit the terrorists’ hideouts, leading to the death of six individuals and the recovery of weapons and ammunition.
The terrorists were reportedly involved in terror attacks on security personnel and the killing of innocent civilians.
A clearance operation is still underway to eliminate any remaining terrorists in the region. Pakistan’s security forces remain determined to uproot terrorism from the country.