TTP infighting: Sajna refuses to accept Fazlullah’s orders
Khan Said alias Sajna has ‘refused’ to accept his dismissal as head of the militant group’s South Waziristan chapter.
TTP leader Mullah Fazlullah. PHOTO: FILE
ISLAMABAD:
Amid signs of deepening fissures within the ranks of the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), a senior leader of the group has revealed that Khan Said alias Sajna has ‘refused’ to accept his dismissal as head of the militant group’s South Waziristan chapter.
Sajna had been removed as commander of the South Waziristan region by TTP chief Maulvi Fazlullah after clashes between his supporters and a rival faction led by Sheharyar Mehsud. The clashes, which lasted several days, resulted in the death of a number of Taliban fighters.
“Sajna was removed last week through a special order by the respected Ameer,” a Taliban leader requesting anonymity said. “The Taliban leadership council had also endorsed the decision,” he added.
Differences within TTP ranks surfaced over control of leadership in South Waziristan, with Sajna and Sheharyar clashing over who would lead the group in the region. The two had been at odds following the killing of the TTP deputy chief and head of the group in South Waziristan Waliur Rehman Mehsud in May last year.
Published in The Express Tribune, May 14th, 2014.
Amid signs of deepening fissures within the ranks of the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), a senior leader of the group has revealed that Khan Said alias Sajna has ‘refused’ to accept his dismissal as head of the militant group’s South Waziristan chapter.
Sajna had been removed as commander of the South Waziristan region by TTP chief Maulvi Fazlullah after clashes between his supporters and a rival faction led by Sheharyar Mehsud. The clashes, which lasted several days, resulted in the death of a number of Taliban fighters.
“Sajna was removed last week through a special order by the respected Ameer,” a Taliban leader requesting anonymity said. “The Taliban leadership council had also endorsed the decision,” he added.
Differences within TTP ranks surfaced over control of leadership in South Waziristan, with Sajna and Sheharyar clashing over who would lead the group in the region. The two had been at odds following the killing of the TTP deputy chief and head of the group in South Waziristan Waliur Rehman Mehsud in May last year.
Published in The Express Tribune, May 14th, 2014.