Disowned: TTP sacks its spokesperson

It is believed that he was removed after he pledged allegiance to IS


October 21, 2014

PESHAWAR:


The banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) has disowned its spokesman Shahidullah Shahid, according to a website, apparently run by the militant outfit.


The TTP website does not explain the reason why the TTP disowned its one time active spokesman.

However, it is believed that he was removed after his recent video message in which he had pledged allegiance to Middle Eastern militant group, Islamic State, also called Daa’ish. In the said video message, Shahid had also claimed that five other TTP commanders had also decided to join the IS.

Shahid had also claimed responsibility for a recent attack on security forces check post at border area of Bajaur on behalf of the TTP

The TTP, however, has not issued any public statement regarding disowning their spokesperson.

The TTP plunged into disarray after assassination of its former chief Hakimullah Mehsud in a US drone attack on November 1, 2013.  However, the militant outfit’s crisis intensified after the start of military operation Zarb-e-Azab in North Waziristan Agency.

Before Shahidullah Shahid, a strong group from Mohmand and Bajaur, headed by Abdul Wali Mohmand alias Khalid Khurasani had also announced to associate his faction – the TTP Jumaat Ul Ihrar – with the IS. The banned Lashkar-e-Islam chief Mangal Bagh has also pledged allegiance to the IS chief Abu Bakar Baghdadi.


Published in The Express Tribune, October 22nd, 2014.

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