Cross-Border Alliances: Afghan Safe Havens Empowering Tehrik-E-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) – OpEd

The Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) is a militant organization fighting against the state in Pakistan, operating safely from Afghanistan since the Taliban took control of Kabul in 2021. The UN reports that the TTP maintains a significant presence in Afghanistan as well, with strongholds spanning both sides of the Afghanistan-Pakistan border, and boasts several thousand fighters in the region. Therefore, most terrorist incidents in Pakistan are attributed to the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), which has sanctuaries in Afghanistan.

The TTP operates under the patronage of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA), due to its ideological and wartime connections with the Tehrik-e-Taliban Afghanistan (TTA). The TTP supported the TTA during the war, and now the IEA is reciprocating. The TTA uses the TTP as leverage against Pakistan. The fact that many TTP leaders and fighters have been killed in Afghanistan, and that the TTP uses weapons left by the U.S. in Afghanistan, confirms that the TTP is present and operating from Afghanistan. The prosperity and security of both Pakistan and Afghanistan are mutually dependent; thus, an insecure Pakistan means an insecure Afghanistan. The TTP also has connections with ISKP and other terrorist groups operating in Afghanistan. The rivalry between ISKP and TTA is based on different ideologies and objectives, and although the TTP follows ISKP policies, it cannot be loyal to the IEA/TTA.

A recent UNSC report has also disclosed that TTP leader Noor Wali Mehsud is receiving around $50,000 from the Afghan Taliban, which is also financially supporting other militant commanders. The TTP’s alliances with Al-Qaeda and ISIS indicate a dangerous escalation in their quest for wealth and power, posing a serious threat to the stability and security of both Pakistan and Afghanistan. It is essential for both nations to collaborate in eradicating these disruptive elements and their sources of funding to restore peace and stability in the region. Moreover, the latest UNSC report by the Monitoring Team on ISIL (Daesh) & Al-Qaeda/Taliban confirms the presence of various terrorist groups, including TTP, ISKP, AQ, and ETIM, in Afghanistan, and the support they receive from the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA). According to the report, “the high concentration of terrorist groups in Afghanistan undermines the regional security situation,” highlighting the presence of al-Qaeda, ISKP, TTP, and other foreign terrorists, along with their affiliations with the Afghan Taliban.

Furthermore, the report supports Pakistan’s long-standing claims about TTP safe havens in Afghanistan. It notes that the TTP has been further strengthened and emboldened, increasing its attacks with greater autonomy. The Taliban generally support TTP’s objectives, providing weapons and equipment and assisting in cross-border attacks. The report also indicates that “Al-Qaeda core and AQIS continue to offer training, ideological guidance, and support to TTP,” and that “with approval from senior Al-Qaeda leaders, AQIS has assigned around 15 commanders to aid TTP in attacks in Pakistan. In September, AQIS reportedly supplied armed fighters for a TTP attack in Chitral, Pakistan.” Regarding Al-Qaeda, the report states that “the relationship between the Taliban and Al-Qaeda remains close, with Al-Qaeda maintaining a presence in Afghanistan under Taliban patronage,” and that Al-Qaeda is also providing ideological guidance and training to ETIM/TIP. Additionally, the report confirms that TJP is a front for TTP and notes significant recruitment of Afghans by both TTP and ISIL-K, with Afghans frequently involved in operations.

Likewise, the report details that “Al-Qaeda, the Afghan Taliban, and other militant groups, including the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), actively support TTP’s terrorist attacks inside Pakistan by providing on-ground support, weaponry, and tactical gear.” It also highlights the strong cooperation between Majeed Brigade (MB), TTP, and ISIL-K in training, weapons acquisition, intelligence-sharing, and joint operations. These findings underscore the growing presence, safe havens, and connections between terrorist groups in Afghanistan, demonstrating a violation of the Doha Agreement in which the IEA pledged not to allow its territory to be used by terrorist organizations. Pakistan has repeatedly stated these facts, but the IEA has consistently denied them. The IEA must take decisive action against these terrorist groups, which are increasingly threatening regional and global security. As a neighboring country, Pakistan suffers from the terrorist attacks perpetrated by TTP, BLA/BRA, and ISKP, who operate openly from Afghanistan. It is crucial for the IEA to address these threats sincerely to ensure regional and global peace.

Subsequently, ISKP led terrorist attacks in the West, Russia and elsewhere had their linkages in Afghanistan. After withdrawal of US forces for Afghanistan, ISKP focused on Afghanistan for establishment of sanctuaries due to unstable military, political and economic situation in Afghanistan. Killing of ISKP commander in Afghanistan proves the presence of ISKP in Afghanistan. ISKP claimed the responsibility for numerous high profile attacks in Afghanistan. Notable incidents include attack on the Kabul airport during the US withdrawal in August 2021 and bombing of a Sikh temple in March 2002. Reports from Afghanistan and international; security agencies have identified ISKP strongholds in eastern Afghanistan, particularly in Nangarhar and Kunar Provinces Various international organizations including the United Nations, have acknowledged ISKP’s presence and activities in Afghanistan.

The core principle of the Doha Agreement was that Afghan soil would not be used by any terrorist group against any state, prohibiting safe havens and the export of terrorism. However, the current situation in Afghanistan contradicts this, with the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA) allowing terrorist groups, including the TTP, to operate and launch attacks against neighboring countries from its territory.

Pakistan has recently suffered from TTP attacks originating from Afghanistan, which is a clear violation of the Doha Agreement and undermines the IEA’s credibility. The IEA leadership must not jeopardize its goodwill and brotherly ties with Pakistan by supporting a terrorist group that targets the Pakistani people. The global community must recognize the interconnectedness of terrorism and prioritize collective action. Afghan territory is being used to perpetrate terrorism within Pakistan, and the IEA must address its failure to curb cross-border terrorism. No nation is immune, and solidarity in confronting these challenges is essential for global safety and well-being.