India-Pakistan |
CM Bugti Claims Taliban Support Behind Rising Militancy in Balochistan, Pakistan |
2025-05-17 |
[KhaamaPress] Chief Minister, Sardar Sarfraz Bugti claims rising militancy in Balochistan ...the Pak province bordering Kandahar and Uruzgun provinces in Afghanistan and Sistan Baluchistan in Iran. Its native Baloch propulation is being displaced by Pashtuns and Punjabis and they aren't happy about it... , Pakistain, is fueled by Taliban ![]() support, weak governance, and corruption, urging urgent action. Sardar Sarfraz Bugti, the Chief Minister of Balochistan, has highlighted a concerning escalation in hard boy activities within the province, attributing the intensification to support from the Taliban in Afghanistan. In a recent interview with BBC, Bugti emphasized that the deteriorating security situation has made it increasingly difficult for security forces to differentiate between allies and adversaries. He noted that Death Eaters are operating with greater autonomy, complicating counterinsurgency efforts . Bugti pointed to the province’s uneven development, weak governance, and corruption as factors that have allowed Lions of Islam to gain a foothold. He asserted that these Death Eaters are receiving support from Afghan soil, with some reportedly residing in areas under Taliban control. The Chief Minister’s remarks underscore the challenges faced by Pak authorities in addressing the insurgency. In response to the growing threat, Shafqat Ali Khan, a spokesperson for Pakistain’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, called on the Taliban to dismantle bad boy sanctuaries within Afghanistan. Khan’s statement reflects Pakistain’s ongoing concerns about cross-border terrorism and the Taliban’s role in harboring groups that target Pakistain. International reports have corroborated Pakistain’s allegations, with the United Nations ...where theory meets practice and practice loses... Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team confirming that the Afghan Taliban provides logistical, operational, and financial support to the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistain (TTP). The UN report indicates that the TTP operates with an estimated 6,000 to 6,500 fighters in Afghanistan and has conducted over 600 attacks on Pak soil . Despite these findings, the Taliban has consistently denied any involvement in supporting bad boy groups targeting Pakistain. Hamdullah Fitrat, the Taliban’s deputy front man, rejected claims that terrorist groups operate from Afghan territory, asserting that no foreign group is allowed to operate on Afghan soil . |
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Afghanistan | |
Taliban Earning Billions, Giving American Weaponry to Terrorist Groups as Afghanistan Once Again Becomes Jihadi Hotbed: Report | |
2025-05-08 | |
[Free Beacon] The Taliban took in $3.4 billion in revenue over the last year,
The repercussions of the Biden administration’s disastrous 2021 military withdrawal from Afghanistan continue to reverberate across the war-torn country, with multiple al Qaeda affiliates accessing American-supplied "weapons seized from the former Afghan National Army," according to a new oversight report by the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR). The United States left 78 aircraft, 40,000 military vehicles, and over 300,000 weapons in Afghanistan in a withdrawal that saw 13 American service members lose their lives. According to the SIGAR report—which the watchdog group delivered to Congress on April 30—the Taliban transferred many of these arms directly to terrorist affiliates, while others made their way to the black market. The Pentagon assesses that of around $18.6 billion worth of U.S. equipment provided to the Afghan Army over decades of support, $7.12 billion in weaponry remains in the Taliban’s possession. As a result, "terrorist groups continued to operate in and from Afghanistan amid ongoing U.S., UN, and regional concerns that the country remains a terrorist haven." More than two dozen terrorist organizations are currently active in Afghanistan, including the Islamic State-affiliated Khorasan Province (ISIS-K) and Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). At least four al Qaeda offshoots are also using the country to organize operations. "Terrorist groups," SIGAR reported, "continued to use Afghan soil to train and plan attacks and a ’small but steady’ flow of foreign terrorists continued to travel to Afghanistan and join one of over two dozen terror groups based there." Related: SIGAR: 2025-04-13 US Senate Reviews Military Presence in Afghanistan From 2001 to 2008 SIGAR: 2025-02-08 Rep. Tim Burchett: $40 Million a Week in U.S. Taxpayer Funds Still Going to Taliban SIGAR: 2025-01-03 The staggering toll US failure in Afghanistan had on taxpayers is laid bare by government auditor | |
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India-Pakistan |
Pakistan Army kills 17 TTP Militants in North Waziristan operation |
2025-04-30 |
[KhaamaPress] The Pakistain Army announced the killing of 17 murderous Moslems during a recent operation in North Wazoo near the Afghanistan border. The Pakistain Army announced the successful completion of a counterterrorism operation in North Waziristan, resulting in the elimination of 17 Tehrik-e-Taliban ![]() Pakistain (TTP) murderous Moslems near the Afghanistan border. This operation, conducted on the night of April 28, 2025, is part of a broader effort to combat bully boy activities in the region. According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the operation targeted murderous Moslems operating in the Hassan Khel area of North Waziristan. This brings the total number of murderous Moslems killed in operations over the past three days to 71. The military claims that the snuffies were acting under the direction of foreign intelligence agencies. The Pak government has expressed concern over the increasing krazed killer activities, particularly those linked to the TTP, which has found sanctuary in Afghanistan since the Taliban’s return to power in 2021. The TTP has been responsible for numerous attacks within Pakistain, leading to heightened security measures along the border. In a related incident, a suicide kaboom occurred outside a pro-government peace committee office in Wana, South Waziristan, resulting in at least seven deaths and 16 injuries. The peace committee, which opposes the TTP and mediates local disputes, was the apparent target. While no group immediately grabbed credit, suspicion falls on the TTP. The Pak military has vowed to continue its operations against krazed killer groups, emphasizing the importance of regional cooperation to address the cross-border insurgency. The government has called on Afghanistan to take action against murderous Moslems operating within its territory. |
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India-Pakistan |
Pahalgam Terror Attack Live Updates: India Bans 16 Pakistani Channels For Spreading Misinformation |
2025-04-29 |
[OneIndi] Apr 28, 2025, 9:33 PM IST Amid tensions with India, Turkiye has decided not to send weapons to Pakistan. This move shows International support to India in the fight against terrorism and countries supporting terrorism. Apr 28, 2025, 8:36 PM IST Jammu and Kashmir A new video of Pahalgam terrorist attack has emerged on the internet showing chaos and people running away to save their lives. 🚨 Another horrific footage surfaces from the Pahalgam terrorist attack. A man from Ahmedabad recorded it unknowingly — unaware of the tragedy unfolding before his eyes 💔 — Avenge Pahalgam. pic.twitter.com/tgZAhPC7PZ — Megh Updates 🚨™ (@MeghUpdates) April 28, 2025 Farooq Abdullah Slams Pakistan, Vows Strong Response Against Terror JKNC Chief Farooq Abdullah said he once supported talks with Pakistan but questioned justice for terror victims now. He emphasized that Pakistan has "murdered humanity" and rejected any notion of Kashmir siding with Pakistan. Abdullah asserted that India, united across religions, will give a strong response. #WATCH | Jammu | #PahalgamTerroristAttack | JKNC Chief Farooq Abdullah says, "I used to favour dialogue with Pakistan every time...How will we answer those who lost their loved ones? Are we doing justice? Not Balakot, today the nation wants such action to be taken so that these… pic.twitter.com/YlRzAGUspO — ANI (@ANI) April 28, 2025 Apr 28, 2025, 3:10 PM IST Omar Abdullah Refuses to Seek Statehood After Pahalgam Terror Attack Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said he would not demand statehood in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people, calling it inappropriate to politicize the tragedy. Addressing the Assembly, he expressed deep sorrow and apologized to the victims' families while condemning the violence. The J&K Assembly passed a resolution condemning the attack, calling it an assault on "Kashmiriyat" and unity. #PahalgamTerrorAttack | J&K CM Omar Abdullah says, "I will not use this moment to demand statehood. After Pahalgam, with what face can I ask for statehood for Jammu and Kashmir? Meri kya itni sasti siyasat hai? We have talked about statehood in the past and will do so in the… pic.twitter.com/kZqXSRxLmY — ANI (@ANI) April 28, 2025 2 Hours Ago NIA Probe Finds Terrorists Filmed Pahalgam Attack Using Body Cameras The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has unearthed disturbing information while investigating the April 22 terror incident in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. Officials claim that the terrorists who committed the atrocity affixed body cameras on themselves in order to capture the entire event on tape. 4 Hours Ago Security Forces Narrow In On Pahalgam Terrorists 'Four Times' In South Kashmir Security forces have located the Pahalgam attackers "at least four times" at various locations over the past five days, coming "very close" to cornering them in the forests of South Kashmir - and, on one occasion, even exchanging fire with them, The Indian Express reported. Read More 5 Hours Ago Pawar Says Centre Admitted To 'Security Lapses' In Pahalgam NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar on Sunday said Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh had adopted a mature approach during the all party meeting to discuss the April 22 Pahalgam attack by acknowledging there was a shortcoming on the part of the government. During the night of 27-28 April 2025, Pakistan Army posts initiated unprovoked small arms fire across the Line of Control in areas opposite Kupwara and Poonch districts. Indian troops responded swiftly and effectively: Indian Army JAMMU AND KASHMIR Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has called one-day special session of Legislative Assembly on Monday to pay homage and discuss the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, which claimed 26 lives. As many as 629 Indians, including 13 diplomats and officials, have returned from Pakistan through the international border crossing located in Punjab. Speaking to Russian TV channel, Pakistan Defence Minister Khawaja Asif sought China and Russia's help in investigating of Pahalgam attack. Terrorists and their backers carried out the Pahalgam attack to destroy Kashmir again as they did not like the return of peace and prosperity, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Sunday and vowed the "harshest" response to the "perpetrators and conspirators" At least 54 terrorists belonging to the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) have been killed while trying to infiltrate from Afghanistan into northwest Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the military's media wing said on Sunday. Authorities here have demolished the houses of three alleged active terrorists in Bandipora, Pulwama and Shopian districts of Jammu and Kashmir as security forces continued their crackdown on the terror ecosystem following the Pahalgam terror attack. With this, nine houses of suspected terrorists and overground workers of terror outfits have been razed so far since the April 22 attack in the lush meadows of Baisaran that killed 26 people and left the nation grief-stricken and fuming. Security Forces Narrow In On Pahalgam Terrorists 'Four Times' In South Kashmir [OneIndia] Security forces have located the Pahalgam attackers "at least four times" at various locations over the past five days, coming "very close" to cornering them in the forests of South Kashmir - and, on one occasion, even exchanging fire with them, The Indian Express reported. According to sources, the terrorists were tracked using information from local residents, intelligence inputs, and combing operations. "It's a cat and mouse game. There have been instances where they have been visibly located. But by the time they could be engaged, they had escaped. The forests are extremely dense, making it difficult to pursue them even after spotting them. However, we are confident we will capture them; it is only a matter of days," an officer from the military establishment told the newspaper. The Army, in coordination with Central Armed Police Forces and the Jammu and Kashmir Police, has been conducting cordon and search operations in the forests surrounding Pahalgam in pursuit of the four terrorists - including two from Pakistan - responsible for the killing of 26 people at Baisaran meadow on 21 April. Sources indicated that the terrorists were first sighted near Hapat Nar village in Pahalgam tehsil, Anantnag, but managed to escape by exploiting the dense terrain. Subsequently, they were reportedly spotted in the forests of Kulgam, where a brief exchange of fire occurred with security forces before they fled once more. The group was later located near the Tral ridge and then in Kokernag, where they are currently believed to be operating. Sources said the manhunt has been complicated by the terrorists' extreme caution in securing supplies. "Typically, terrorists need to arrange for food, which often draws them to villages. At times, they use local contacts to bring supplies to them in the forests, generating human intelligence that gives security forces an opportunity to act. However, these individuals are operating with great care," said an officer. "We are aware of an incident where they entered a house at dinner time, seized food, and fled. By the time security forces were alerted and arrived, significant time had passed, allowing the terrorists to escape," he added. Another complication, sources mentioned, is the lighter snowfall in the Kishtwar range this season. "This provides the terrorists with the opportunity to cross towards the Jammu side, where the forests are denser and the terrain more challenging. They have been using the Kishtwar range to manoeuvre, but we believe they are still within South Kashmir," the officer said. "There is a 'front door' to the Kashmir side and a 'back door' leading towards Jammu. Recently, foreign terrorists have increasingly been infiltrating and operating via the Jammu side. Our counter-infiltration grid is not as robust there compared to North Kashmir," he noted. Security forces remain optimistic that the terrorists will eventually make a mistake and be neutralised. For instance, sources revealed that the attackers took two mobile phones from the tourists they killed at Baisaran. "It is anticipated that these phones may be used to establish communication locally or across the border. Our technical intelligence network is closely monitoring these devices for potential leads," they said. Meanwhile, the counter-infiltration grid on both the Jammu and Kashmir sides has been strengthened, and border forces placed on high alert to prevent the terrorists from escaping across. The Jammu and Kashmir Police are also interrogating suspected overground workers linked to terror outfits in South Kashmir to gather intelligence and ascertain whether additional individuals were involved in the attack. The investigation is focusing on the logistical support the terrorists may have received in planning and executing the assault. India Bans 16 Pakistani YouTube Channels For Spreading Misinformation After Pahalgam Terror Attack [OneIndia] The blocked platforms include the YouTube channels of major news organisations such as Geo News, Dawn, Raftar, Bol News, ARY News, Samaa TV, and Suno News. Additionally, the YouTube accounts of notable journalists including Muneeb Farooq, Umar Cheema, Asma Shirazi, and Irshad Bhatti were also banned. Other affected channels include Uzair Cricket, The Pakistan Reference, Razi Naama, and Samaa Sports. Collectively, these channels had amassed 63 million subscribers. Government sources stated that the banned channels were circulating provocative and communally charged content, as well as false narratives and misinformation aimed at India, its armed forces, and security agencies. Turkey Sends Combat Equipment To Pakistan Amid Rising India-Pakistan Tensions After Pahalgam Attack [OneIndia] Amid escalating tensions between India and Pakistan following the Pahalgam terror attack, Turkey has shown its support for Islamabad by sending combat equipment. A Turkish Air Force C-130 Hercules military transport aircraft arrived in Karachi on Sunday, carrying military supplies. Sources indicate that this move forms part of broader defence cooperation between the two nations. In addition to Karachi, up to six Turkish C-130 aircraft have reportedly landed at a military base in Islamabad, underlining Turkey's backing of Pakistan, particularly as Pakistan struggles to manage growing challenges along its international borders. Both Turkish and Pakistani sources have confirmed the transfer of military cargo, although precise details of the shipments have not been disclosed. Significantly, Turkey is standing by Pakistan at a time of heightened regional instability, especially in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack and the renewed conflict between India and Pakistan over Kashmir. Turkey's military assistance complements similar support from China, which has reportedly supplied drones to enhance Pakistan's defensive capabilities. This strategic collaboration underscores the strengthening defence ties among Turkey, Pakistan, and China. Analysts monitoring these developments suggest that these alliances are reshaping South Asia's geopolitical landscape, particularly as military activity across the region continues to intensify. For Pakistan, which is currently mobilising resources along its borders, the arrival of this military equipment is seen as crucial reinforcement amid mounting threats. Meanwhile, the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) has activated several key air bases - including Pensi, Skardu, and Swat - in response to rising regional tensions with India. Fighter jets including F-16s, J-10s, and JF-17s have been deployed at these bases, with combat air patrols (CAP) already underway. This initiative is part of the PAF's broader strategy to bolster its defensive capabilities and ensure swift response readiness. It is noteworthy that Skardu airbase has been upgraded to serve as a critical hub, supporting Pakistan's fighter aircraft in air defence operations, surveillance, and combat readiness. |
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India-Pakistan |
At least 16 TTP members killed in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab |
2025-04-24 |
[KhaamaPress] Pak security forces killed 16 TTP ...1. Little Orphan Annie's bodyguard 2. A province of Pakistain ruled by one of the Sharif brothers 3. A province of India. It is majority (60 percent) Sikh and Hindoo (37 percent), which means it has relatively few Moslem riots .... , confiscating weapons and explosives. Pak media reported that police and security forces in the country have killed at least 16 ![]() Pakistain (TTP) in two separate operations in the Punjab and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa provinces. According to the Express Tribune, the first operation took place in a mountainous region of Punjab, where the provincial police, in collaboration with the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD), raided TTP hideouts. Punjab police officials reported that, based on intelligence, between 20 and 30 The second operation occurred in the Mir Ali area of North Wazoo in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, where six more TTP A security bigshot told the Dawn newspaper that "these operations are part of ongoing efforts to eliminate terrorist threats in Pakistain’s border and interior regions." The Pak authorities view these operations as a significant success in their battle against militancy. This series of operations comes as Pakistain prepares to host the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in Islamabad, with the country’s officials stressing the importance of maintaining security throughout the nation. The timing of these operations reflects the country’s commitment to ensuring a stable environment as it welcomes international leaders for the summit. These successful military operations underline Pakistain’s ongoing efforts to counter terrorism within its borders. As the security situation continues to evolve, it is crucial for the country to maintain its vigilance and strengthen its counterterrorism measures to ensure the safety and stability of the region. |
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India-Pakistan |
At least six terrorists killed in KP IBOs: ISPR |
2025-04-22 |
[GEO.TV] At least six bad boyz were potted during two separate intelligence-based operations (IBOs) by security forces in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (KP), the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said on Monday. According to the military's media wing, security forces conducted an operation in the general area of Razmak in North ![]() "During the conduct of operation, own troops effectively engaged the khwarij location, resultantly, five khwarij were sent to hell," the ISPR said. In another IBO in South Waziristan District, security forces neutralised ring leader Zabi Ullah Zakran, who remained actively involved in numerous terrorist activities against security forces as well as in murder of innocent civilians. It noted the slain ring leader was "highly wanted" by the law enforcement agencies. Meanwhile, ...back at the laboratory the smoke and fumes had dispersed, to reveal an ominous sight... sanitisation operations were being conducted to eliminate any other holy warriors found in the area as the "security forces are determined to wipe out the menace of terrorism from the country". Related: Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa: 2025-04-15 Over 860,000 Afghan Refugees deported from Pakistan Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa: 2025-04-12 Senior TTP commander killed in Pakistan border operation Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa: 2025-04-10 Three Quetta police cops martyred in terrorist attack Related: Inter-Services Public Relations: 2025-04-10 Three Quetta police cops martyred in terrorist attack Inter-Services Public Relations: 2025-04-07 Eight terrorists killed as security forces foil infiltration bid at Pak-Afghan border Inter-Services Public Relations: 2025-03-18 Three terrorists killed in Khyber IBO: ISPR Related: South Waziristan: 2025-03-15 JUI-F leader among four injured in South Waziristan mosque blast South Waziristan: 2025-02-07 Pakistan Army soldier martyred, 12 terrorists killed in North Waziristan IBO South Waziristan: 2024-12-31 Suicide attack in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa injures four Security Personnel |
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India-Pakistan |
Senior TTP commander killed in Pakistan border operation |
2025-04-12 |
[KhaamaPress] A senior TTP commander, Hafizullah Mubariz, was killed by Pak forces near the Afghanistan border, according to Pak media reports. Pak media reported on Saturday, April 12, that Hafizullah Mubarez, a senior commander of Tehrik-e-Taliban ![]() students... Pakistain (TTP), was killed in a military operation near the Pakistain-Afghanistan border. Mubarez, widely known by his alias "Kochawan," was considered a key figure within the holy warrior group. According to The Express Tribune, the Pak military conducted the operation that led to Mubarez’s death. He had been leading TTP’s special forces in the Malakand region of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province and parts of Kunar province ... Kunar is Haqqani country..... in eastern Afghanistan. Security sources confirmed to Pak outlets that Mubarez played a critical role in planning and executing deadly attacks on both Pak and U.S. forces. His involvement extended to multiple cross-border operations targeting Pak military personnel. The slain commander was also reportedly behind several terror attacks on civilians and state institutions within Pakistain. He had long been on Pakistain’s most-wanted list, with a reward of 10 million Pak rupees announced for information leading to his capture. Pak intelligence officials stated that Mubarez was responsible for orchestrating assaults along the porous Pakistain-Afghanistan border. These areas have long been a hotspot for Death Eater activity and holy warrior hideouts, particularly since the fall of Kabul in 2021. In response to repeated border attacks, Islamabad has accused TTP of using Afghanistan territory to launch strikes—a claim that has consistently been denied by the Taliban-led government in Kabul. Despite efforts to secure the border, tensions between the two nations remain high. The killing of Hafizullah Mubarez marks a significant counterterrorism achievement for Pakistain but also underscores the persistent threat posed by the TTP and other holy warrior networks operating in border regions. Analysts believe that unless cross-border cooperation and intelligence-sharing between Afghanistan and Pakistain improve, such assassinations may offer only temporary relief from the threat of Death Eater violence. |
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Afghanistan |
Pakistan urges UN to combat Afghanistan’s illicit arms trade |
2025-04-06 |
[KhaamaPress] Pakistain has urged the UN Security Council to take action against the growing illicit arms trade flourishing in Afghanistan. Like that would ever work. Pakistain has urged the United Nations...a lucrative dumping ground for the relatives of dictators and party hacks... Security Council to halt terrorists’ access to weapons in Afghanistan. The request comes amid rising concerns about the proliferation of arms to various Death Eater groups. Pak media reported on Saturday, April 5, that weapons have been supplied to the Tehrik-e-Taliban ![]() Pakistain (TTP), Baloch Liberation Army, and the Brigades of Majid from Afghanistan. These groups are actively involved in insurgencies across Pakistain. Sayed Atif Reza, a representative from Pakistain’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations, raised alarms at the UN Security Council about the increase in arms trafficking. He urged the council to take serious measures to curb the growing black market for weapons in Afghanistan. This statement follows a report from a Geneva-based organization, which highlighted a surge in the illegal arms trade in eastern and border regions of Pakistain. The report documents a rise in both light and heavy weapon sales, particularly in areas affected by militancy. The report, titled "Documenting Access to Weapons in Afghanistan," sheds light on the continued arms trafficking in the region. It shows that weapons from the Soviet era and NATO ...the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. A collection of multinational and multilingual and multicultural armed forces, all of differing capabilities, working toward a common goal by pulling in different directions... are easily available in informal markets, posing a significant security threat. The situation in Pakistain has been further complicated by the growing tension between the Taliban and Pakistain. Increased cross-border violence has led to a sharp rise in casualties, particularly in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan ...the Pak province bordering Kandahar and Uruzgun provinces in Afghanistan and Sistan Baluchistan in Iran. Its native Baloch propulation is being displaced by Pashtuns and Punjabis and they aren't happy about it... . March recorded the highest number of casualties in a decade, raising alarms about the stability of the region. ![]() The escalation of Death Eater activity in these regions has made security operations more challenging for Pak authorities. The Taliban’s growing influence in Afghanistan, coupled with its support for Lions of Islam targeting Pakistain, is contributing to the destabilization of the border areas. This ongoing conflict is straining Pakistain’s security forces, as the influx of weapons from Afghanistan exacerbates the situation. The situation calls for urgent international cooperation to curb the illegal arms trade and address the rising Death Eater threats to Pakistain’s stability. |
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Home Front: WoT |
Washington reluctant to cooperate with Pakistan despite efforts: Foreign Policy |
2025-03-15 |
And so they should be. [KhaamaPress] Following the surrender of an ISIS member to the United States and President Donald Trump’s praise for Pakistan, Islamabad has become hopeful about renewed cooperation with Washington. However, this move is unlikely to quickly lead to a warmer relationship between the two countries.Michael Kugelman, a prominent Southeast Asia expert, wrote on Wednesday in Foreign Policy that the relationship between the U.S. and India, alongside Pakistan’s alliance with China, and differing priorities make it less likely for the U.S. to seek deeper cooperation with Pakistan. The article noted that recent cooperation between the U.S. and Pakistan would not lead to a strategic partnership. After the U.S. attack on Afghanistan, relations and financial aid to Pakistan were increased due to Islamabad’s role in capturing al-Qaeda members and its strategic importance as a transit route for U.S. forces. However, with the end of the war on terrorism and the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, Pakistan no longer holds a defined place in U.S. foreign policy. Islamabad is now attempting to redefine its position by cooperating with the U.S. to combat ISIS. The U.S. sees cross-border attacks by ISIS-Khorasan as a security threat to itself and other nations. President Trump, in a joint speech in Congress on March 4, surprised many by thanking Pakistan for helping capture Mohammad Sharifullah, a member of ISIS-Khorasan, who is accused of playing a major role in the 2021 Kabul airport attack. Despite recent efforts by Pakistan to work with the U.S., the seven-year suspension of U.S. security aid and reduced strategic focus on Pakistan since the U.S. exit from Afghanistan have limited the potential for bilateral cooperation. The U.S. and Pakistan may still find some areas for collaboration, especially through the existing counterterrorism dialogues and intelligence sharing on groups like ISIS-Khorasan, TTP, and the Baloch Liberation Army. However, the deepening of U.S.-Pakistan security ties is limited by Pakistan’s alignment with China and its focus on TTP, which operates in both Afghanistan and Pakistan, creating a complex situation where cooperation on ISIS-Khorasan may not be enough to overcome broader geopolitical challenges. |
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Europe |
Spanish Police arrest 11 suspected TTP militants in Barcelona |
2025-03-15 |
![]() Wandering awfully far from their home on the Afghan-Pakistan border…. [KhaamaPress] Spanish police have arrested 11 Pakistani nationals suspected of being members of the banned militant group Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) in a coordinated counter-terrorism operation in Barcelona.Spanish authorities have arrested 11 Pakistani nationals suspected of being members of the banned militant group Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). The arrests were made in Barcelona through a joint operation conducted by the National Police, Mossos d’Esquadra, and the Italian Polizia di Stato. The suspects are accused of promoting extremist activities, including violent acts such as beheadings, through encrypted communication channels, the Jerusalem post reported on Monday, March 10. According to the news agency, the investigations reveal the group had a hierarchical structure and primarily operated through instant messaging platforms. These platforms were allegedly used to spread extremist ideology, recruit members, and identify potential targets across Europe. Authorities have indicated that the arrested individuals had strong ties to the TTP, often referred to as the “Pakistani Taliban.” According to the Spanish National Police, this operation is part of a broader counter-terrorism effort that has led to 30 arrests in Spain over the past three years. In this latest phase, ten suspects were detained in Barcelona and its surrounding areas, while another was taken into custody in Italy. Reports suggest that one of the key communication networks was managed by women, who played an active role in radicalization and target selection. Meanwhile, in Pakistan, the TTP has intensified its attacks on security personnel, particularly in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. Pakistani officials claim that the surge in terrorist activities is linked to the presence of TTP sanctuaries in neighboring Afghanistan. They have accused the Afghan Taliban of providing shelter and strategic support to the militant group. However, the Afghan Taliban have repeatedly denied these allegations, insisting that they do not harbor or support TTP militants. Despite Pakistan’s concerns and diplomatic efforts, cross-border security tensions continue to escalate, raising fears of further instability in the region. |
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Home Front: WoT |
FBI: Sharifullah not a top-level planner of Kabul Airport Bombing, remains in custody |
2025-03-15 |
[KhaamaPress] FBI Special Agent Seth Parker testified that Mohammad Sharifullah … a.k.a. Mohammad Sharif, alias “Jafar” of ISIS-Khorasan, he was identified by the CIA as the shot-caller for the suicide kaboom at Kabul International Airport‘s Abbey Gate during the fatally disorganized Biden pull-out, for which a number of American generals should be thoroughly ashamed… was not a top level planner of the August 2021 Kabul airport bombing but played a supportive role. Captured by Pak forces and handed over to U.S. authorities, Sharifullah faces charges for conspiring to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization resulting in death. President Trump announced Sharifullah’s capture in a joint congressional session, stating he was involved in the Kabul airport attack that killed 13 U.S. service members and over 170 Afghans. Sharifullah’s arrest, facilitated by intelligence sharing with Pakistain, is seen as a significant counterterrorism success. Sharifullah’s defense argues he was not among the main planners and was not present during the bombing. However, the hip bone's connected to the leg bone... Agent Parker noted Sharifullah’s role in conducting reconnaissance for the attack and his affiliation with ISIS-Khorasan. Sharifullah also admitted to involvement in other terrorist activities, including attacks in Moscow. He had previously provided weapons training for two of the four jihadis who committed the March 22, 2024 Crocus City Hall concert massacre that killed 144, maimed 550, and caused $150 million in damage. In court, Sharifullah claimed ignorance of the bombing details and denied being present during its execution. Despite these claims, evidence points to his active role in planning and facilitating the attack, leading to his detention without bail. The Kabul airport bombing resulted in at least 182 deaths, including 13 U.S. service members. The attack, claimed by ISIS-K, occurred during the chaotic U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, highlighting the complex security environment during that period. If this ISIS member is found guilty for his role in the suicide kabooms, he is likely to be sentenced to life in prison. Related: Mohammad Sharifullah 03/12/2025 TTP becoming umbrella organisation for regional terror groups: Pakistan warns UNSC Mohammad Sharifullah 03/08/2025 Terrorist detained in US confesses to involvement in Crocus attack Mohammad Sharifullah 03/07/2025 Mohammad Sharifullah Confesses to Kabul Airport Attack |
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