EXPLORING TERRORIST ALLIANCES IN NORTHWESTERN BORDERLANDS OF PAKISTAN: TEHRIK-E-TALIBAN PAKISTAN IN FOCUS
Keywords:
Terrorist alliances, TTP, Northwestern borderlands, ISKP, Taliban, PakistanAbstract
The presence of terrorist networks along the northwestern borderlands of Pakistan threatens the safety of the local people as well as regional security. The recent strengthening of Tehrik- e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) presents a significant challenge to Pakistan’s security agencies and society. This paper examines why the TTP allies with regional terrorist groups and the benefits it gains from these alliances. Based on data collected from a diverse group of individuals and sources, the study finds that ideologically, Al-Qaeda (AQ) facilitates TTP’s access to training and safe houses but also creates obstacles due to differing priorities and communication methods. The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA), on the other hand, supports TTP's ideological goals, though it faces challenges stemming from differing perspectives and cultural differences. Despite these ideological differences, TTP and Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP) share intelligence and coordinate for joint attacks, though theyencounter issues related to information leaks. ISKP's influence in Bajaur and Balochistan exerts severe financial pressures on TTP.
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