TTP leader killed in Kunar

LAHORE: A Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) leader has been killed in Kunar, Afghanistan.

The terrorist, Abdul Mannan alias Hakeemullah, was killed in the Asadabad district. He was a member of the TTP Malakand Shura, said sources. He was involved in several terror activities in Pakistan including target killings, landmine blasts in Bajaur, firing at security check-posts and extortion. He was the right-hand man of TTP leader Azmatullah Mehsud and played a key role in shaping terrorist operations in Bajaur.

He had joined the TTP in 2007. Mannan’s brother, Tariq alias Asad, is also related to the outlawed TTP. It should be noted that the TTP is the leading terrorist organisation in Pakistan. The hideouts of Afghan terrorists are currently in Kunar, Nuristan, Paktika and Khost. Mannan’s killing comes almost a week after law-enforcement agencies conducted an intelligence-based operation (IBO), foiling the TTP bid to set up offices in Balochistan.

According to the Counterterrorism Department (CTD), intelligence agencies also detained several dangerous terrorists, including high-value and most wanted targets. Authorities revealed that among those captured included the notorious and most wanted commander of the TTP Khawarij’s Shura. According to the preliminary investigation by the agencies, the arrested terrorists have been involved in several activities against Pakistan, alongside having linkages with domestic and international terrorists. The CTD expected that crucial information would be obtained about the secret activities of such networks within the country, as law-enforcers continue to investigate the arrested.