New threats to Pakistan’s security: TTP acquires US Javelin missiles

PESHAWAR: Pakistan is facing a serious security challenge following recent reports that the Taliban have acquired advanced anti-tank missiles, including the US-made FGM-148 Javelin.

A video released by a group linked to Fatan al-Khwarijs shows militants undergoing training with the Javelin missile, which is renowned for its “fire-and-forget” capability. Once launched, its advanced infrared guidance system automatically tracks and engages targets—such as enemy tanks, armoured vehicles, and fortified positions—allowing the operator to immediately retreat to safety.

A security official told this correspondent that there is no confirmed evidence of these missiles being present in Pakistan; the real concern is that Fitna ul-Khwarijs now possesses this capability, which they could deploy anywhere in Pakistan if they choose.

The official emphasized that this situation not only reflects the Afghan government’s failure to secure the US Army’s abandoned weapons but also raises the alarming possibility that these missiles could be used to target Pakistani military posts and breach the border fence along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border.

The FGM-148 Javelin, manufactured in the United States at an estimated cost of around $200,000 per unit, is designed to destroy enemy tanks, armoured vehicles, and fortified structures.

Its “fire and forget” capability means that once the missile is launched, it autonomously homes in on its target using an advanced infrared guidance system. This technology allows the operator to immediately move to a secure location after firing, reducing personal risk on the battlefield.

Security sources said the possession and potential use of such sophisticated weaponry by Taliban-affiliated groups significantly heightens the threat level in the region. Experts warn that the introduction of these missiles into militant arsenals could escalate violence in Pakistan.