TTP leader ‘killed’ in Afghanistan’s Kunar province – M Haris

• Terrorist was an important leader, member of TTP’s Malakand Shura.
• He was involved in landmine blasts in Bajaur, other terror activities.
• Terrorist played a key role in shaping terrorist operations in Bajaur.

An important leader of the outlawed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan, Abdul Mannan alias Hakeemullah, was killed in Afghanistan’s northeastern province Kunar, sources told Geo News on Wednesday.

According to the sources, the terrorist — killed in district Asadabad in Afghanistan — was a member of TTP’s Malakand Shura and was involved in target killing, landmine blasts in Bajaur, firing at security checkposts and extortion.

He was the right hand of TTP leader Azmatullah Mehsud, as per the sources, and played a key role in shaping terrorist operations in Bajaur.

The sources added that the terrorist had joined the TTP in 2007 and took part in several actions against security forces and innocent civilians, said sources.

Mannan’s brother, Tariq alias Asad, is also related to the outlawed TTP, according to the sources.

It should be noted that TTP is the leading terrorist organisation in Pakistan. Meanwhile, the hideouts of Afghan terrorists are currently in Kunar, Nuristan, Paktika, Khost and other areas of the country.

Abdul Mannan’s killing comes almost a week after law enforcement agencies conducted an intelligence-based operation (IBO) foiling the bids of TTP to set up offices in Balochistan.

According to the Counterterrorism Department (CTD), intelligence agencies also detained several dangerous terrorists, including those involving high-value and most wanted targets.

Authorities revealed that among those captured include 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 people.