The Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) has merged with its splinter groups Jamat-ul-Ahrar (JuA) and Hizb-ul-Ahrar (HuA) in Afghanistan, sources have revealed. Their sole objective is to restart terrorist activity against Pakistan while simultaneously sabotaging efforts to restore peace and stability in its war-ravaged neighbour, the sources warned.

The merger appears to have been in the making for several months. According to sources, representatives from TTP, JuA and HuA have met several times in different locations inside Afghanistan to discuss their reunification.

The effort even ended up in deadlock at one point recently, sources revealed. On August 13, talks had all but stalled, they said. Talks resumed three days later, but only after direct intervention by operatives from Afghanistan’s National Directorate of Security and India’s Research and Analysis Wing, the sources added.

The talks culminated in an oath of allegiance to bring the three militant factions together, which was held in Afghanistan’s Paktia and Kunar provinces, sources said. The agreement, reportedly, designates Mufti Noor Wali as the amir of TTP, making him responsible for all planned terrorist activities inside Pakistan. Meanwhile, JuA’s Ikram Turabi, who was bailed out from Peshawar Central Jail earlier this year, has been appointed the head of the Amari Shura.

https://tribune.com.pk/story/2260213/ttp-regroups-with-jua-hua-in-afghanistan