POLITICS
Afghanistan Identified as Stronghold for Global Terrorist Organizations, SIGAR Report Reveals
A recent report by the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR) has identified Afghanistan as a stronghold for global terrorist organizations, including the outlawed Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). According to the report, TTP militants have established safe havens in Afghanistan, from where they have been launching attacks on Pakistani security forces.
The report claims that there are approximately 6,500 TTP fighters in Afghanistan, primarily focused on gaining control over regions in eastern Afghanistan and northwestern Pakistan. The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan is reportedly supporting the TTP by providing them with fighters, heavy weapons, training camps, and unrestricted movement across the border.
The report also notes that the TTP has claimed responsibility for 119 attacks on Pakistani security forces and civilians. In response, Pakistan has conducted operations in Afghanistan’s Paktia, Khost, and Kunar provinces, resulting in the elimination of several TTP militants.
The SIGAR report further indicates that Pakistan has made it clear that it will continue to target TTP militants in Afghanistan until the threat is neutralized. Pakistan has also been in talks with the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan and China to address the growing security concerns along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border.