Senior TTP commander killed in Kunar, Afghanistan

KUNAR (Khaama Press): The newspaper Dawn reported that Abdul Manan Ilyas, a senior commander of Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), also known by his alias Hakimullah, was killed in Kunar province.

The report stated that he was killed during the “Eid ceasefire” in the Chugharsarai area of Asadabad district in Kunar.

The Pakistani media outlet described Abdul Manan as a former member of the TTP Malakand Council and the right-hand man of Azmatullah Mehsud, the head of the council.

Although the newspaper did not provide further details about how the TTP commander was killed, it mentioned that he died from injuries sustained on June 16 in Kunar.

The TTP Malakand Council is said to have played a key role in organizing deadly attacks in Pakistan, particularly in Bajaur.

According to Pakistani media, Abdul Manan Ilyas oversaw terrorist activities in Bajaur, including targeted assassinations, landmine explosions, and attacks on checkpoints.

Pakistani media reported that Abdul Manan joined the TTP in 2007 and participated in several deadly attacks in the country. He was arrested in Nangarhar province in 2014 but was released alongside other prisoners after the Taliban took control of Afghanistan.

Meanwhile, the Pakistani army announced in early June that it had launched a series of operations along the border with Afghanistan to curb “terrorist activities.”

The Pakistani army has consistently claimed that many deadly attacks in the country are orchestrated from inside Afghanistan by the Pakistani Taliban. However, the Afghan Taliban deny that any foreign forces are operating on Afghan soil.

The increased insecurity in Pakistan due to militant activities has led to a surge in targeted attacks on Pakistani officers and foreign nationals. Militants have been increasingly bold in their operations, leading to heightened tensions and security concerns.

These attacks have caused significant disruptions and fear among the local population, with many citizens feeling unsafe. The government’s efforts to combat these militants have met with limited success, further exacerbating the crisis.

The international community has expressed concern over the deteriorating security situation in Pakistan, urging stronger measures to protect civilians and prevent further escalation of violence. The ongoing instability poses a significant challenge to the region’s peace and security.