Peshawar: In a major blow to the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), senior commander Abdul Manan, also known as Hakimullah, was recently killed by unknown assailants in Afghanistan’s Kunar province. This incident occurred during a three-day ceasefire between the TTP and Pakistan for the Eid al-Adha festival.
Hakimullah, a prominent member of the TTP’s Malakand faction, was targeted in District Asadabad near the border with Pakistan’s Bajaur tribal district. He played a significant role in orchestrating terrorist activities in the region, including target killings, landmine explosions, and extortion.
His death is a setback for the TTP and highlights internal conflicts among armed factions in Afghanistan. Recent reports indicate that Hakimullah had strong ties to key TTP commanders and was involved in various violent acts against security forces and civilians.
This incident follows the killing of another TTP commander, Waliullah, in Pakistan. Both incidents underscore the ongoing struggle against extremist groups in the region.
The TTP, formed in 2007, aims to impose strict Islamic laws in Pakistan and has been linked to numerous deadly attacks, including assaults on military installations and the bombing of the Marriott Hotel in Islamabad.
Published on 19 June 2024 at 11:46 IST.