6 days ago
AQIS Enters Pakistan Theatre, Further Complicating Islamabad’s Fight
Pakistan is facing attacks from several armed groups.
One of them is the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan, or TTP.
Officials say another group, Al Qaeda in the Subcontinent, has now joined the fight against Pakistan’s security forces.
AQIS had mostly spread messages online and recruited people before this.
Officials say it became more active after Pakistan brought in the Islamic State Khorasan Province to fight its enemies.
AQIS may help the TTP with training and moving supplies.
Pakistan is also dealing with the Balochistan Liberation Army and Balochistan Liberation Front.
This means the security problem has become more complicated for Pakistan.
Officials say Al Qaeda in the Subcontinent has begun supporting and participating in Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan operations inside Pakistan.
AQIS previously focused mainly on digital propaganda and recruitment after its operatives were driven from Afghanistan.
The group’s Al Sahab Media Foundation has urged cadres to join the TTP’s fight against Pakistan’s security establishment.
Pakistan is already facing attacks and pressure from the TTP, Balochistan Liberation Army, and Balochistan Liberation Front.
Officials say AQIS could provide the TTP with training, logistics expertise, and recruits, further complicating Pakistan’s security situation.
- Who
- Al Qaeda in the Subcontinent, the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan, Pakistan’s security forces, the Islamic State Khorasan Province, the Balochistan Liberation Army, and the Balochistan Liberation Front.
- What
- Officials say AQIS has moved from mainly online propaganda to actively supporting and participating in TTP operations against Pakistan’s security establishment and other armed groups.
- Where
- Pakistan, with AQIS operatives reportedly dispersed there after being driven out of Afghanistan.
- When
- After years of AQIS remaining largely inactive operationally in Pakistan and Afghanistan; the articles do not provide a specific date.
- Why
- Officials say AQIS changed course after Pakistan enlisted the Islamic State Khorasan Province and Lashkar-e-Taiba to fight the TTP and Balochistan-based groups.
Key facts
- New development
- Officials say AQIS has entered Pakistan’s armed conflict and aligned itself with the TTP.
- AQIS media wing
- The Al Sahab Media Foundation communicates AQIS messaging and has called for cadres to join the fight against Pakistan.
- Existing militant pressure
- Pakistan is already confronting the TTP, Balochistan Liberation Army, and Balochistan Liberation Front.
- Reported Pakistani response
- Officials say Pakistan’s security forces brought in Lashkar-e-Taiba and the Islamic State Khorasan Province.
- AQIS capabilities
- Officials say AQIS retains expertise in logistics and training despite being weaker in the region.
- Reported impact on TTP
- The TTP could benefit from AQIS training and logistical support, including training for newer recruits.
- Operational background
- AQIS had previously focused on digital propaganda and recruitment and had not carried out operations in Pakistan or Afghanistan, according to the article.
Sources
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