By DR. Ahmad Khan
The most recent video shared by Umar Media, the official platform of TTP for their media coverage, has introduced an alarming situation; TTP is no longer limited to the borders of Pakistan. The video, largely proliferated on the TTP social media platform, reveals the terrorists recruited from different parts of the world, including combatants from Afghanistan, Uzbekistan, Turkistan, and possibly from Arab regions. This frightening disclosure indicates that TTP has been advanced into a worldwide terrorist outfit, with extensive concerns for world security. This situation demands a synchronized global response to effectively deal with this emerging threat that has remained out of sight for times.
This evolution of a local terrorist group into a global threat is obvious from its growing global associations with the involvement of an imported workforce. This development is highlighted by the recent detention of two Bangladeshi citizens associated with TTP. These individuals were operational across the border and linked to TTP with an aim of terrorist activities in the region. Their detention underscores the group’s mounting transnational access and its potential connection beyond borders. These multinational associations, including their connection with Al-Qaeda and the rest of the worldwide terror web. This specifies the threat of synchronized global terrorism, aiming to produce anarchy in the region. The TTP’s increasing effect is not restricted to the Pakistani region but has expanded its influence into the international arena, indicating an immediate requirement for a cohesive response to restrain its upsurge.
The dissemination of the video highlighting TTP terrorists together with external fighters is a serious indication of the organization transforming global organization. The coalition of TTP with other terror outfits is not the latest progress. It reflects the TTP calculated enlargement. The TTP linkage with international terrorist groups, including Al-Qaeda, has exhilarated its potential with greater operational backing and sophisticated resources.
The situation demands to affirmed TTP is an international terrorist organization(ITO). This description will help to dismantle the TTP outrages effectively, besides revealing the extended nature of the threat. The international community is aligned to counter terrorism, and it should be extended to TTP by declaring them as a global concern due to their rapidly expanding operations. Describing TTP as an ITO will provide the legal and operational context for taking decisive action to deal with it properly.
In addition, the connection between TTP and its external financial agents raises thoughtful concerns regarding the global influence of its activities. UN report has confirmed that the TTP leader Noor Wali Mehsud is receiving $43,000from Afghan affiliates. The remarks of Ahmad Massoud, leader of the National Resistance Front, and former Afghan Army Commander Lt. Gen. (R) Sami Sadat are more eye-opening and are of serious concern. Both of them have openly accepted that Afghan soil is a nurturing ground for cross-border terrorism with indian funding to the TTP through the Afghan Taliban. In addition, UN reports have revealed the presence of TTP inside Afghanistan, further solidifying the misuse of Afghan soil by terrorists, particularly against Pakistan.
The global extension of TTP has raised severe concerns and is not restricted to Pakistan and Afghanistan. This outfit, with external coalitions and a global existence posture a nonstop menace to the world order and safety. With a rise in strength and membership, TTP’s ability has been extended to coordinate attacks across borders and employ the combatants, further increasing the threat posed by it. TTP has now entangled with Al-Qaeda,transforming the group into a more threatening power in the universal struggle against the evil of terrorism. Without balanced action, the TTP will destabilize the whole region, which will soon spread outside South Asia.
The global community must respond sensibly and conclusively to avert the expansion of TTP and its increasing effect. Actions limited to Pakistan and Afghanistan will never be suitable and effective alone. This requires worldwide collaboration and intelligence input to undo the web. A more focused global approach to disrupt TTP’s financial backing and linkage with other international terrorist organizations. It is a matter of hours that global great powers, besides regional players, combine to thwart TTP and its destructive agenda. The international community must adopt the same approach against TTP that has been followed against other international terror outfits.
To conclude, TTP has been transformed from a local insurgency to a worldwide menace. It is a clear indication that the group has extended to unmatched heights. TTP external connections, rising figures of worldwide recruits, and increased economic backing underscore the urgent demands for the universal community to designate TTP as an international terrorist organization. The silence of the global community will heighten the TTP’s influence and will enable it to become a more dangerous terror outfit across the globe. The world must act promptly before the TTP turns to more ruthless forces that create more chaos and instability. An immediate and significant response is needed to deal with this global threat, and a more systemic approach to control its threats to humanity.
About the author
Dr. Ahmad Khan is an independent researcher based in Islamabad, Pakistan, interested in regional security, terrorism, and counter-extremism. His research is based on militancy, radicalization, and counter-terrorism policies in South Asia and the Middle East. He works with think tanks and international organizations, and regularly publishes research and contributes to policy dialogues.
