Multiple accounts on X (formerly Twitter) falsely claimed that Ilyas alias Malang Bacha, a prominent commander of the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) in Bajaur, had been either killed or critically injured during security operations.

Claim 1: Ilyas Has Been Killed

A widely circulated post from the account @SamriBackup claimed that “Maulana Ilyas alias Malang Bacha has been killed in clashes with Pakistani forces.”
The post includes an image of Ilyas in military attire and references from a Pashto-language page, reporting news related to Bajaur region, as supposed confirmation of his death.

Claim 2: Ilyas Was Critically Injured

The Khyber Chronicles (@TKCKhyber) and other accounts published a breaking report alleging that Ilyas was injured in the military’s “Operation Sarbakaf” in Bajaur. The post mentioned that he was among those wounded in clashes with security forces.

Fact: Ilyas Spotted Leading Bajaur Peace Talks

Khabarkada’s correspondent in Bajaur confirmed that Maulana Ilyas is not only alive but was physically present on Friday during negotiations between the public peace jirga and militants, where he actively led the talks on behalf of the TTP. Photos of Ilyas in a jirga meeting have also emerged.