The latest report from the United Nations Sanctions Monitoring Team has raised concerns over the increasing cooperation between the Balochistan Liberation Army’s (BLA) Majeed Brigade and other militant groups, including Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), Islamic State-Khorasan (IS-K), and ETIM/TIP. According to the report, two member states have confirmed that the Majeed Brigade maintains operational ties with these groups in Afghanistan, with a particular focus on their shared bases.
The Majeed Brigade, known for carrying out high-casualty attacks, reportedly included females in its ranks and operated across southern Pakistan, including regions such as Awaran, Panjgur, and Dalbandin. The report pointed out the growing nexus between the BLA, which has traditionally focused on ethno-nationalist objectives, and religiously motivated terrorist organizations like TTP, signaling a dangerous convergence of interests.
The UN monitoring team’s annual assessment comes amid a sharp rise in TTP-led attacks against Pakistani security forces and civilians, with more than 600 attacks recorded during the reporting period. These assaults have increasingly originated from Afghan territory, underscoring the growing threat posed by TTP in the region.
TTP, according to the report, has also established new training camps in Afghanistan’s Kunar, Nangarhar, Khost, and Paktika provinces and is reportedly enhancing its recruitment efforts, including drawing in fighters from the Afghan Taliban.
In response to escalating attacks, Pakistan has intensified its military operations under “Azm-i-Istehkam,” targeting TTP hideouts along the Afghan border, particularly in Paktika and Khost. These operations include cross-border raids and retaliatory strikes aimed at weakening the TTP’s foothold. At the same time, Pakistan has pursued diplomatic channels, sending delegations to Kabul to urge the Afghan Taliban to take stronger action against TTP sanctuaries. However, Afghan authorities have remained hesitant, suggesting mediation rather than taking decisive measures, resulting in a diplomatic deadlock.
The report warns that the deepening collaboration between these groups, including the exchange of suicide bombers, fighters, and ideological guidance, could elevate TTP to an “extra-regional threat” and potentially transform it into an umbrella organization for various terrorist factions across South Asia.
In light of these developments, Pakistan called for global action against terrorist groups operating from Afghanistan, including Daesh, TTP, and the Baloch Liberation Army. On February 12, Pakistani officials highlighted the growing threat posed by over two dozen militant organizations based in Afghanistan, which they argue endanger not only regional but global security.
