The Growing Sachism Between the TTP and JuA

Abstract

In early 2024, the proscribed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) unveiled its new administrative framework for the year, largely mirroring the structure of the Afghan Taliban. Notably, following a meeting convened by the TTP shura (leadership council) on January 16, two Jamaat-ul-Ahrar (JuA) leaders were demoted from their positions assigned to them earlier in January, according to a report by The Khorasan Diary.

JuA is recognized as one of the most formidable factions within the TTP and has frequently made headlines due to its sporadic skirmishes with the umbrella group. For example, in January 2023, one of the demoted JuA commanders, Sarbakaf Mohmand, claimed responsibility for the Peshawar mosque attack on behalf of the TTP. This attack resulted in the death of over 100 individuals, making it one of the bloodiest incidents in Pakistan’s history of extremism.

However, the TTP central spokesperson, Muhammad Khurasani, distanced the group from the attack, stating that it was not their policy to target mosques or other religious places. He also added that those engaging in such acts could face punitive action under TTP’s policy. Sarbakaf, taking credit on X (formerly Twitter), said the attack was an act of revenge for the death of JuA chief Omar Khalid Khurasani, who was killed in Afghanistan’s Paktika province in August 2022.

These contrasting statements highlighted growing factional tensions within the group. During the attack, Mukarram Khorasani (the other demoted commander) held a key position in the leadership council, while Sarbakaf served as the shadow governor for the Zhob division in Balochistan province.