Islamabad, Recent investigations have revealed that the proscribed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) is employing foreign-made weapons, including those left behind by the United States in Afghanistan, to conduct terrorist activities on Pakistani soil. This development poses a significant threat to the security landscape of the region, particularly escalating terrorism within Pakistan.

According to Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, evidence of the TTP’s access to such armaments has become increasingly apparent, with several security operations uncovering American-made weapons in the possession of terrorists. On January 29, an intelligence-based operation in North Waziristan district resulted in the elimination of terrorist Naik Minallah, during which an M-4 Carbine, among other American-made arms, was recovered.

This incident follows a pattern of similar encounters, including an operation on January 22 in the Sambaza area of Zhob district, Balochistan, where security forces neutralized seven terrorists and seized a cache of foreign-manufactured weapons. Additionally, on January 19, two terrorists equipped with foreign-made arms, including M16/A4 AK-47 rifles, were killed after crossing into Pakistan from Afghanistan at the Bachi Sar area along the Pakistan-Afghan border.

The frequent discovery of US-made weapons among TTP militants underscores the challenges faced by Pakistan in countering terrorism and raises questions about the Afghan interim government’s assurances of not permitting its territory to be used against Pakistan. The EurAsian Times, a prominent defense publication, has also reported on the utilization of US-made weaponry by TTP in its operations within Pakistan.

These revelations indicate a broader issue of the Afghan regime’s alleged support for the TTP, including the provision of armaments and safe havens, complicating the fight against terrorism and threatening regional stability.