Over 8,000 TTP Militants Operating Across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Officials Warn

Pakistani officials have reported that over 8,000 Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) militants, also known as Fitna al-Khawarij, have infiltrated Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) from Afghanistan through porous and lesser-known routes, spreading across multiple districts including Peshawar, Tank, Dera Ismail Khan, Bannu, and others. These militants have established illegal checkpoints on strategic roads such as the CPEC Road and DI Khan-Bannu Road, blending into civilian populations to evade security forces, which has led to a surge in terrorist incidents. In the first eight months of 2025, KP recorded more than 600 terror attacks, resulting in the deaths of 138 civilians and 79 policemen, with hundreds more injured. Recent security operations have intensified, with 39 militants killed and 110 arrested in 190 operations, but officials acknowledge challenges in countering militants who use civilian cover. Tribal elders expressed significant concern during jirgas chaired by the KP Chief Minister, urging the government to engage Afghan authorities to stem cross-border infiltration. Authorities emphasize the urgent need for strengthened counterterrorism measures and regional cooperation to prevent further destabilization and loss of life in the province.