Khyber Pakhtunkhwa_ In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Pakistan, a noticeable change is unfolding in how militant groups communicate and claim responsibility for attacks. Traditionally active groups’ media channels have gone unusually silent, while several new and lesser-known names are emerging to claim responsibility for attacks in the province. On one hand, the TTP’s media remains quiet, while on the other, new groups are increasingly taking credit for incidents in KP.
Over the past few months, a clear shift has been observed in how militant attacks are being claimed in KP. Two major groups, Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and Ittehad-ul-Mujahideen Pakistan (IMP), which have long been active in the region, are now appearing under new, less-recognized militant names rather than their traditional identities. These new groups are claiming responsibility for attacks in the same areas previously dominated by the TTP.
TTP Media Silence
The TTP’s media channels have remained largely inactive over the past several days. Since October 27, no new details of incidents or updates on recent military campaigns, including Operation Al-Khandaq, have been published. The TTP has not provided any explanation for this extended and unexpected silence.
However, on November 22, a publication called Manzil briefly referenced an incident in Bannu, attributing it vaguely to Taliban activity. This marked the first time since October 27 that the TTP platform alluded to any attack, though in an ambiguous and indirect manner.
Emergence of Lesser-Known Groups
Contrary to the TTP’s silence, the Telegram channel Zarb-e-Momin, associated with the TTP, began posting claims of attacks from October 31 onward. These claims are being made under new and unclear names, previously unseen in media reports. Among them are:
- Defa-e-Quds
- Ansar al-Jihad
- Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan Force
These groups are reportedly claiming responsibility for attacks across various districts in KP.
Appearance of New Factions
During the same period, another new name, the Islamic Emirate Protection Force, emerged, creating its own media channel on October 29. This group is reportedly claiming responsibility for attacks in North and South Waziristan, Tank, Dir, Peshawar, and Khyber, the same regions that were historically strongholds of TTP and IMP activity.
