TTP Proclaims Ceasefire for Eid Celebration
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Synopsis
The Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) has declared a ceasefire for Eid-ul-Fitr, following substantial losses in Mardan, Khyber Pukhtunkhwa. The announcement was made by TTP spokesperson Muhammad Khorasani, coinciding with a military operation that led to multiple TTP casualties.
Key Takeaways
- TTP has announced a ceasefire during Eid-ul-Fitr.
- Significant losses were reported during an Intelligence-Based Operation.
- Local protests occurred following the operation in Mardan.
- The TTP has a history of ceasefire announcements during religious holidays.
- Pakistan faces ongoing threats from the TTP and other militant groups.
Islamabad, March 29 (NationPress) The Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) has declared a ceasefire for Eid-ul-Fitr, announcing that it will suspend all operations during this festive period. This declaration follows significant losses faced by the banned group during an Intelligence-Based Operation (IBO) that took place in the Mardan district of Khyber Pukhtunkhwa (KP), Pakistan.
Historically, the TTP has made similar ceasefire announcements during religious holidays.
Muhammad Khorasani, the TTP spokesperson, released a brief statement confirming the ceasefire during Eid-ul-Fitr.
“Announcement of ceasefire during Eid-ul-Fitr,” stated the TTP spokesperson.
This announcement came shortly after the Pakistani military executed an intelligence-based operation in Babuzai, located in Mardan district, KP. Reports indicate that at least 25 TTP militants were killed during this operation, where they had established hideouts in the Katlang mountain range.
Residents in the area reported that those who perished included shepherds from Swat, leading to temporary closures of the Swat-Mardan motorway in protest. Following negotiations, the deceased were handed over to Rescue Services 1122 for DNA testing, including two women and seven men. Protests subsided after some time, and roads were reopened.
Counter-terrorism sources in the Mardan Katlang mountain area confirmed that the operation aimed at militant hideouts, noting that civilian casualties included women and children caught in the crossfire.
“The operation has successfully targeted wanted terrorists involved in local terrorist activities,” remarked Barrister Saif, spokesperson for the KP provincial government.
It’s important to highlight that the TTP has been executing significant attacks against Pakistani security forces, keeping them under constant pressure. The group declared its spring offensive in February, resulting in a notable increase in targeted assaults on security checkpoints, military installations, and security personnel convoys.
Pakistan continues to face substantial challenges from the TTP and other militant organizations like the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) in Khyber Pukhtunkhwa (KP) and Balochistan. Islamabad has accused Afghanistan of harboring and supporting anti-Pakistan terror groups, urging the Afghan Taliban to take swift action against such factions and adhere to their commitment to prevent their territory from being used by terrorists to perpetrate cross-border attacks.
