In a significant development, the Afghanistan interim government has apprehended three commanders and 16 foot soldiers associated with the Malakand Division chapter of banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). The arrests, which occurred just a day ago, took place in the bordering area of Kunar, sources said on Tuesday.
According to a source familiar with the matter, among the apprehended individuals is Commander Ilyas, also known as Ustad Ji, from the Malakand Division. Two other commanders, members of the Malakand shura, were also taken into custody. The entire group, referred to as a Tashkil, was promptly transferred to Kunar Jail following their arrest.
The source indicated that the initial stages of the investigation suggest that the captured suspects have links to the Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP) in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P). Furthermore, it was noted that the arrested commanders are believed to have played a facilitating role for the terrorist group.
