A condolence ceremony for an Afghan national affiliated with the outlawed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) or Fitna al-Khawarij, who was killed during a security forces operation in Bajaur district earlier this month, has been held in France, raising fresh questions over Afghan Taliban’s persistent denial of cross-border militancy.
According to official sources, on October 19, four TTP militants were killed during an intelligence-based operation by Pakistani security forces in Bajaur. Among them was Mulla Sadam alias Huzaifa, son of Abdul Baqi, a resident of Police District 3, Kunduz province, Afghanistan.
Local sources confirmed that Sadam’s first condolence ceremony was held at Jamia Masjid Khama Kari in Kunduz on October 24. However, another ceremony was later organised at Masjid Attaqwa, located at 17 Boulevard du Portugal, Rennes City, France, on Sunday, October 26, from 1:30 pm to 4:00 pm. A large number of Afghans reportedly attended the event, footage of which has circulated on social media.
Sadam’s family includes his brothers, Talib and Muhammad Haroon, and his uncle, Shah Ghasi. Security officials believe that Sadam was among several Afghan nationals actively participating in TTP operations inside Pakistan.
The revelation that Afghan militants are being publicly honoured abroad after fighting inside Pakistan has once again highlighted the Taliban regime’s duplicity. While Kabul continues to deny any link between Afghan territory and TTP fighters, evidence continues to emerge showing Afghan involvement in attacks targeting Pakistani security personnel.
Officials say investigations are underway to determine the extent of TTP’s recruitment and support networks among Afghan diaspora communities in Europe.
