Fresh reports from northern Afghanistan have once again raised serious questions about how long the Afghan Taliban can continue to deny the undeniable presence of Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) on Afghan soil, as evidence mounts of militants operating openly and without fear.
An unregistered vehicle bearing TTP markings was reportedly seen moving freely in Mazar-e-Sharif, the capital of Balkh province, according to local sources. The vehicle was said to be carrying five armed individuals, openly patrolling the area—an incident that has reinforced longstanding concerns about militant safe havens inside Afghanistan.
Security observers say such sightings directly contradict repeated assurances by the Afghan Taliban that Afghan territory is not being used against neighboring countries. Analysts argue that the ability of TTP militants to move openly in urban areas points to protection, tolerance, or at the very least, a lack of action by the interim Afghan authorities.
Multiple assessments have indicated that the Afghan Taliban continue to provide safe havens, logistical space, and operational freedom to the banned TTP. Reports also suggest the existence of joint training camps and recruitment networks involving TTP and Al-Qaeda across several Afghan provinces.
Pakistan’s security agencies have repeatedly stated that many militants killed in recent counterterrorism operations inside Pakistan were later identified as Afghan nationals, further strengthening claims that militant infrastructure remains intact across the border.
Despite Islamabad’s repeated calls for decisive action, the Afghan Taliban have consistently rejected allegations of hosting or facilitating militant groups. However, analysts note that the growing visibility of TTP operatives inside Afghanistan is making such denials increasingly difficult to sustain.
As militant violence continues to claim lives inside Pakistan, observers warn that continued inaction—or denial—by the Afghan Taliban risks further destabilizing regional security and deepening mistrust between Kabul and Islamabad.
