In a significant counter-terrorism move, the Afghan Taliban have arrested senior ex-Haqqani Network commander Hayatullah Ghalchaki Tangiwal along with two associates during an operation in Paktika province, sources confirmed on Wednesday. The three men have been transferred to Pul-e-Charkhi prison in Kabul.
According to intelligence sources, the trio was apprehended over alleged links with the banned Teheek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and for allegedly plotting a terror attack aimed at sabotaging the ongoing trilateral talks between Pakistan, China, and Afghanistan in Kabul.
The arrests come at a critical time, coinciding with the visit of Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar to the Afghan capital, where high-level discussions are underway to enhance counter-terrorism cooperation, joint initiatives, and border management strategies among the three nations.
It is worth mentioning that Hayatullah, also known as “Ghalchaki Tangiwal,” had recently made headlines for publicly calling on fighters to support the TTP in the aftermath of a deadly strike in Zhob, Balochistan. Using social media platforms, he urged supporters to transport the bodies of slain fighters and carry out retaliatory attacks, pleading: “Do not leave us alone.”
A former commander of the “Fatih Caravan” under the Sangeen faction of the Haqqani Network, Hayatullah also led operations in Zerok district of Paktika. His resurgence had been noted amid renewed TTP activity in the region.
On August 7, Pakistani forces targeted a group of 33 TTP militants moving from Warmami district in Paktika toward Zhob, killing and injuring several. Local sources alleged that Hayatullah’s men later coerced medical professionals in the area to treat the wounded.
The Sangeen group, a known TTP ally, has long been accused of facilitating cross-border attacks into Pakistan. In response, the Afghan Taliban have reportedly taken disciplinary action, placing several affiliated commanders; including Bilal Fatih, brother of slain militant leader Mawlawi Sangeen, under house arrest.
