Efforts to defuse tensions between the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and its splinter faction Jamaat-ul-Ahrar (JuA) have so far failed to yield any concrete resolution, sources confirmed, as a tribal Jirga continues mediating between the two sides.
The conflict, brewing for months, has escalated with mutual accusations and deep mistrust. According to a senior TTP source, the rift is rooted in JUA’s alleged involvement in extortion. The source claimed that TTP has taken decisive steps to block all extortion routes formerly accessible to Jamaat-ul-Ahrar, which has angered the group and contributed to the current standoff.
On the other side, a JUA insider placed the blame squarely on the TTP, alleging that relations have sharply deteriorated since the death of Umar Khalid Khurasani, whose real name was Abdul Wali. Khurasani, a founding leader of Jamaat-ul-Ahrar, was killed in 2022, and JUA suspects TTP’s involvement in his death—an allegation the TTP has consistently denied.
Despite the Jirga’s efforts to broker peace, no agreement has been reached. The situation remains fragile, with growing fears that the internal discord could erupt into open conflict, further weakening the broader militant landscape in the region.
Analysts warn that such infighting among militant factions not only undermines their operational unity but may also expose vulnerabilities that could be exploited by regional security forces.
The Jirga continues its backchannel talks, but with both sides sticking to their positions and harboring deep-seated grievances, the path to reconciliation appears uncertain.
