UN Report: Afghan Taliban's Support Fueling TTP Attacks in Pakistan

February 17, 2025

By The South Asia Times

ISLAMABAD - A United Nations report has revealed that the Afghan Taliban's continued support for the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) is enabling the group's escalating attacks in Pakistan, despite Islamabad's growing pressure to sever ties with the outfit.

The findings were detailed in the 35th report of the Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team, which was submitted to the UN Security Council. The team, an independent panel of experts, monitors threats posed by Al Qaeda, the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (Daesh), and associated groups, offering insights to shape global security policies, according to Daily Dawn.

TTP's Unabated Strength and Cross-Border Attacks

Covering the period from July 1 to December 13, 2024, the report states that the TTP’s presence and strength in Afghanistan remain unchanged. However, the group has ramped up its assaults on Pakistan, executing more than 600 attacks during this timeframe—many originating from Afghan territory.

Financial and Operational Support from the Taliban

The UN report highlights that the Taliban continues to provide TTP with operational space, logistical assistance, and financial aid, bolstering its capacity to sustain militant activities.

It further reveals that the family of TTP chief Noor Wali Masoud receives approximately $43,000 per month from the Afghan Taliban—an indication of significant financial backing.

The TTP has also expanded its infrastructure, establishing new training centers in Kunar, Nangarhar, Khost, and Paktika (Barmal) provinces while intensifying recruitment, including from within the Afghan Taliban ranks. With an estimated 6,000 to 6,500 fighters, the group remains the largest terrorist organization based in Afghanistan, its growing influence closely tied to the Taliban’s ideological and historical connections.

Pakistan's Response: Military Operations Intensify

Amid the surge in cross-border attacks, Pakistan has escalated military operations under "Azm-i-Istehkam," targeting TTP strongholds, particularly in Afghanistan’s Paktika and Khost regions. These measures include cross-border raids and retaliatory strikes in an effort to dismantle the militant network.