ISLAMABAD: Reliable reports indicate that Sajidullah, known by his aliasMuawiya Badri, the Commander of Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan’s Dir Chapter,has been killed in an operation near the Pakistan-Afghanistan border. Theincident occurred at an undisclosed location in the vicinity of thevolatile frontier, marking a significant development in the ongoing effortsto counter militant activities in the region. Sajidullah, son of SharifKhan and hailing from the Doband/Breikot area in Upper Dir district,carried a bounty of PKR 600,000 on his head, reflecting his status as ahigh-value target for security forces.
This reported elimination comes amid heightened tensions between Pakistanand Afghanistan, where cross-border insurgent movements have longcomplicated bilateral relations. The Dir Chapter of the TTP has beenimplicated in numerous attacks targeting Pakistani security personnel andcivilians, particularly in the northwestern provinces. Sajidullah’s role asa senior affiliate involved coordinating logistical support and recruitmentefforts, contributing to the group’s resilience despite repeatedcrackdowns. Previous reports of his demise had surfaced on multipleoccasions, only to be debunked later, underscoring the challenges inverifying intelligence in such rugged and inaccessible terrains.
Security analysts suggest that this operation could disrupt the TTP’soperational capabilities in the Upper Dir region, where the group hasmaintained a foothold by exploiting local grievances and porous borders.The Pakistan military has intensified its surveillance and targeted strikesalong the frontier, aiming to neutralize threats emanating from Afghansoil. Afghan authorities, however, have consistently denied providing safehavens to Pakistani militants, attributing the instability to internalfactors within Pakistan. This latest incident may further strain diplomaticties, as Islamabad has repeatedly urged Kabul to take decisive actionagainst cross-border terrorism.
TTP’s activities have escalated since the Taliban’s return to power inAfghanistan in 2021, with the group claiming responsibility for severalhigh-profile attacks across Pakistan. The elimination of figures likeSajidullah represents a tactical victory for Pakistani forces, potentiallyweakening the command structure of the Dir Chapter. Nevertheless, expertscaution that such actions often lead to retaliatory strikes, perpetuating acycle of violence that has claimed thousands of lives over the past decade.
The Pakistani government has emphasized its commitment to eradicatingterrorism through a multifaceted approach, including military operations,intelligence sharing with international partners, and community engagementprograms in affected areas. The bounty on Sajidullah was part of a largerinitiative to incentivize information leading to the capture orneutralization of key militants. While details of the operation remainclassified, sources within the security establishment indicate that itinvolved precise intelligence and coordinated efforts between ground troopsand aerial support.
This development aligns with recent patterns of increased militantcasualties in border regions, as evidenced by multiple raids in KhyberPakhtunkhwa and Balochistan provinces. The government has called forenhanced regional cooperation to address the root causes of extremism,including economic disparities and ideological indoctrination. Asinvestigations continue, the confirmation of Sajidullah’s death couldbolster public confidence in the state’s counter-terrorism strategy, thoughsustained vigilance is essential to prevent the emergence of new threats.
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The implications for Pakistan’s internal security are profound, given theTTP’s alliances with other extremist networks. Efforts to secure the borderthrough fencing and advanced monitoring systems have yielded mixed results,with militants adapting to circumvent these measures. Diplomatic channelsbetween Islamabad and Kabul remain open, but mutual accusations persist,hindering collaborative anti-terrorism initiatives. In the wake of thisevent, authorities have heightened alerts in major cities to preemptpotential reprisals.
Overall, the reported killing of Sajidullah underscores the persistentchallenges in achieving lasting peace in the region. It highlights the needfor a comprehensive policy that combines military precision with diplomaticengagement and socio-economic development to undermine the appeal ofmilitant ideologies.
Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/amp/1873456Source:https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/11/25/pakistan-afghanistan-tensions-militant-killed
Tags: Pakistan, Afghanistan, TTP, Borderogimageimage-name
