How A Resurgent Al-Qaeda Is Helping Militant Attacks In Pakistan – Analysis

Key Takeaways:
An RFE/RL analysis says Al-Qaeda and the Pakistani Taliban (TTP) are more tightly linked since the Afghan Taliban returned to power, with AQ helping TTP strategy, training, and media as attacks into Pakistan rise. A May checkpoint attack in northwest Pakistan killed 21.
UN monitors and some researchers describe practical and public AQ backing for TTP (including an April Al-Sahab statement), plus alleged help for other outfits (BLA, IMP/AQIS). Kabul is said to have given sanctuary and ID cards to several groups. Experts disagree: Abdul Sayed calls the AQ–TTP operational bond a “myth” and says TTP influence from AQ has faded since 2014.







