TTP expels Mohmand Agency chief for interfering in Afghan Taliban affairs

The Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan has expelled a commander of the Mohmand Agency chapter, a move that is likely to create further friction within the terror organization.

TTP spokesperson Shahidullah Shahid said on Thursday that following approval by the honourable Ameer, the TTP leadership removed Commander Abdulwaki, alias Omar Khalid Khorasani, as the chief of Mohmand agency unity and also cancelled his basic membership, the Express Tribune reports.

Offering explanation for the removal of the splinter group's chief, the TTP said that Khorasani was expelled because of his interference in affairs of the Afghan Taliban and his contacts with the mysterious groups - Ahrar-ul-Hind and Junud-e-Khorasan.

Meanwhile, an angry Jamaat-ul-Ahrar splinter group responded to the TTP's move by expelling the group's chief Maulvi Fazalullah.

Differences within the TTP started to surface following an assault launched by the Pakistani security forces on terrorist sanctuaries in North Waziristan.

The TTP spokesperson said that while differences in the ranks of the Muslims and Mujahdeen on some issues were natural, deviation from its solution on the basis of Sharia and stubbornness was very dangerous as such an approach can cause collective damage to the Muslims.

Earlier, leaders of the new TTP faction 'Jamatul Ahrar' announced that the group has split from the Pakistani Taliban and claim that the outfit has the backing of 70 to 80 per cent of TTP commanders and fighters.