The Afghan Taliban are providing growing support to the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), a designated terrorist group responsible for numerous attacks against Pakistan, a UN report has revealed.

This report comes amidst a surge in TTP-led attacks, claiming hundreds of lives in recent weeks. The UN estimates that TTP, also known as the Pakistani Taliban, operates with 6,000-6,500 fighters in Afghanistan and conducts cross-border attacks into Pakistan with the Taliban’s increasing support.

While the Taliban denies harboring any terrorist groups or allowing their soil to threaten neighboring countries, the UN report paints a different picture.

It highlights the close ties between the Taliban and TTP, suggesting a debt owed by the Taliban to the Pakistani Taliban for their support during the insurgency against US and NATO forces in Afghanistan.

Further complicating the situation, the report reveals the involvement of al-Qaida in assisting TTP with training and conducting high-profile attacks within Pakistan.

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This collaboration raises concerns about TTP evolving into an even greater threat beyond the region.

Adding fuel to the fire, the report notes that NATO-supplied weapons, including night vision equipment, have fallen into the hands of TTP, enhancing their lethality.

This claim echoes concerns voiced by Pakistani officials who attribute the rising casualties among security forces to these advanced weapons.

While the US Department of Defense acknowledges the presence of some US-origin weaponry in the hands of militants, it downplays the extent of the issue.

Despite repeated calls from Pakistan to rein in TTP and hand over its leaders, the Taliban maintain that TTP is an internal matter for Pakistan to address.

This stance has further strained relations between the two countries.

The report concludes by highlighting the Taliban’s concerns that excessive pressure on TTP could lead to collaboration with the Islamic State affiliate in Afghanistan, posing an even greater threat to regional security.