The Pakistani military has accused the Taliban's governor in Kandahar of hosting a joint meeting between Baloch militants, Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), and al-Qaeda representatives about a month ago.
At a press conference on Thursday, Pakistani army spokesman Sharif Chaudhry claimed the meeting was held on August 26 in Kandahar, hosted by Governor Mullah Shirin. According to Chaudhry, the objective was to coordinate and increase attacks inside Pakistan.
Chaudhry stated that attendees included representatives from the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), al-Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS), and the TTP's Hafiz Gul Bahadur group. He said the groups discussed mobilizing forces and improving coordination among themselves, alleging they decided to work together because they are "hit hard" when operating separately.
The spokesman further claimed that the BLA representatives admitted to facing difficulties with recruitment and fighting, and consequently asked the Hafiz Gul Bahadur group to provide them with manpower. Chaudhry alleged that these fighters were supposed to participate in BLA attacks while wearing the group's uniform.
He noted the ideological differences between the secular BLA and the Islamist TTP, suggesting that "money and the Taliban regime" are the factors inging these disparate groups together.
These accusations come amid recent reports of growing coordination between the TTP and Baloch separatist groups, along with an increase in armed attacks in the Pashtun-majority areas of Balochistan province.
The Taliban government has repeatedly denied allegations that its territory is being used by armed groups to launch attacks against Pakistan. Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid has previously dismissed such reports as "rumors and propaganda" aimed at discrediting their administration, insisting they do not permit such activities.
Source: Pakistan Army
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