The word Taliban has become synonymous with militancy in the Pakhtun dominated areas of Pakistan and Afghanistan. Literally the word Talib or Taliban means ‘seeker(s) of knowledge’.

Except the Haqqani group, various groups and organisations in Fata and Afghanistan, Al Qaeda and the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan conceal their original identities under the cover of Taliban. Sectarian groups responsible for terrorism in Punjab have also shifted to Fata and carry out activities under the banner of the Taliban.

Baitullah Mehsud was the architect behind the banned Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) — an umbrella group comprising 13 militant groups formed in December 2007, to organise coordinated resistance against army troops. With the passage of time, many commanders and groups surfaced and Baitullah, its founder Amir (Chief) lost the central authority.

Presently the TTP has disintegrated into many groups after Baitullah’s killing in a US drone attack, each following its own ideology and interest.

A cocktail of militant outfits have reshaped the landscape in Afghanistan and Fata. Those previously battling the Indian army in held Kashmir and elsewhere have opted for Afghanistan as their favourite destination.

Due to serious differences and rivalries among the militant groups, there have been some bloody clashes in Khyber, Kurram, Orakzai, Bajaur and South Waziristan. Militant factions in North Waziristan have formed the Shura-i-Muraqaba, a joint body of five militant groups including Hafiz Gul Bahadur, to monitor activities of various outfits reportedly involved in kidnapping people on charges of spying for America.

Agency-wise breakup of militant groups in Fata

NORTH WAZIRISTAN

Hafiz Gul Bahadur Group

Hafiz Gul Bahadur declared himself as Chief of Mujahideen Shura and runs a coalition of various outfits in North Waziristan. He has close relations with the Haqqani group since the Soviet invasion. Presently provides logistic and other facilities to the Haqqani group.

Ittehad Mujahideen Khorasan was replaced with Saiful Furqan.

Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan Islamic Jihad Union Haqqani Group Al Qaeda Chinese Taliban Al Jihad Islami Punjabi Taliban

SOUTH WAZIRISTAN

South Waziristan has been divided into the Ahmadzai Wazir and Mehsud tribes. The area dominated by Ahmadzai Wazir is controlled by Maulvi Muhammad Nazir who facilitates foreign and local militants groups in Wana and signed peace agreements with the government.

Around 20 commanders work under the umbrella of TTP (Hakimullah) in Mehsud area and adjacent North Waziristan  particularly in the Mirali and Razmak Tehsils. Another group named Toora Shpa (Black Night) is an auxiliary of TTP. Maulvi Sabir leads Black Night operating in both North and South Waziristan.

KHYBER

Mangal Bagh-led Lashkar-i-Islam with a presence in most parts of Bara tehsil but more strongly in Sipah, Malikdin Khel, Shalobar and Akkakhel. Mangal Bagh himself belongs to the Sipah tribe and is said to be hiding in the Tirah Valley.

A break away group of the Lashkar-i-Islam, Tawheed ul Islam comprises mostly of Zakhakhel tribesmen based in Bazaar-Zakhakhel area of Landi Kotal. A strong opponent of LI, both groups are engaged in sporadic clashes.

Ansaar ul Islam: An opponent of LI, based in Bagh and Maidan areas of Terah, bordering Orakzai, the group defends its area against LI, with little influence in Bara.

Haji Namdar group: A jihadi group sending volunteers to Afghanistan.

Abdullah Ezzam Brigade: A Taliban auxiliary, operating mostly in Landi Kotal and Jamrud tehsils; involved in most attacks on Nato convoys, killing transporters and kidnapping for ransom.

TTP: Recently took control of Kukikhel dominated area in Tirah valley.

ORAKZAI

TTP (Hakimullah Group) led by Maulvi Saeed Khan. operates in Mamozai area considered their stronghold.

TTP (Zia Group) led by Maulvi Zia-ur-Rehman.

TTP (Akhoni Group) head by Akhunzada Aslam Farooqi.

Tehrik Jihad led by Muhammad Nabi Hanafi, operates in Orakzai and the adjacent Spin Thall area of Hangu District.

KURRAM

Tehrik Islami Taliban Pakistan led by Abdul Saeed Haqqani is active in the lower and central sub divisions of Kurram. Commander Saeed formed his own group after developing differences with TTP (Hakimullah).

TTP (Hakimullah) Hafiz Daulat Khan heads the group in Dhand area of central Kurram.

MOHMAND

TTP (Mohmand) has affiliation with Hakimullah group led in the area by Commander Khalid. Eliminated from main towns and villages, it has shifted to border areas adjacent to Afghanistan.

BAJAUR

Maulvi Faqir Muhammad leads TTP and was also the deputy chief of the organisation although he was removed from the position after Baitullah Mehsud was killed in the US drone attack. Presently heads the TTP (Bajaur). Militant groups have been eliminated from towns and villages and pushed back to border area or across the border.

Other groups in Bajaur

Maulana Dadullah Karwan-i-Nametullah Inayet-ur-Rehman Pervez Qari Ziaur Rehman (belongs to Afghanistan) Zarqawi Mufti Abdullah

Two groups led by Commander Ismail and Salar Masood have abandoned militancy.

FRONTIER REGION DARRA ADAMKHEL

Tehrik Darra Adamkhel headed by Commander Momin Khan.

Commander Tariq Afridi Group, an affiliate of Lashkar-i-Jhangvi.