KARACHI: The Pakistan Taliban militants set up a cell in Syria six months ago to monitor "the jihad" in the region, the BBC Urdu website reported on Friday.

The militants had visited Syria to set up a base with the assistance of ex-Afghan fighter from the Middle East who had recently moved to the region and to assess the "needs of jihad", Mohammad Amin, a Taliban operative told BBC.

Amin was further quoted as saying that the cell, approved by militant factions both within and outside of the TTP, sends "information and feedback" on the conflict in Syria back to Pakistan.

Their job is to "assess the needs of the Jihad in Syria, and to work out joint operations with our Syrian friends", the senior Taliban member added.

The presence of the Taliban in Syria is perceived to have a sectarian motive as some factions of the militant organisation feel that Sunni Muslims, who constitute a majority in Syria, are being oppressed by Syria's predominantly Shia rulers.

Opinion

Editorial

Larijani’s killing
Updated 19 Mar, 2026

Larijani’s killing

The late Larijani was one of the most powerful men in Iran — a thinker and a soldier.
War’s hunger toll
19 Mar, 2026

War’s hunger toll

THE conflict between the US, Israel and Iran continues to widen with far-reaching repercussions.The UN’s World ...
Let them in
Updated 19 Mar, 2026

Let them in

THE government need not be so difficult. Former prime minister Imran Khan’s sons, Kasim and Sulaiman, have not ...
Exit strategy
Updated 18 Mar, 2026

Exit strategy

MOST members of the international community, particularly states in the greater Middle East, are gravely concerned...
Unsafe trains
18 Mar, 2026

Unsafe trains

SUNDAY’S accident involving the Shalimar Express has once again brought into sharp focus the deep structural and...
Disappointment in Dhaka
18 Mar, 2026

Disappointment in Dhaka

FOR a side looking for lift-off after a disappointing T20 World Cup, it was despair for Shaheen Shah Afridi’s ...