The US-led North then directed its wrath towards the Taliban-led Afghanistan because of Kabul’s support to Al Qaeda. Osama bin Laden had been hosted by the Taliban who refused to hand him over to the Americans despite Pakistan’s insistence. However, the top Taliban leaders including Mullah Omer could not be targeted immediately and some of them crossed into neighbouring countries including Pakistan. Since Pakistan had sided with the US-led NATO, which ended the Taliban state, the latter was otherised, too. In 2007, these elements organised themselves into what is now known as Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) under Baitullah Mehsud.

Source: The Nation February 26, 2023 05:21 UTC