Pakistani Army Kills TTP’s Number Two Leader Mufti Mujahim in Bajaur Operation

Pakistani: In a major anti-terror breakthrough, the Pakistani army confirmed the elimination of Qari Amjad, better known as Mufti Mujahim, deputy leader of Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). The operation took place in Bajaur district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa during the night of October 29–30. Mujahim, who was attempting infiltration from the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, was intercepted by troops in a swift, intelligence-driven mission. Officials hailed it as a decisive strike that weakened the most dangerous wing of the TTP’s command structure.

Why is this considered a huge blow?

Mufti Mujahim was the second most influential leader within the TTP hierarchy, serving as defense minister and close aide to TTP chief Noor Wali Mehsud. His killing is seen as one of the most significant blows to the group’s leadership. Analysts note that this will not only disrupt the TTP’s command and control but also slow down its operational network spread across Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and southern Punjab. For Pakistan’s military, this strike boosts both confidence and morale.

What did the Pakistani army reveal?

The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the army’s media wing, confirmed in a statement that troops tracked a group of terrorists trying to cross into Pakistan. “Our forces effectively foiled the infiltration attempt,” the statement read. The encounter resulted in the death of four militants, including Mujahim. Officials stressed the precision of the operation, highlighting that it was carried out on the basis of strong intelligence without civilian casualties, reinforcing the credibility of Pakistan’s counterterror strategy.

Who exactly was Mufti Mujahim?

Born Qari Amjad, Mujahim rose quickly through the TTP ranks to become its deputy leader. He led the Rehbari Shura, the group’s decision-making council, and was declared a Specially Designated Global Terrorist by the United States in November 2022. Pakistan’s government had placed a bounty of 50 lakh rupees on his head for his involvement in orchestrating multiple attacks. He was widely recognized as the right-hand man of TTP chief Noor Wali Mehsud.

What role did he play in terror?

Mujahim played a central role in expanding the TTP’s operational footprint. He masterminded several deadly strikes in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, while also extending the group’s reach into southern Punjab. Security agencies described him as both a field commander and a planner who used Afghanistan as a safe haven to train and mobilize fighters. His death, therefore, marks the loss of one of the group’s most capable strategists and recruiters.

Why was he Pakistan’s most wanted?

For years, Mufti Mujahim remained on Pakistan’s most wanted list. He was accused of planning and funding terror operations, including ambushes and bombings targeting security forces. His notoriety and influence earned him a bounty, and his leadership role made him the face of the TTP after Noor Wali Mehsud. His removal is considered both a symbolic and operational victory for Pakistan, striking at the very heart of the group’s leadership.

What next after Mujahim’s death?

Experts caution that while Mujahim’s death destabilizes the TTP leadership, terror groups often recover quickly by appointing successors. Pakistan’s immediate challenge will be to capitalize on this success and prevent retaliatory strikes. For now, the military celebrates this operation as a landmark achievement in its fight against militancy. Whether this killing weakens the TTP structurally or simply sparks fresh violence remains to be seen, but the symbolic impact for Pakistan’s counterterror campaign is undeniable.