The Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) has issued a statement acknowledging the arrest of Molvi Nasrullah, a central council member and key commander within the organization. The TTP also denied allegations of receiving funding from the Indian intelligence agency RAW and confirmed their good relationship with the Afghan Taliban.
Balochistan’s Home Minister, Meer Langau, announced the successful apprehension of two high-value TTP commanders, Nasrullah (also known as Maulvi Mansoor) and Idris (also known as Irshad), in a meticulously planned intelligence-based operation. The Counter-Terrorism Department and security forces coordinated the operation, which led to the dismantling of a significant terrorist network.
In a video statement, Nasrullah detailed his background and activities within the TTP. He stated that he belonged to South Waziristan’s Sararogha tehsil and initially worked from Baitullah Mehsud’s platform before joining the TTP in 2007. Nasrullah recalled settling in Afghanistan’s Paktika province during Operation Zarb-i-Azb and described his involvement in attacks on various Pakistan Army checkposts in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Nasrullah mentioned that since 2023, he had been working as an “emir” in the TTP’s defense commission. He revealed a plan devised in January 2024 involving a BLA guide assisting him in crossing the Pak-Afghan border via Spin Boldak town to southern Balochistan. The plan, allegedly made in collaboration with BLA Majeed Brigade commander Bashir Zeb, aimed to establish TTP bases in Khuzdar.
Nasrullah claimed that RAW was behind the plan, seeking a nexus between the BLA and the TTP to sabotage CPEC projects, target Chinese citizens, carry out kidnappings for ransom, and spread anarchy in Balochistan. He stated that meetings with RAW agents took place at the Indian embassy in Kabul, with full support from the Afghan government.
The militant expressed regret for his activities as a TTP member and sought forgiveness from God and the people harmed by his actions. He described the circumstances of his capture, where he and his accomplices encountered a Pakistan Army patrolling party near Kalat, leading to their arrest after a failed attempt to flee.
The arrests of Nasrullah and Idris mark a notable achievement in the ongoing efforts to combat terrorism in the region, underscoring the commitment and effectiveness of the security forces in Balochistan.