Thread by @commandeleven

Let's take this thread into more context for those outside the region, and those unfamiliar with the #TTP operations in #Swat.

The #TTP typically move through 2 routes:

- from #Afghanistan to #Elum in #Buner to either of their bases in #Ghat, south of #MalamJabba.

https://twitter.com/commandeleven/status/1668306625348931584

The 2nd route is from #Kunar, #Afghanistan through #LowerDir or #Bajaur to #GhatPeochar, the former stronghold of the #TTP during #Fazlullah's occupation of #Swat.

It was also one of the most difficult battle is the fight to reclaim Swat from the #terrorists.

We know of both police and military operations on going in areas including #GhatPeochar, mountains around #MalamJabba, #Charbagh, and #Banjot.

During a recent police operation in #Ashrband, near #Charbagh, 3 #TTP fighters were captured. The police story is that they were shot by other TTP fighters in the mountains. The TTP says their fighters were executed.

Area reports are that the families were told that they were not allowed to have a janaza or hold fateha.

3 days later, 3 #Swat police officials embraced martyrdom in retaliation in #Mingora.

While police officials are claiming successes because of the search & capture operations, there are significant increases in movement of #TTP fighters in these same areas.

Locals are being told to not leave their homes after 7 pm.

We have also been told by area residents that they have been told by the local #TTP commander - if they don't speak about them, they will not be disturbed or harmed. If they violate the rules, punishment will be brutal.

A few months back, 2 members of the #AmanCommittee were executed in #Ashrband. One was shot in his home while studying the #HolyQuran.

This was after the #TTP openly announced that the Aman Committee were open targets for retaliation.

Roughly 2 weeks ago in #Banjot, #TTP fighters were cornered in the mountains by locals, who kept them cornered until the #PakArmy and police arrived.

We have seen a significant increase in #TTP operations in #Swat and the former #FATA regions, since the announcement to abandon negotiations with the Government of #Pakistan.

We will be publishing a detailed study into what the #TTP has been able to accomplish in #Swat over the past 3 years, while the military, police and provincial government claimed there was no TTP threat in Swat.

This study will be published next week.

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