By Khalid Khan
Sources have uncovered a plot by militant leader Noor Wali Mehsud to secretly infiltrate Pakistan. The head of the outlawed militant group aims to enter the country through the Shawal region and record a video message to falsely claim his presence within Pakistan, sources disclosed. However, the video is reportedly scheduled for release only after he flees back to Afghanistan.
This revelation comes on the heels of a leaked audio message on November 13, 2024, in which Noor Wali Mehsud was heard threatening his foot soldiers against returning to base. This leak, along with recent internal clashes within militant ranks, reflects a growing disarray within the group. During a skirmish on the night of November 13-14 between Noor Wali Mehsud’s faction and the Haji Gul Bahadur group, a suicide attack left five militants dead, according to sources.
Defense analysts suggest that Noor Wali’s planned infiltration is an act of desperation, driven by the successive blows dealt to his group. The Pakistan Army’s relentless intelligence-based operations have inflicted heavy human and financial losses on the militant outfit, leaving its leadership disoriented. These operations have also created a wave of disillusionment among the lower ranks of the group, with many members reportedly losing confidence in Noor Wali’s leadership.
A key example of this growing dissatisfaction is the leaked audio, where Noor Wali is heard issuing threats to his own operatives. Analysts believe his upcoming video message is a calculated attempt to mask internal divisions and project an illusion of strength. However, experts are skeptical of its impact, as many within the group are now fully aware of his diminishing credibility.
“Noor Wali Mehsud’s attempt to infiltrate Pakistan and stage a propaganda video is unlikely to succeed,” said a defense expert. “His failures have already alienated many within his ranks, and his authority is in decline.”
The Pakistan Army’s consistent counter-terrorism efforts, particularly its intelligence-based operations, have played a pivotal role in dismantling the group’s operations. These actions have not only weakened the militants’ operational capacity but also exposed the fractures within their hierarchy.
Noor Wali Mehsud’s actions, analysts suggest, are not a show of strength but rather an effort to regain control over a disintegrating network. His latest maneuver, however, may further erode his already fragile leadership.