By Farman Ullah
The Hafiz Gul Bahadur Group, a significant player in the complex tapestry of militancy in North Waziristan, has garnered attention for its influence and the persistent challenges it poses to regional security.
Genesis of the Group
The Hafiz Gul Bahadur Group emerged in the early 2000s, amid the chaotic backdrop of the U.S.-led invasion of Afghanistan in 2001. As a splinter faction of the Pakistani Taliban, it was founded by Hafiz Gul Bahadur, a cleric with deep roots in North Waziristan. His group was initially formed to resist the Pakistani military’s operations against militants and to support the Taliban’s fight against foreign forces in Afghanistan.
The group’s ideology is primarily rooted in a blend of jihadist principles and local tribal customs, positioning itself as a defender of the Pashtun identity against perceived external threats. Over the years, it has developed a complex relationship with other militant factions, often aligning with groups like the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) while simultaneously maintaining an independent operational capacity.
Activities
Hafiz Gul Bahadur’s group has been involved in various militant activities, including attacks on Pakistani security forces, extortion, and cross-border operations into Afghanistan. The group has leveraged its knowledge of the rugged terrain of Waziristan to execute guerrilla warfare tactics effectively.
Reports suggest that the group has also engaged in a range of criminal enterprises to fund its operations, including drug trafficking and kidnapping for ransom. Over the years, it has been implicated in high-profile attacks, including ambushes on military convoys and suicide bombings targeting government installations.
While the group’s activities have often been overshadowed by the more prominent TTP, it plays a crucial role in the local militant ecosystem, frequently providing logistical support and training to other factions.
The Recent Drone Strike
In a significant setback for the Hafiz Gul Bahadur Group, a targeted drone strike in North Waziristan resulted in the deaths of six senior commanders associated with the militant faction. The attack took place in the village of Tappi, located in the Miranshah Tehsil, where a vehicle laden with weapons and explosives was struck while it was stationary at a residence.
According to a statement released by the Hafiz Gul Bahadur Group, the vehicle was preparing to transfer its dangerous cargo to another location when the drone targeted it. The resulting explosion not only obliterated the vehicle but also claimed the lives of six high-ranking commanders within the organization, underscoring the precision and impact of the strike.
The group confirmed that among those killed were four prominent leaders from Jaysh-e-Umari, a notorious faction known for its involvement in a series of high-profile attacks across the region. This development is expected to create a vacuum within the leadership of the Hafiz Gul Bahadur Group, potentially affecting their operational capabilities and strategies moving forward.
The strike represents a crucial moment in ongoing efforts to combat militant activities in North Waziristan, an area that has long been a hotbed for insurgent groups. The loss of these key figures is anticipated to disrupt the group’s command structure and hinder its ability to coordinate future operations.
The ramifications of this event may extend beyond immediate military implications, as it could also influence local dynamics among various militant factions operating in the region. The Hafiz Gul Bahadur Group’s acknowledgment of the strike indicates the severity of the blow they have suffered.