Hostages taken at Pakistan counterterrorism centre seized by TTP
Al JazeeraDec 25, 2022
The Facts
Roughly 20 Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) militants seized a government counterterrorism facility in the northwestern Bannu district late on Sunday and are holding several security officials hostage, reportedly demanding safe passage to Afghanistan.
The militants allegedly snatched guns from police officers while being interrogated at the detention center and later took the entire staff hostage, with the TTP claiming responsibility for the incident.
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
The TTP's growing aggression, coupled with the Afghan Taliban's continued stance of looking the other way, is proof that Pakistan needs to ramp up its military operations. Not only must Islamabad target militants nationwide, but it could justifiably take the fight to Afghanistan in a coordinated military effort with regional allies.
Establishment-critical narrative
Pakistan's continuous cycle of trying to co-opt, sponsor or defeat the TTP has only led to continual armed conflict. Even if Pakistan successfully blames Afghanistan for supporting the group, it won't change the fact that the TTP blames Pakistan for targeting its members domestically. Pakistan's focus must be on fighting an ideological war and encouraging Afghanistan to welcome the TTP onto its side of the border to prevent future conflict.
