Fitna Al-Khawarij Revisited: Terrorism 2.0

In the labyrinth of global terrorism, few alliances are as dangerous or as baffling as the one forming between the Afghan Taliban and Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). The Afghan Taliban’s tacit endorsement of TTP’s takfiri ideology is not just concerning—it’s a historical regression into the chaos of Fitna Al-Khawarij, the violent extremist strain that once ravaged early Islamic history.

Is History Repeating with Fitna Al-Khawarij?

The Khawarij were the first group in Islamic history to declare other Muslims as apostates (takfir) and wage violent jihad against them. 

Their brand of extremism led to the murder of the Prophet Muhammad’s companions, and their ideology—adopted by groups like the TTP—has since cast a dark shadow over the Muslim world. The Afghan Taliban, once seen as a force for stabilizing Afghanistan, is now risking its legacy by siding with the very forces that promote a global jihadist agenda that threatens not just Pakistan, but the world.

How Al-Qaeda’s Resurgence Fuels Global Jihadist Networks

The Afghan Taliban’s relationship with TTP, however, is merely the tip of the iceberg. 

A broader, more insidious resurgence of terrorism is underway. In 2024, the rise of al-Qaeda’s covert operations in regions like Syria, and the rise of figures like Abu Mohammad al-Jolani, is a chilling reminder that al-Qaeda has been the mother of all terrorist entities. Al-Qaeda, with its complex global network, has been the foundation for groups like TTP, ISKP, and others that have brought chaos to Pakistan, Afghanistan, and beyond.

Who is Abu Mohammad al-Jolani?

Abu Mohammad al-Jolani, the leader of Syria’s insurgent forces and the “emir” of the Syrian Salvation Government (Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham), was initially a close ally of al-Qaeda. In 2012, al-Jolani created the al-Nusra Front with the support of al-Qaeda, intending to fight the Syrian government of Bashar al-Assad. However, a rift emerged between al-Nusra and ISIS, leading to a break with al-Qaeda and the creation of Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham in 2017. Despite this split, al-Jolani’s origins in al-Qaeda remain crucial to understanding his ideological underpinnings and his role in the broader jihadist network.

Afghan Taliban Weaponizing TTP Against Pakistan?

While Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) now presents itself as a more locally-focused organization aiming at governance in Syria, it has not completely severed ties with the global jihadist ideology that al-Qaeda espoused. Al-Jolani has sought international legitimacy by focusing on governance in Syria rather than the global jihadist agenda that al-Qaeda initially promoted. Still, his past connections with al-Qaeda and his continued influence over global jihadist movements make him a key figure in al-Qaeda’s resurgence.

This resurgence is not limited to Syria; al-Qaeda’s decentralized and re-emerging networks are spreading across regions, including Afghanistan, where the TTP and ISKP are gaining strength. Al-Qaeda’s influence remains undeniable, even as groups like TTP work closely with the Afghan Taliban, creating a more complex and dangerous web of jihadist operations. The Taliban’s tacit support for TTP is contributing to the growth of this network, with implications not just for Pakistan, but for global security.

What makes this partnership even more dangerous is the Taliban’s strategic use of TTP as a proxy to destabilize Pakistan. The Afghan Taliban, with its leverage over TTP, is using the group to create internal chaos in Pakistan—undermining the country’s security and sovereignty in exchange for a bolstered position in the region.

Also See: Exposed: The ‘Napak Army’ Propaganda and Its Takfiri Roots

What Do the Numbers Tell Us About Pakistan’s Security Crisis?

Let’s put this in perspective: In 2023, as per the data reported by the Pak Institute for Peace Studies’ Pakistan (PIPS) Security report, there were over 306 terrorist attacks in Pakistan, with 82% attributed to the banned terrorist entities like the TTP, ISKP, and the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA). This isn’t just a matter of sporadic violence; it’s an ongoing strategic campaign designed to destabilize one of Pakistan’s most critical border regions. For the Afghan Taliban, this is part of a broader geopolitical strategy—using TTP as a “strategic card” against Pakistan, thus gaining favor with local populations who are dissatisfied with Islamabad’s policies. This is a dangerous game that could spiral into a broader regional crisis.

However, it’s not just Pakistan that is at risk. This nexus between TTP and the Afghan Taliban is part of a wider, more complex security threat. 

How Have Terrorist Tactics Evolved in the Digital Age?

In addition to physical proxies, these terrorist organizations are now also using ‘digital proxies,’ signaling an evolution in terrorism. 

What once was confined to physical, violent tactics is now being amplified by the use of digital platforms to recruit, radicalize, strategize and instill fear. 

The traditional view of terrorism as merely an ideology is increasingly being transformed into a tool or tactic—a psychological warfare strategy designed to break down opponents not just physically but mentally. The modern terrorist organizations have learned to exploit the psychological effects of terror, causing fear, chaos, and uncertainty without necessarily needing to kill. This mirrors the tactics of early jihadist movements, with a similar psychological objective: to destabilize, control, and instill terror.

The Targeting of the Pakistan Army in the Digital Sphere

One striking example of this evolution is the deliberate and synchronized digital campaign against the Pakistan Army. Following Pakistan’s precision strikes on TTP sites within Afghanistan, an organized narrative labeling the Pakistan Army as the “Napak Army” (impure army) or the “Zionist Army” began to dominate online spaces. These labels, rooted in religiously charged rhetoric, aim to delegitimize the Army’s role as the defender of Pakistan’s sovereignty and security.

This campaign is not limited to fringe elements; it reflects a convergence of narratives from various quarters, including:

1. Ethno-religious groups leveraging sectarian sentiments.
2. Ethno-cultural organizations exploiting regional grievances.
3. Socio-political factions tapping into economic discontent and social inequalities.
4. Mainstream political parties seeking to undermine the military’s influence in governance.

While anti-Pakistan and anti-Army narratives are not new, their recent synchronization in time and space indicates a systematic and well-coordinated effort. The alignment of these narratives across diverse groups, often ideologically opposed to one another, suggests a unified strategy to weaken Pakistan’s institutional cohesion.

The Systematic Nature of Anti-Army Narratives

This alignment became particularly evident after Pakistan’s military action against TTP sanctuaries in Afghanistan. Social media platforms saw an unprecedented surge in anti-Army content, with hashtags, videos, and propaganda material targeting the military’s credibility and morality. The synchronization is not coincidental—it is systematic, employing advanced psychological operations (PsyOps) techniques.

Key indicators of this systematic approach include:

• Narrative consistency across diverse ideological groups, ensuring the messaging reaches a broad audience.
• Time-bound campaigns launched immediately after military operations, capitalizing on heightened public emotions.
• Exploitation of existing grievances, such as economic hardships or regional disparities, to amplify distrust in the Army.
• Use of bots and fake accounts to create the illusion of widespread dissent.

This systematic approach raises questions about external actors’ involvement in shaping these narratives. The rapid escalation and professional execution of these campaigns point to state-of-the-art cyber capabilities and funding streams. Nations hostile to Pakistan, as well as non-state actors with vested interests, could be instrumental in orchestrating these campaigns.

The convergence of narratives is not just about undermining the Pakistan Army—it is about destabilizing the state. 

By weakening the Army’s image and role, these campaigns aim to erode public trust in Pakistan’s institutions, creating a vacuum that groups like TTP and their affiliates can exploit. In an era where digital warfare is increasingly central to modern conflicts, the role of digital proxies in shaping public perception and psychological landscapes has become a critical front in Pakistan’s fight against terrorism. The precision of these campaigns, synchronized across ideological and geographical divides, underscores the urgency for counter-narratives and robust digital defense mechanisms.

The Evolving Threat

Commenting on recent developments, Director of South Asia Times (SAT) noted, “In Pakistan, the problem is compounded by the presence of both domestic and transnational organizations operating within its borders. These organizations are fueled by two extremes: religion and secularism. Both factions are inherently opposed to each other, creating a toxic environment where society is divided and manipulated for the ambitions of these ideological forces.”

He further added, “The latest evolution of TTP under Noor Wali Mehsud’s leadership has seen a worrying shift—ethnic Pashtun ideology is now being merged with broader jihadist objectives, making the threat even more potent.”

Haleema Khalid, Editor and Research Lead of South Asia Times (SAT), also stressed, “Pakistan cannot shoulder this burden alone. The resurgence of al-Qaeda, the rise of new jihadist figures like al-Jolani, and the growing alliance between TTP and the Afghan Taliban are part of a larger, global trend. The situation in Afghanistan is not just Pakistan’s problem—it’s a global security issue.”

As we look ahead, the United Nations, the United States, and other global powers including Russia and China must act decisively to ensure the Afghan Taliban end their support for these terrorist groups, before the damage becomes irreversible.

The Urgency for Global Action

The stakes are high, and the implications are far-reaching. The growing alliance between the Afghan Taliban and TTP is more than a regional threat; it’s a global one. And as al-Qaeda continues to spread its influence, the world must act now to prevent another generation from being lost to the chaos of Fitna Al-Khawarij—the same chaos that has plagued humanity for centuries.

In 2025, we could be looking at a new phase of global terrorism—unless the world chooses to act now. The question is: Will we wait for another tragedy to force us into action, or will we take responsibility for dismantling these terrorist networks before they can strike again? The time to act is now.

SAT Editorial Desk

Your go-to editorial hub for policy perspectives and informed analysis on pressing regional and global issues.

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