Audio leak features TTP chief telling militants to not use mobile phones

An alleged leaked telephonic conversation has revealed new instructions for Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) militants, barring them from using mobile phones to avoid getting caught.

As per the details, TTP chief Noor Wali Mehsud can allegedly be heard in the leaked audio, directing militants to not use their mobile phones continuously to avoid detection.

“Inform all fighters that there is using a mobile phone continuously is not allowed… use your phones occasionally, but turn them off immediately afterwards as we are under surveillance and are being investigated,” he can allegedly be heard as saying.

The audio comes to light a day after security forces conducted an intelligence-based operation (IBO) in North Waziristan, killing six militants.

The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), in a statement issued Thursday, said that the IBO was conducted on the night of January 29-30 after reports of presence of terrorists in the Mir Ali area of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s (KP) North Waziristan district.

Major Hamza Israr, 29, who was leading his troops from the front and Sepoy Muhammad Naeem, 26, embraced martyrdom during exchange of fire with Khawarij, the military’s media wing said. “The security forces of Pakistan are determined to wipe out the menace of terrorism from the country, and such sacrifices of our brave soldiers further strengthen our resolve,” it added.

It merits a mention that in July 2024, another leaked audio allegedly featured Mehsud as instructing his henchmen to attack in educational institutions, healthcare facilities and the homes of military and police officers within Pakistan.

The telephonic conversation revolved around Mehsud’ directives on challenging the security situation in the country, outlining methods for disrupting peace and order. He was also heard as ordering his men to carry out a couple of attacks without claiming responsibility for them, causing panic.

In the audio, Mehsud could also be heard as instructing his lieutenants to keep the conversation confidential and ensure that no one else was aware of the plan.

Ambush In another shootout, two security personnel were martyred, and seven terrorists were killed in North Waziristan, Dawn News reported while citing local sources.

The shootout took place after the terrorists ambushed a security forces’ convoy, which was going from Datta Khel camp to Ghundi post.

No official statement was issued by the ISPR about the attack till the filing of this report.

Since the start of this month, security forces have conducted numerous operations in KP, which has seen a sharp uptick in terror attacks in the past two years.