SUMMARY

The non-state conflict between Lashkar-e-Islam (LI) and Tawheedul Islam (TI) is closely related to the non-state conflict between LI and Lashkar of Zakakhel tribe, (see Lashkar-e-Islam - Lashkar of Zakakhel tribe. Zakakhel tribe, located in the Zakakhel area of Khyber agency, is one the most affected populations in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) as a result of Sunni militancy aimed at establishing a Taliban-style government in the region. In order to defend themselves against the regional extremist group, Lashkar-e-Islam (Army of Islam), the Zakakhel tribesmen formed a tribal militia, as many other tribes had done to counter such threats. Because of their proximity to Bara, the headquarters of Lashkar-e-Islam, the Zakakhel tribe absorbed the majority of the attacks.

The difference between Tawheedul Islam and Lashkar of Zakakhel tribe is that TI is a tractable organization whereas Lashkar of Zakakhel tribe captures informal, ad hoc militias trying to challenge the lifestyle imposed on them by Lashkar-e-Islam.

The non-state conflict between Lashkar-e-Islam and Tawheedul Islam is first included in UCDP data in 2012. In October of that year, clashes between the two groups had resulted in more than 25 battle-related deaths.