SUMMARY

The conflict between the TTP - Khalid Mehsud faction (TTP-KM) and the TTP - Shehryar Mehsud faction (TTP-SM) mainly regards the power of the Mehsud Taliban. During the first six months of 2014, the Tehrik-i-Taleban Pakistan (TTP) engaged in peace talks with the Government of Pakistan which caused divisions within the organization. Some sub-groups of TTP did not agree with the established ceasefire and the on-going negotiations and severe infighting broke out as well as splinter groups were formed.

The infighting occurred mainly between key commanders of TTP, Khalid Mehsud alias Khan Said Sajna, and Shehryar Mehsud and their followers. Tensions firstly started to grow in 2009 when Baitullah Mehsud, the founder of TTP was killed in a U.S. drone strike. Hakimullah Mehsud and Waliur Rahman Mehsud contended for the leadership, eventually, power-sharing was agreed upon, Hakimullah Mehsud being the leader and Waliur Rahman Mehsud the deputy leader. Later on tensions arose again in November 2013 when the Hakimullah Mehsud was killed by a U.S. drone strike. Senior commander Khalid Mehsud was a strong candidate for the TTP leadership however the leading council elected Mullah Fazlullah the leader of the organization at the last minute. Both Khalid Mehsud and Shehryar Mehsud were fighting for the leadership of TTP South Waziristan faction.

The non-state conflict between the TTP - Khalid Mehsud faction and the TTP - Shehryar Mehsud faction is first included in UCDP data in 2014. The conflict became active in April when several attacks resulted in over 25 battle-related deaths.