SUMMARY

The non-state conflict between Ansaar ul Islam and Lashkar-e-Islam is a competition over influence in an area in northern Pakistan between two groups with similar religious and tribal characteristics. As part of the Lashkar-e-Islamcampaign to control the religious schools and mosques in Pakistan’s Khyber Agency, part of the Federally Administered Tribal Areas, a scholar from Maladin Khel was kidnapped in May 2006. When he was released, he was critical of the treatment he received by Lashkar-e-Islam and his criticism led to the formation of Ansaar ul Islam. Since the rivalry began, both sides have denounced “criminals”, “oppressors”, or “rivals” without specifically clarifying their opposition to each other.

There have been a few battles between the opposing forces, in which heavy weaponry has been used as both sides have taken up positions on hillsides and fired mortar shells on each other. There have also been accusations that the other side was about to target mosques in the area which has led to temporary suspensions of religious services. When clashes have erupted, local tribal leaders have held jirgas (tribal councils) in attempts to settle the differences between the two groups.

The first clashes between Ansaar ul Islam and Lashkar-e-Islam reported took place in November 2006 but led to less than two dozens of casualties.

The non-state conflict between Ansaar ul Islam and Lashkar-e-Islam is first included in UCDP data in 2007. On 30 March 2007, fighting took place in several villages in the Tirah Akakhel Valley which resulted in more than 25 battle-related deaths.