SUMMARY

The umbrella organization of the Taleban Movement of Pakistan (TTP) consists of numerous militant groups, which often have strong local ties in various parts of the tribal areas in the border region. Although the militant outfits are united by common overall goals and share the same radical ideology, frictions between groups and local militant leaders are not uncommon. TTP factions are competing for influence within TTP, territorial control in Pakistan's remote tribal areas and not least different interpretations of the underlying religious extremism. Tensions between TTP factions and other militant outfits that are part of the Taleban umbrella organization have been growing especially after recent successes of the security forces against TTP’s command structure. As a result, small factions and local groups attempt to gain influence and power by challenging the authority of TTP.

The militant organization Lashkar-e-Islam (LI) has become an important part of the umbrella organization of the Taleban Movement of Pakistan (TTP). Nonetheless, violent conflict erupted between members of Lashkar-e-Islam and TTP in 2010 after a suicide attack by TTP members that killed numerous Lashkar-e-Islam militants, including a commander. In the weeks and months following the attack, TTP and LI militants attacked each other on several occasions. The violent clashes between both outfits were triggered by attempts of militants to kidnap supporters of the other group. Moreover, TTP and LI have increasingly treated each other with suspicion after allegations that the groups were spying on each other. Moreover, tensions escalated after LI militants had established bases in areas under the control of the TTP chapter in Khyber Agency.

The non-state conflict between Lashkar-e-Islam and TTP is first included in UCDP data in 2010. In February of that year a suicide attack by TTP militants against a mosque frequented by members of Lashkar-e-Islam resulted in more than 25 battle-related deaths.