SUMMARY

The conflict between Lashkar-e-Islam and TTP-TA (Tariq Afridi) went active for the first time in 2012. Although sharing a common vision of the strict implementation of Sharia in Pakistan, both groups also compete with like-minded to assert their dominance in their respective regions. Lashkar-e-Islam kept mainstream TTP out of their area of operations, Bara tehsil, for many years. When the powerful TTP commander Tariq Afridi formed his own faction, TTP-TA became a dangerous opponent for Lashkar-e-Islam, as Tariq Afridi is hailed as one of the most competent TTP commanders.

The clashes between the two groups were few in number but proved to be quite intense. The first recorded incident between Lashkar-e-Islam and TTP-TA occurred when a TTP-TA suicide bomber targeted a mosque frequented by Lashkar-e-Islam militants. TTP-TA claimed responsibility of the attack couple of days later. TTP-TA militants also launched attacks against several fortified Lashkar-e-Islam positions in Khyber agency, but Lashkar-e-Islam militants launched a counterattack the next day and recaptured the hilltop bunkers.

The non-state conflict between the Lashkar-e-Islam and TTP-TA is first included in UCDP data in 2011. In August of that year, fighting between the two groups had resulted in over 25 battle-related deaths.