Context
A Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan [TTP] leader of the Shia’-dominated tribal area of Kurram announced on Monday his split from the main organization in protest against attacks on civilians and mosques. Fazal Saeed was chosen as the TTP’s leader for Kurram by the organization’s chief Hakimullah Mehsud. Fazal, who leads a militia of around 2,500-3,000 men- said he was setting up a new group called Tehreek-e-Taliban Islami. Even though it wasn’t clear what prompted this move, some local residents said the aim might have been to prevent the military’s plans to conduct an operation in Kurram.
