Omar Khalid

Omar Khalid Khorasani (real name: Abdul Wali Mohmand[1]) is a militant and one of the founding members of Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). In 2014, he formed his own splinter militant group called Jamaat-ul-Ahrar (JuA) and was ousted by the Mullah Fazlullah-led Taliban.[2] The same year, JuA swore allegiance to Islamic State (ISIS), however, a year later JuA rejoined TTP.[3] In 2017, he was reported to have been killed in a US drone strike along with his nine close associates in Paktika province, Afghanistan.

Not to be confused with Umar Khalid.
Abdul Wali Mohmand[1]
Other name(s)Omar Khalid Khorasani
BornMohmand Agency, Pakistan
Allegiance Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (until 2014, since 2015 — present)
Jamaat-ul-Ahrar (since 2014)
Islamic State — Khorasan Province (2014-2015)
Battles/warsInsurgency in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

However, on 7 March 2018, Khorasani was added to the U.S. State Department's Rewards for Justice wanted list with a bounty up to $3 million.[4] His name also features in the 'Red Book of Most Wanted High Profile Terrorists' published by Pakistan's Federal Investigation Agency.[5]

Personal life

Omar Khalid Khorasani was born in Mohmand Agency, Pakistan. He was a formerly a journalist and a poet. He studied at a number of religious schools in Karachi, Pakistan.[4] His real name is Abdul Wali Mohmand.[1]

Militant activity

Khorasani was one of the founding members of Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). Within organisational circles he was known as a formidable military commander and waged a bloody campaign against the government forces in Khyber agency.[2]

In 2014, Khorasani formed his own splinter militant group called Jamaat-ul-Ahrar (JuA).[6] The same year he was ousted by Mullah Fazlullah-led TTP for forming his own splinter group. Khorasani was a key player in break up of TTP, with one part of the outfit being led by Fazlullah while the other being headed by Omar Khalid Khorasani.[2]

Under the leadership of Khorasani, Jamaat-ul-Ahrar (JuA), swore allegiance to Islamic State (ISIS) group in 2014. However, a year later, JuA rejoined Taliban.[3]

According to Rewards for Justice Program (RFJ) website, Khorasani reportedly operates from Nangarhar and Kunar provinces of Afghanistan.[4]

Reports of death

In 2015, Khorasani was seriously injured in NATO airstrike in eastern Afghanistan. However, Khorasani was able to recover from his injuries.[3]

It was reported that a JuA spokesman Asad Mansoor had told AFP news agency that Khorasani on 18 October 2017 had succumbed to his injuries received in a United States drone strike in Paktia Province of Afghanistan.[7] Pajhwok Afghan News however stated that a source close to the group had denied his death.[8] Long War Journal reported that a statement on Telegram issued under Khorasani's name denied his death, while confirming the death of Khalifa Umar Mansour. The outlet noted that the spokesman operating the group’s Telegram account did not announce his death.[9] His death also was not confirmed by the United States.[8][9]

See also

References
  1. Khorasani’s cousin Rauf killed in Afghanistan, says police. Express Tribune. 22 December 2017.
  2. Zahir Shah Sherazi. TTP commander Umar Khorasani injured in Afghanistan. 8 February 2015. Dawn News.
  3. Pakistan militant leader 'killed by drone' in Afghanistan. BBC News. 19 October 2017.
  4. "Rewards for Justice - Wanted for Terrorism - Abdul Wali". rewardsforjustice.net. Retrieved 24 February 2021.
  5. "Red Book of Most Wanted High Profile Terrorists" (PDF). fia.gov.pk. Federal Investigation Agency. Retrieved 24 February 2021.
  6. Pakistani Taliban splinter group splits further over tactics. Associated Press. 12 November 2017.
  7. "Pakistan militant leader 'killed by drone' in Afghanistan". BBC.
  8. "Jamaatul Ahrar denies Khurasani's death in drone strike". Pajhwok Afghan News.
  9. "Leader of Jamaat-ul-Ahrar emerges after reports of his death". Long War Journal.
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