Pakistani counterterrorism operation is high risk

Significance The stated aim is to combine the “kinetic efforts” of the armed forces, “effective legislation” to bolster the prosecution of terrorism-related cases and “socio-economic measures” to discourage extremism. The Pakistani Taliban Movement (TTP), long reliant on Afghan bases, is among the main enemies of the Pakistani state. Impacts Violence linked to the operation may force Pakistani civilians into Afghanistan, further compounding the humanitarian crisis there. The Taliban will continue to disagree internally over how to react to Pakistani strikes in Afghanistan, worsening their factional divides. Islamic State could benefit if the TTP collapsed, absorbing at least some of its members.