On October 9, 2025, reports began circulating that Noor Wali Mehsud, the leader of the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), was allegedly killed in a Pakistani airstrike in Kabul. While official confirmation from both Islamabad and Kabul remains pending, the news has already sent ripples through regional political and security circles.
Noor Wali Mehsud, also known as Abu Mansoor Asim, selected after the death of former TTP chief Mullah Fazlullah in 2018. Under his leadership, the group restructured and intensified attacks on Pakistani security forces and civilians, primarily from its bases across the Afghan border. Mehsud was considered one of the most strategic and ideologically driven leaders within the TTP hierarchy.
According to early reports from regional media and intelligence sources, the airstrike targeted a compound in Kabul believed to be a TTP operational center.
Eyewitnesses claimed that multiple explosions were heard late in the evening, followed by a significant security lockdown in the area. Afghan authorities have yet to officially comment on the strike, and Pakistan’s military has also refrained from issuing a formal statement.
Implications for Regional Security
If confirmed, Mehsud’s death could mark a major shift in Pakistan–Afghanistan security dynamics. His killing would likely weaken the TTP’s command structure and disrupt its cross-border operations. Analysts suggest that this event could open the door for renewed cooperation—or further tension—between Islamabad and Kabul, depending on how both nations handle the aftermath.
However, some experts caution that leadership decapitation alone may not be enough to dismantle the TTP’s extensive network. The group has historically shown resilience, quickly appointing new leaders after major losses.
For Pakistan, this reported strike represents both a symbolic victory and a strategic risk. While eliminating Mehsud would deliver a significant blow to the militant organization, it could also provoke retaliatory attacks within Pakistan. Meanwhile, Afghanistan faces pressure to clarify its position on militant groups operating from its soil—a key factor in future bilateral relations.
Conclusion
The alleged killing of Noor Wali Mehsud in a Pakistani airstrike in Kabul remains unconfirmed, but its potential impact on regional stability and counterterrorism efforts cannot be ignored.
Yet much depends on how TTP reorganizes, how Kabul responds, and whether militant violence spikes in the short to medium term. Analysts and policymakers will be watching closely as more facts emerge.
Whether this event leads to a more secure border or reignites tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan will depend largely on the diplomatic and military steps taken in the coming days.
