SALARZAI, KHYBER PAKHTUNKHWA, PAKISTAN – AUGUST, 2012 Fierce clashes took place in the Salarzai area of Pakistan’s Bajaur between the Pakistani Army and fighters from Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). After the fighting, the TTP released a video showing the severed heads of nine Pakistani soldiers. A group spokesman said the executions were carried out in retaliation for military operations against the TTP.
The TTP, known as the Pakistani Taliban, was at the time one of the main militant groups fighting against the Pakistani state. Since its formation in 2007, it had waged an armed insurgency against the government and military and operated primarily in the tribal areas near the Afghan border. The Pakistani Army conducted extensive military operations against it.
The release of the footage served not only to intimidate but also had a propaganda purpose. Through the footage, the TTP sought to demonstrate its ability to capture and kill members of the Pakistani security forces.
