In a disturbing development regarding the security situation in Pakistan, the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) has reportedly obtained US-made anti-tank missiles, including the FGM-148 Javelin, known for its advanced “fire-and-forget” capabilities.
A video released by a TTP-linked group shows militants undergoing training with the Javelin missile, which is equipped with infrared guidance systems that allow the weapon to lock onto targets such as enemy tanks, armored vehicles, and fortifications autonomously. The operator can then retreat to safety immediately after firing.
While there is no confirmed evidence that these missiles have been brought into Pakistan, the acquisition of such advanced weaponry by the TTP poses a significant threat. Experts warn that the missiles could be used to target Pakistani military posts or breach the border fence along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border.
The FGM-148 Javelin, which costs approximately $200,000 per unit, is a sophisticated weapon designed to destroy tanks and heavily fortified targets. Its infrared guidance system allows it to track and engage targets with minimal risk to the operator.
Security officials have raised alarms over the possibility of these missiles being used by militant groups, which could further escalate violence in Pakistan. The weapons were reportedly seized during the chaotic withdrawal of US forces from Afghanistan in 2021, with much of the left-behind military equipment falling into the hands of the Afghan Taliban.
The possession of such weapons by militant groups operating from Afghanistan, including the TTP, has intensified concerns about security along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border. These developments come after a sharp increase in terrorist attacks in Pakistan in January 2025, with data showing a 42% rise compared to the previous month.
Recent reports highlight the growing terrorism threat, with the TTP responsible for over half of the terrorism-related deaths in Pakistan. In 2024, the TTP carried out 482 attacks, resulting in 558 deaths—a significant rise compared to previous years.
Concerns over weapons proliferation have been further corroborated by a 2022 report from the US Department of Defense, which revealed that over $7 billion worth of military equipment was left behind in Afghanistan and subsequently seized by the Taliban. These weapons are being trafficked into the hands of militant groups, including the TTP and al-Qaeda, raising the stakes for regional security.
