Key TTP commander killed in Afghan security forces' raid

KABUL: Afghan security forces have killed a key commander of proscribed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), Saeed Duar alias Aryana, and arrested his 15 accomplices in a raid carried out near Pak-Afghan border in Afghanistan's Paktia province.

The sources have confirmed that Aryana has been killed in a clash with Afghan security forces.

"Afghan forces came into action after Pakistan demanded of his neighbouring country to launch a crackdown against TTP militants during ‘Heart of Asia’ conference", sources added.

Saud Duar was a close confidante of former TTP chief Hakimullah Mehsud and Moulana Sadiq Noor. He remained closely associated with Mehsud till latter's death in a US drone strike.

Aryana hailed from Mir Ali Tehseel of North Waziristan and fled to Afghanistan with his companions after Pakistan military launched operation Zarb-e-Azb in some of the restive tribal areas bordering Afghanistan in June 2014.