Pakistan: Tehrik-e-Jihad Pakistan claims responsibility for July 18 suicide bombing in Hayatabad area of Peshawar, as of July 19 /update 1

Event

The Tehrik-e-Jihad Pakistan (TJP) has claimed responsibility for the July 18 suicide bombing in the Hayatabad area of Peshawar as of July 19. Emerging reports indicate the incident has left the attacker killed and at least eight others wounded. Related demonstrations denouncing the attack remain possible over the coming days.

Context

Formed in February 2023, the Tehrik-e-Jihad Pakistan is reportedly a newly established militant organization. The group claimed its preliminary responsibility for an attack in Balochistan's Chaman District; sources indicate the incident occurred due to a short circuit. In late April, the TJP claimed responsibility for a vehicle-borne explosion targeting Pakistani security forces in Lakki Marwat. However, the extent of the group's involvement remains officially unverifiable. Experts contend that TJP members are affiliates of the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).

The TTP previously called off a ceasefire agreement with Pakistani security forces in late November 2022. TTP leaders have since exhorted their members to carry out attacks across the nation in retaliation for security operations in several areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province. A spike in militant attacks is possible over the coming months; the TTP typically targets Pakistani security forces via small-scale bombings, assassinations, and kidnappings in its stronghold regions. Other potential target sites include places of worship, crowded markets, transport hubs, and government and diplomatic buildings. Large attacks involving mass casualties are unlikely in major cities, but cannot be ruled out either.