Bajaur Agency Map

Bajaur agency hosts a significant Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) presence that was, until recently, led by ex-TTP deputy chief Maulvi Faqir Muhammad. The militants in Bajaur have maintained close ties to the Taliban in Afghanistan and the Swat branch of the TTP. A major military operation in August 2008 aimed at clearing Bajaur of TTP presence saw some success, but was unable to make its gains permanent. Bajaur is also believed to have at one time been a hiding place for Osama bin Laden and Ayman al-Zawahiri.