Two major Pakistani militant groups that split off from Pakistan's Taliban last year have announced they are rejoining the Taliban, known as Tehrik-e Taliban (TTP).
On March 12, the leaders of Taliban splinter group Jamat-ul-Ahrar and militants from Lashkar-e-Islam pledged loyalty to the TTP.
Jamat-ul-Ahrar split from the TTP last summer and later pledged allegiance to the Islamic State militant group.
Jamat-ul-Ahrar spokesman Ensanullah Ehsan said in a statement emailed to news agencies his group had rejoined the TTP and he added Lashkar-e-Islam, led by warlord Mangal Bagh, had also rejoined.
TTP spokesman Muhammad Khorasani confirmed the realliance in a separate statement sent to news agencies.
The decision by the two groups to rejoin TTP comes as hopes for Afghan peace talks are increasing.