Al Qaeda has a safe haven in Afghanistan under the Taliban and “increased freedom of action” with potential of launch new long-distance attacks in coming years, a UN report based on on intelligence provided by Member States says.
Evaluation by the United Nations Committee on Prosecution with application of sanctions on Taliban and others who may threaten security of Afghanistan, will raise fears that the country may someday again become a base for international attacks after leaving of US and NATO troops last year.
critics of US President Joe Biden will point to the description of the report of “close relationship” between al-Qaeda and the Taliban as evidence that his decision to pull out all US forces were error.
Still a dangerous tide of foreign extremists did not materialize in Afghanistan, with only small amount of arrivals are found.
Although al-Qaeda has been marred by violence of Islamic state in recent years it remains potential threat with presence in parts of South Asia, Middle East and Sahel. Several dozen al-Qaeda senior leaders are based in Afghanistan, as well as related groups such as Al-Qaeda. in Indian subcontinent.
The Taliban have repeatedly stated that they adhere to the agreement they signed. with United States in 2020, before the take power, in which they promised fight terrorists and they insist that Afghanistan will not be used as a launch pad for attacks against Another countries.
The report talks about the Taliban. with makes efforts to contain al-Qaeda, but raises concerns that they may not last.
unknown number of Al-Qaeda members reported to be alive in Kabul former diplomatic quarter where they can have access for meetings abroad affairs ministry, report authors say, although they talk about it information not confirmed.
Report also says sudden impulse of statements and reports by al-Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri suggest that “he may lead more efficient than it was possible before the Taliban took over of Afghanistan”.
A previous UN report stated that Zawahiri was seriously ill, and some officials suggested that 70-year- may be old dead.
Egyptian veteran gunman focused on grassroots expansion support and presence in Islamic world since the adoption over Al Qaeda in 2011 when Osama bin Laden was killed in USA special raid forces in Pakistan.
Although group unlikely to set up or direct attacks outside Afghanistan for in next year or two, for lack of capabilities and restraint of the Taliban, his long-term goal is still to return to “global jihad, report says.
it says Taliban commitment to preventing al-Qaeda launch international terrorism campaign “indefinitely in medium to longer term”. These efforts gained momentum when the Taliban took over Kabul is says, with Al Qaeda is able use clear victory of Islamist militia for attract new recruits, funds and inspires affiliates around the world.
Al-Qaeda released a video in April in whom Zawahiri praised an Indian Muslim woman who in February broke the ban on wearing in traditional scarf or hijab. The frames were first proof in more how year that he was alive.
Previous video of Zawahiri, which was distributed on anniversary last year of On September 11, no mention was made of the Taliban taking over. of Afghanistan in mid August. It mentioned attack on January 1, 2021 attack on Russian troops near northern Syria city of Raqqa.
In his latest video, Zawahiri mentioned the Russian invasion of Ukraine accuses the US of “weakness” for war. “Here [the US] this is after his defeat in Iraq and Afghanistan after economic disasters caused 9/11 invasions, after and after the corona pandemic left his ally Ukraine as prey for Russians,” he said.
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The UN report says that the most senior Al-Qaeda leaders currently based on in Oriental region of Afghanistan, Zabul Province north towards Kunar and along the border with Pakistan. Borders region lined up between Pakistan and Afghanistan with inhospitable hills that served as strongholds for number of combat groups.
The Taliban tried to restrict activities of Bin Laden when in power in Afghanistan from 1996 to 2001, but did not prevent series of attacks on US goals completed in September 11 attacks.
Like Al Qaeda, Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant – Khorasan, at war with the Taliban, is considered incapable of mounting international attacks not until 2023, the UN report says. says. group it is supposed to have 1500-4000 fighters, also concentrated in East of Afghanistan.
