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KABUL – Al Qaeda has expanded its presence in Afghanistan, opening eight new training camps and five madrasas, along with a network facilitating connections to Iran. The United Nations Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team reported the alarming details in their latest report on January 29.
The eight new Al Qaeda camps are strategically located in Ghazni, Laghman, Parwan, and Uruzgan provinces, and though some might be temporary, they represent a significant escalation. The Monitoring Team disclosed that the relationship between the Taliban and Al Qaeda remains close, underscoring the persistent threat.
Operating in 10 provinces, Al Qaeda now has a base in the central province of Panjshir, a former stronghold of the anti-Taliban National Resistance Front. This base serves as a weapons stockpile, amplifying concerns about the group’s growing capabilities.
Additionally, Al Qaeda has established five madrasas in Laghman, Kunar, Nangarhar, Nuristan, and Parwan provinces, signaling a broader influence on local communities.
Of particular concern is the revelation of safe houses in Herat, Farah, and Helmand provinces, facilitating the movement of Al Qaeda members between Afghanistan and Iran. The close ties between Al Qaeda and the Taliban, especially the Haqqani Network, highlight the intricate web of alliances in the region.
The Monitoring Team’s report brings to light the use of safe houses in Kabul, with a notable incident in July 2022 when the U.S. targeted Ayman al Zawahiri in a drone strike. The location, run by a lieutenant of Sirajuddin Haqqani, showcased the interconnectedness between Al Qaeda and the Taliban.
The report also indicates a significant development in eastern Afghanistan, where six new Al Qaeda operatives joined Katiba Umar Faruq, led by Abu Ikhlas al-Masri. A veteran Al Qaeda leader, Abu Ikhlas al-Masri reestablished his unit in Kunar province after the fall of the Afghan government in 2021.
The presence of top Al Qaeda leaders in Iran, including Saif al Adel, ‘Abd al Rahman al Maghrebi, Yasin al Suri, and Mustafa Hamid, has been documented by the U.S. government. This unsettling revelation raises questions about Iran’s involvement and the complex dynamics at play in the region.
The U.S. Treasury and State Departments have repeatedly exposed a “secret deal” between Iran and Al Qaeda, allowing the terrorist group to maintain its facilitation pipeline within Iran. Despite conflicting interests in Syria and Yemen, this arrangement persists, highlighting the intricate geopolitical landscape in the ongoing conflict. Stay tuned for more updates on this evolving situation.
