Al-Qaeda reorganizes in Afghanistan, posing threats to several countries including Iraq, New report reveals

Nearly two years after the killing of former Al-Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri, a report published by the “Long War Journal” reveals that the organization continues to expand its activities in Afghanistan by establishing training camps and taking control of religious schools.

In a related context, a committee of experts affiliated with the United Nations stated in a new report that the threat posed by Al-Qaeda, ISIS, and their affiliated groups “remains high” in conflict areas in Afghanistan and the African continent, with increased threat levels in some regions, including Europe.

The experts in the 23-page report presented to the UN Security Council covering the period until December 16, 2023, mentioned that the relationship between the rulers of the Afghan Taliban movement and Al-Qaeda remains “close.”

The experts stated that “the biggest threat within Afghanistan still comes from ISIS with its ability to expand inside and outside the region.” They also pointed out a series of attacks in neighboring Iran and Pakistan, as well as threats in Central Asian countries.

The committee stated: “However, despite none of Al-Qaeda’s affiliated groups regaining the ability to carry out operations in distant areas, they have global ambitions, and information has been obtained indicating secret efforts to rebuild their military capabilities.”

The experts mentioned that these militants “are carrying out low-intensity insurgency with secret terrorist cells in Iraq,” while their attacks have intensified in Syria since last November.

The experts stated that some UN member states, not named, have assessed that the significant pressures resulting from counterterrorism operations in Syria and Iraq increase the likelihood of ISIS relocating its leadership and “center of gravity” to Afghanistan and Africa, with Africa being more likely.

They point to “deficiencies in counterterrorism capabilities,” which ISIS and Al-Qaeda-affiliated groups continue to exploit. They added that “the situation has become more complex than ever with the intertwining of ethnic and regional conflicts with the agendas and operations of these groups.”