8am: Reports indicate that al-Qaeda is rebuilding its operational capacity inside Afghanistan. While the Taliban and even many global powers deliberately downplay the network’s presence, the reality is that al-Qaeda, working in close coordination with the Taliban, is establishing new bases in strategic and mountainous regions, particularly in Panjshir Province. These developments point to covert
Reuters: Taliban denies detaining Habibi despite evidence, complicating U.S. efforts for his release. CIA operation targeting Zawahiri linked to Habibi’s detention, sources reveal. U.S. offers $5 million reward for Habibi’s release, Trump administration intensifies efforts. Click here to read more (external link).
8am: The United States Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR) in its latest report stated that terrorist groups such as ISIS, al-Qaeda, and Tehrik-e Taliban Pakistan (TTP) operate freely in Afghanistan, widespread corruption and mismanagement have squandered billions of dollars in foreign aid, and the rights of women and children in the country are
Afghanistan International: United Nations experts have warned that the Taliban is providing a permissive environment for foreign terrorist groups in Afghanistan, creating a serious threat to the security of Central Asia and the wider international community. The UN report highlights growing concern over the transfer of extremist fighters from Syria to Afghanistan, including members of
Ariana: Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has expressed concern over the situation in Afghanistan, saying it poses a serious threat to neighboring countries. During a meeting with Tajikistan’s Foreign Minister, Lavrov emphasized the need for cooperation to address security threats in the Central Asian region, particularly in Afghanistan. He specifically mentioned Russia and Tajikistan as
Afghanistan International: Siraj said that the son of former al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden was likely to be in Kandahar or Panjshir. In an interview with a number of reporters, Siraj said that at the level of the Taliban leadership, ethnic and religious differences have increased more than ever, but the al-Qaeda network has played
Afghanistan International: Before returning to power in Afghanistan, the Taliban signed an agreement with the Pakistani Taliban, al-Qaeda and other foreign fighters. According to the agreement, the Taliban pledged to support foreign fighters in “jihad” and the establishment of a Sharia system in Pakistan after their victory. A source close to the Pakistani Taliban told
Michael Hughes: The terrorists now ruling post-Assad Syria have publicly vowed to abandon their extremist ways in a bid to secure funding and legitimacy from the international community – in addition to the easing of sanctions. The statements sound eerily similar to those that emanated from Taliban 2.0 as the radical movement recaptured Kabul. Which
Afghanistan International: In its annual report on terrorism, the US State Department announced that the Taliban continues to host and shelter al-Qaeda in Afghanistan. The report, citing the UN’s independent assessment of Afghanistan, said that the Afghan Taliban also allowed the Pakistani Taliban to operate on Afghan soil. Click here to read more (external link).
Afghanistan International: The Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR) wrote in a report that attacks by opposition fronts do not pose a serious threat to the Taliban, and that the group has been able to maintain its military dominance in Afghanistan. He predicted that the Taliban would likely be able to maintain this advantage