By Ray Furlong and Daud Khattak Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty September 8, 2026 Twenty-five years after serving as the global launchpad for the 9/11 attacks, Afghanistan has come “full circle” — with the Taliban retaking power after a 20-year US-led military presence and Al-Qaeda operatives again finding safe haven in the country. So far, this
8am: The United Nations Security Council, in its latest report on the activities of ISIS, al-Qaeda, and their affiliated groups, said that several al-Shabaab fighters have traveled from Somalia to Afghanistan. The report warned at the same time that the presence and potential activity of numerous terrorist groups in Afghanistan continues to pose a lasting
Amu: Alexander Zuev, acting under-secretary-general of the UN Office of Counter-Terrorism, has said that Al Qaeda continues to maintain a presence in Afghanistan despite a decline in its operational activity. Click here to read more (external link).
Khaama: A UN Security Council sanctions monitoring committee reported that members of the East Turkestan Islamic Movement and Turkistan Islamic Party move freely across Afghanistan. According to the report, the groups finance their activities through involvement in poppy cultivation and mining operations, strengthening their presence in the region. The committee also cited reports that around
Khaama: A transatlantic intelligence consortium monitoring al Qaeda activities has released a video it claims shows Hamza bin Laden inside Afghanistan. The group says the footage was recorded several months ago and digital identifiers were removed to prevent tracing. The Taliban have yet to comment on the claim. They have repeatedly denied hosting al Qaeda
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