8am: The head of the Center for Afghanistan & Central Asia Strategic Studies (ACASS) adds that the concentration of terrorist groups at northern Afghan borders, especially along the border with Tajikistan, and the expansion of drug trafficking, are perennial concerns… Mr. Iskandar also expresses concern about the relocation of migrants expelled from Pakistan to northern Afghanistan… According to him, the migration to the north, in addition to exacerbating ethnic tensions, poses a serious challenge to the Central Asia region… Mr. Ghiasi adds, “Taliban occasionally cooperate with terrorists in destabilizing northern neighboring countries, especially Tajikistan. According to an unverified report, the Taliban leadership, led by Qari Fasihuddin, the Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of this group, has requested cooperation with ISIS, stating that they are our Muslim brothers and we should collaborate with them.” These concerns in northern Afghanistan came to light after the Jaish ul-Adl group attacked a military base in Iran. An analysis in the Islamic Republic newspaper suggests that Jaish ul-Adl has a base with Taliban support in Afghanistan. The Iranian newspaper adds that since Jaish ul-Adl secured “logistic and political support” from the Taliban, it was suspected that they would engage in malicious actions. Click here to read more (external link).
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