The Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR) has presented a report to the United States Congress, raising alarms about the reemergence of Al-Qaeda threats within Afghanistan.
According to the report, the Al-Qaeda leader, believed to be located in Afghanistan, has issued statements urging attacks on U.S., European, and Israeli embassies and structures.
This quarterly report, presented on February 1st, provides an overview of the security situation in Afghanistan. It delves into various aspects, including the level of aid provided by the U.S. post-Taliban takeover, as well as the economic and human rights conditions under Taliban rule.
In the aftermath of the Israel-Hamas conflict, the Al-Qaeda leader based in Afghanistan released three press statements calling for attacks on embassies and buildings of the mentioned countries.
The report also highlights the ongoing ties between Al-Qaeda and the Taliban, with the latter allegedly supporting the former. Additionally, there has been an uptick in ISIS attacks targeting Hazara and Shia communities, indicating sustained terrorist threats in the region.
A recent disclosure by the United Nations Security Council reveals the Taliban's continued relations with Al-Qaeda, with the latter establishing eight new training camps across Afghanistan.
While the Taliban's spokesperson, Zabihullah Mujahid, rejected these claims, calling them a "systematic plan" to tarnish the Taliban's image, reports from the American magazine Long War Journal suggest the presence of Al-Qaeda members within the Taliban administration. This includes key positions such as the deputy head of intelligence and education director within the Taliban's ranks.
