Al Qaeda, infamous for orchestrating the tragic events of 9/11, has reemerged in Afghanistan, resurrecting its nefarious activities reminiscent of its pre-9/11 era.
The terrorist organization is once again operating militant training camps, collaborating with the Taliban in various illegal enterprises such as drug trafficking, mining, and smuggling, and channelling the profits to fuel jihadist movements globally.
A confidential report, circulating among Western diplomats and U.N. officials, sheds light on the intricate ties between Al Qaeda and the Afghan Taliban, revealing their symbiotic relationship as they exploit Afghanistan’s resources and divert international aid meant for the Afghan populace.
Compiled by a discreet London-based threat analysis firm, the report paints a grim picture of Al Qaeda’s resurgence under the Taliban’s shadow.
According to the report, the Taliban provide extensive support to Al Qaeda, ranging from logistical assistance to access to illicit networks, including the lucrative heroin trade. With the Taliban’s backing, Al Qaeda has seized control of the drug smuggling routes, previously utilized by the Taliban to finance their insurgency against the former Afghan government.
Since the Taliban’s resurgence in August 2021, these routes have been repurposed for trafficking methamphetamine, weapons, cash, and gold, facilitating the flow of militants from various regions like Yemen, Libya, and Somalia to Al Qaeda’s reactivated training camps.
One alarming revelation from the report is Al Qaeda’s exploitation of Afghanistan’s natural resources, particularly its gold mines in Badakhshan and Takhar provinces.
Over the past two years, Al Qaeda has siphoned off a staggering $195 million from these mines, with a significant portion channeled directly into its coffers.
According to this report, Al-Qaeda’s monthly share from the gold mine revenues in the two provinces amounts to $25 million.
Tens of thousands of laborers, under the protection of Taliban-affiliated warlords, toil in these mines, enriching both Al Qaeda and select factions within the Taliban hierarchy.
The report identifies key Taliban factions in Kabul and Kandahar as intermediaries in sharing the proceeds from mining activities with Al Qaeda, underscoring the intricate web of collaboration between the two entities.
Additionally, it highlights 14 Al Qaeda affiliates, spanning Afghanistan and various global regions, who directly benefit from the illicit proceeds, further solidifying Al Qaeda’s grip on Afghanistan.
The seven individuals in Afghanistan are members of the East Turkestan Islamic Movement (ETIM), Jamaat Ansarullah also known as the Tajikistani Taliban, and the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).
The other seven members are from Al-Qaeda branches in the Arabian Peninsula, Yemen, Iraq, Syria, the Indian Subcontinent, and East Africa.
Furthermore, recent investigations within Afghanistan have unveiled the presence of senior Al Qaeda operatives embedded within the Taliban administration, signaling a resurgence of the terrorist network’s influence and operational capacity.
Al Qaeda’s revival of military training camps echoes the dark days leading up to the 9/11 attacks, raising concerns about the potential resurgence of global terrorism emanating from Afghanistan’s soil.
According to report, tens of thousands of laborers have been employed by Al-Qaeda for mining operations, and “Taliban-friendly warlords” protect them. The report also geo located 11 gold mines where Al-Qaeda has been involved, with the proceeds being divided between two Taliban factions and Al-Qaeda.
These revelations coincide with previous reports by the United Nations Security Council, detailing the establishment of multiple training camps in Ghazni, Laghman, Parwan Urzugan and weapons depots in Panjahir Afghanistan, further underscoring the urgent need for concerted international action to combat the resurgence of Al Qaeda and its affiliates in Afghanistan.
As the world watches with bated breath, the specter of terrorism looms large once again, casting a shadow over Afghanistan.
Writer Name: Zarrar / Eagle Eye
