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Al Qaeda continues its foothold in Afghanistan says study
All of the groups mentioned face US sanctions as designated Foreign Terrorist Organization
Congressional Research Service report warns of terror threat in Afghanistan / CRS
The Congressional Research Service (CRS) released a report “Terrorists Group in Afghanistan” on Apr. 2. The report highlighted the persistent and multifaceted threat of Islamist terrorism in Afghanistan. Probing into the intricate dynamics of the region's security landscape, the report emphasizes the continued prominence of groups such as Islamic State-Khorasan Province (ISKP) and Al Qaeda, despite recent geopolitical shifts.
According to the findings presented in the CRS report, ISKP, the Afghanistan-based affiliate of the Islamic State, remains a formidable threat both within Afghanistan and internationally. Despite facing significant military pressure from US and Afghan forces in recent years, ISKP has demonstrated its resilience by executing attacks not only within Afghanistan but also in various other countries, including a recent incident in Russia. The group's ability to adapt and operate beyond its borders underscores the complex challenges in combating extremist ideologies.
Similarly, the report sheds light on the enduring activities of Al Qaeda in Afghanistan. Despite efforts by the Taliban to downplay its presence, the group continues to maintain a foothold in the region. The recent killing of AQ leader Ayman al Zawahiri has added further complexity to the relationship between the Taliban and Al Qaeda, raising questions about the future trajectory of the group's operations in Afghanistan and beyond.
In addition to ISKP and Al Qaeda, the report highlights the involvement of other terrorist entities such as the Haqqani Network and Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). Furthermore, it discusses designated foreign terrorist organizations like the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan (IMU) and the Eastern Turkistan Islamic Movement (ETIM), all of which contribute to the intricate security landscape in Afghanistan.
The CRS report underscores the importance of continued attention and strategic engagement in addressing the terrorism threat emanating from Afghanistan.
According to the report, in 2014, Al Qaeda's leader, Zawahiri, announced the formation of a separate group in South Asia called Al Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS). This group received the designation of a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) in 2016. AQIS was established with the goal of strengthening Al Qaeda's presence in the region by establishing connections with local actors, especially the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). This decision was partly influenced by the relocation of some Al Qaeda leaders, who were mainly Arab, to Syria.
Asim Umar, a former leader of AQIS and an Indian national, met his end during a joint operation conducted by US and Afghan forces in Afghanistan in September 2019. It is worth noting that Umar had connections to Pakistan and is believed to have sought refuge with Taliban forces prior to his demise. Following his death, Osama Mahmood, a Pakistani citizen, assumed leadership of AQIS. In December 2022, the US State Department designated Mahmood and two of his associates as Specially Designated Global Terrorists.
“All of the groups above face US sanctions as designated FTOs. Congress may consider additional sanctions measures related to terrorism in Afghanistan and examine the Administration’s application of existing sanctions authorities,” the report concluded.
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