Al-Qaeda has reportedly begun reestablishing its presence in Afghanistan, capitalizing on the environment fostered by the Afghan Taliban’s ascent to power.
Following the Taliban’s takeover, various terrorist organizations, including Tehreek-i-Taliban Afghanistan (TTP) and Al-Qaeda, have found sanctuary, allowing them to thrive.
The strategic foothold provided by Afghanistan has historically made it a breeding ground for terrorist activities, with neighboring countries bearing the brunt of these threats, according to reports cited by Al Jazeera.
Reports indicate that Al-Qaeda has been leveraging its ties with the Taliban to facilitate global terrorist operations, including trafficking and drug trade. Notably, the group has been financing its operations through lucrative ventures in gold mining, particularly in northern Badakhshan and other Afghan provinces.
Despite the Taliban’s monthly revenue of $25 million from gold mines, such income remains conspicuously absent from official budgets, raising concerns about financial transparency.
Since assuming power in August 2021, the Taliban has integrated numerous listed terrorist factions into its ranks, as highlighted by both the United Nations Security Council and the US Congress.
There are allegations of the Taliban furnishing Al-Qaeda operatives with weaponry, passports, and access to smuggling networks, bolstering the latter’s resurgence.
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