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Al-Qaeda regroups in Afghanistan with new training camps
A United Nations report and Western intelligence officials indicate that Al-Qaeda is regrouping in Afghanistan, having established at least eight new bases and training camps over the past three years. This resurgence follows the 2021 U.S. withdrawal and the Taliban's return to power, which officials say has created a permissive environment for the group to consolidate its presence through safe houses and training sites.
These training camps are reportedly teaching militants not only traditional guerrilla tactics and explosives handling but also modern technologies, including artificial intelligence, encryption, and drone operations. While the core Al-Qaeda membership in Afghanistan is estimated to be fewer than 100 people, the group is increasingly acting in a consultative role, providing security advice and training to other organizations such as the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).
Simultaneously, the Islamic State-Khorasan (ISIS-K) is also expanding, having reportedly recruited approximately 2,000 new members and utilizing northern Afghanistan as a central hub for regional operations.
In response to these developments, the U.S. State Department's 'Rewards for Justice' program has announced bounties of up to $10 million for information leading to the capture of high-ranking Al-Qaeda leaders, including Saif al-Adl, who is believed to be hiding in Iran.
Entities
Afghanistan · Al-Qaeda · Saif al-Adl · Taliban · United Nations · United States Department of State
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 3 SOURCES] The core Al-Qaeda membership in Afghanistan is estimated to be fewer than 100 people. www.epochtimes.com · www.kurir.rs · www.politika.rs
- [● 4 SOURCES] The Taliban's return to power has created a permissive environment for Al-Qaeda to consolidate its presence. www.epochtimes.com · www.kurir.rs · www.news18.com · www.politika.rs
- [○ 1 SOURCE] ISIS-K has recruited approximately 2,000 new members and uses northern Afghanistan as a hub. www.epochtimes.com
- [● 4 SOURCES] Training in these camps includes the use of artificial intelligence, encryption, and drones. www.epochtimes.com · www.kurir.rs · www.news18.com · www.politika.rs
- [● 2 SOURCES] Al-Qaeda and its offshoots have built at least eight bases in Afghanistan over the past three years. www.epochtimes.com · www.news18.com