UNITED NATIONS: A United Nations report says links between militant networks operating from Afghanistan and terrorist activities in Pakistan are increasing.
According to the report, after Al-Qaeda fighters left Afghanistan in 2001, many moved to Pakistan’s tribal areas, where the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) provided them shelter. Their relationship reportedly became stronger after the Taliban returned to power in Afghanistan in 2021.
The UN report says Al-Qaeda has assisted the TTP in strengthening its strategy, training and propaganda capabilities. In April this year, Al-Qaeda’s media wing reportedly openly supported the TTP’s activities against Pakistan for the first time.
Experts cited in the report say cooperation between the two groups ranges from operational assistance at lower levels to greater alignment in their narratives at senior levels.
The report further states that Al-Qaeda’s support is not limited to the TTP. It also extends to groups including the banned Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and Ittehad-ul-Mujahideen Pakistan. Al-Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent is reportedly providing training and strategic assistance to the latter.
The UN has previously described Al-Qaeda as a “service provider” for militant groups operating in Afghanistan, providing training, advice and logistical support.
However, experts note that Al-Qaeda and the TTP have differences in their objectives and strategies, while ideological similarities continue to facilitate cooperation in areas such as media, propaganda, training and logistics.
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