Afghanistan’s Escalating Terrorism Threat: Taliban’s Struggle To Contain Militancy And Global Implications – OpEd

Since US pullout from Kabul, Afghanistan’s counterterrorism situation has been worsening alarmingly. The Afghan Taliban find it very difficult to contain the rising tide of militant activities. Despite initial promises of fighting terrorism and preventing Afghanistan from becoming a safe haven for extremist groups, the reality on the ground suggests otherwise. The resurgence of groups like Al-Qaeda and growing influence of ISKP has been raising regarding regional as well as international security.

One of the key issues contributing to growing instability is Afghan government’s inability to effectively manage counterterrorism threat. Since taking over, Afghan government (under Taliban)  has repeatedly assured world community that they would not allow non-state actors to use their soil against other countries. Despite these promises made by Afghan government, terrorists have been using Afghan soil to undertake terrorist activities against other countries. Since last few years, terrorist activities emanating from Afghan soil have extensively increased. The ideology of Afghan Taliban is making it difficult for them to act against non-state actors.

The Taliban’s past relationship with al-Qaeda is well-documented, and despite pledges to sever these ties, reports indicate that al-Qaeda continues to maintain a presence in Afghanistan. In fact, it appears that the group has been using the country as a base to regroup and plan operations. This resurgence of al-Qaeda not only undermines the Taliban’s credibility on the global stage but also poses a direct threat to international counterterrorism efforts. Al-Qaeda’s ability to operate freely in Afghanistan could have far-reaching consequences, particularly as it seeks to exploit the vacuum left by the U.S. and its allies.

Likewise, the resurgence of terrorist organizations such as Al-Qaeda’s and ISKP have been one of the most alarming developments since US withdrawal. Reportedly, these groups have been operating under the patronage of Afghan Taliban. Despite Taliban assurances of combating terrorism, al-Qaeda’s revival casts doubt on their willingness and capacity to address the growing threat. Taliban’s reluctance to confront al-Qaeda directly stems from their historical relationship and ideological alignment, further complicating the counterterrorism landscape.

This development has broader implications for regional security. Al-Qaeda’s presence in Afghanistan not only threatens the country’s neighbors, but also contributes to the destabilization of the broader region. Countries like Pakistan, which share a porous border with Afghanistan, are increasingly vulnerable to cross-border militant activities. Al-Qaeda’s ability to operate in Afghanistan also undermines global counterterrorism efforts, particularly those led by the United States and its allies.

Another significant threat that has emerged in the aftermath of US withdrawal is the rise of the ISKP, which has been active in Afghanistan since 2015. The group has carried out numerous sophisticated attacks, targeting both Afghan civilians and military personnel. Their reach has extended beyond Afghanistan, threatening the stability of the entire South and Central Asian region. ISKP’s growing strength is particularly concerning because of its brutal tactics and ideological extremism, which make it a direct competitor to the Taliban. The rivalry between the Taliban and ISKP has led to violent confrontations, further destabilizing Afghanistan. Moreover, ISKP’s attacks have targeted Afghanistan’s neighbors, particularly Pakistan, heightening tensions and prompting regional actors to reassess their counterterrorism strategies.

The relationship between US and the Taliban is a complicated one, particularly when it comes to counterterrorism cooperation. While US has a vested interest in preventing Afghanistan from becoming a breeding ground for terrorism, its engagement with the Taliban is limited and fraught with challenges. Intelligence-sharing and operational support between the two parties remain constrained, and there is a fundamental lack of trust.

One of the primary sources of tension is the Taliban’s continued association with militant groups, particularly al-Qaeda. The Taliban’s unwillingness to sever these ties raises serious doubts about their commitment to combating terrorism. This complicates any efforts to forge a unified approach to counterterrorism, as the U.S. is wary of providing support to a regime that continues to harbor terrorists. Furthermore, the lack of transparency and accountability within the Taliban’s ranks only exacerbates these concerns.

The increase in external attacks on Pakistan, particularly from militant groups operating out of Afghanistan, has raised serious security alarms. Pakistan, which has long struggled with terrorism on its soil, is now facing a renewed threat from across the border. The rise in militant activities, combined with the Taliban’s inability to control these groups, has prompted Pakistan to reassess its counterterrorism strategies.

The Taliban’s internal divisions present yet another challenge to Afghanistan’s stability. Factions within the Taliban hold differing views on how to govern the country and how to handle the issue of terrorism. Some factions remain closely aligned with al-Qaeda and other militant groups, while others advocate for a more pragmatic approach to governance. These divisions hinder the Taliban’s ability to present a unified front and effectively tackle the growing terrorism threat.

Afghanistan’s counterterrorism situation has become increasingly volatile since the U.S. withdrawal, with the Taliban unable to manage the growing threat posed by groups like al-Qaeda and ISKP. The strained counterterrorism cooperation between the U.S. and the Taliban, combined with the rise in external attacks on neighboring countries like Pakistan, highlights the urgency of addressing this issue. Without decisive action, Afghanistan risks becoming a breeding ground for terrorism, with far-reaching consequences for regional and global security. The international community must push for greater accountability from the Taliban and work collaboratively to prevent Afghanistan from descending further into chaos.