Global Terrorist Hub: Afghanistan’s Dangerous Reality

Afghanistan is increasingly seen as a resurgence of global terrorism, a mere three years after the Taliban’s return to power. Despite claims of suppressing IS-K, the Taliban’s connections with other extremist groups, notably the TTP, have fueled regional instability.

In an interview, Acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi claimed that Daesh does not exist in Afghanistan and that external forces use the group to tarnish the country’s image. He urged neighboring countries to secure their borders to prevent problems.

On September 27, 2024, the foreign ministers of China, Iran, Pakistan, and Russia convened in New York to discuss Afghanistan. The meeting, held on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, focused on the deteriorating security situation and the ongoing threat posed by terrorist groups operating within Afghanistan.

The joint statement issued by Ministers of China, Iran, Pakistan, and Russia has debunked the claims by Afghan Foreign Minister Muttaqi that it is not harboring any terrorist group including the TTP.

Contrary to the interim government’s claims, the joint statement expressed serious concerns over the presence of several terrorist groups such as ISIL, Al-Qaida, the Eastern Turkestan Islamic Movement (ETIM), Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), Jaish ul-Adl, Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), Majeed Brigadeand and other similar groups within Afghanistan, directly contradicting IAG’ denial of Daesh’s existence.

The ministers condemned the recent terrorist attacks in all shapes and forms in Afghanistan and the region, including the attacks by ISIL-K on Karbala pilgrims on September 13, 2024, and the attacks by the TTP in Bannu and Besham in Pakistan on July 15 and March 26, 2024, respectively.

The ministers expressed deep concern over the terrorism-related security situation in Afghanistan and the region and stressed the concept of common, comprehensive, cooperative, and sustainable security, as well as principles of equal indivisible security, examine regional security issues from a more comprehensive and integrated perspective, and work together to address various security challenges in Afghanistan and the region.

The ministers expressed appreciation for the regional countries, especially Iran and Pakistan, for hosting millions of Afghan refugees. They urged the international community and donors to provide, adequate, predictable, regular, and sustainable financial support and other necessary assistance, in line with the principle of international responsibility and burden sharing, for time-bound and well-resourced repatriation of refugees back to Afghanistan, as well as to countries hosting Afghan refugees, particularly Iran and Pakistan.

Afghanistan’s neighbors and global security bodies, including the UN, confirm that Daesh is active within Afghanistan, contradicting claims that it is an external threat. Independent reports from Pakistan, Russia, and Central Asia show Daesh’s direct involvement in cross-border terror incidents, proving its presence in Afghanistan.

A UN report released in July warns that Afghanistan is becoming a global terrorism hub. Thousands of extremists, including members of the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), are operating freely, posing a significant threat to neighboring countries and the world. Pakistan has suffered over 800 attacks in recent months due to this growing instability. The UN is particularly concerned about the increasing presence and activities of ISIL-Khorasan and the TTP in Afghanistan, as well as the resurgence of Al-Qaeda in the region.

Framing TTP and Daesh as external issues by the Afghan Taliban is perhaps meant to deflect the world’s attention from IAG’s core responsibility to tackle the growing threats within its borders.

International organizations, including the UN and EU, have documented Daesh’s activities in Afghanistan, emphasizing the need for credible counterterrorism efforts. Border security alone cannot address Daesh’s presence; Afghanistan’s weak internal security enables extremists to thrive.

Pakistan has already retaliated with airstrikes against TTP sanctuaries in Afghanistan. The US, recognizing the potential for Afghanistan to become a terrorist launchpad, is working with the international community to prevent such a scenario. Denying the existence of these extremist groups hinders regional counterterrorism efforts and allows threats like Daesh to persist unchecked.

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Wasama Khalid
Wasama Khalid

Muhammad Wasama Khalid is a Correspondent and Researcher at Global Affairs. He is pursuing his Bachelors in International Relations at National Defense University (NDU). He has a profound interest in history, politics, current affairs, and international relations. He is an author of Global Village Space, Global Defense Insight, Global Affairs, and Modern Diplomacy. He tweets at @Wasama Khalid and can be reached at Wasamakhalid@gmail.com

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