A new United Nations monitoring report says Al-Qaeda continues to operate with Taliban protection while jihadist networks expand across multiple regions.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
Al-Qaeda continues to benefit from the “patronage” of Afghanistan’s Taliban rulers despite their public denials that terrorist groups operate within the country, according to a new assessment by a United Nations sanctions monitoring team.
A Just the News report highlighted findings from the U.N. Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team, which in its latest February report warned that the global jihadist threat has become “multipolar and increasingly complex.”
The U.N. Monitoring Team said Taliban authorities claim there are no terrorist groups operating within Afghanistan’s borders, but emphasized that “no Member State supported this view.” The report concluded that Al-Qaeda’s strength and appetite for external operations remain intact.
Al-Qaeda, responsible for the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks that killed nearly 3,000 people in the United States, continues to maintain ties to Taliban leadership, according to the U.N. findings.
The Taliban previously provided Al-Qaeda safe haven prior to 9/11 and have remained deeply intertwined with the group, including through the Haqqani Network, the report noted.
The U.N. team stated that Al-Qaeda “continued to enjoy the patronage of the de facto authorities” and has acted as a “service provider and multiplier” for other terrorist organizations in Afghanistan, including Tehrik-e Taliban Pakistan (TTP). The presence of terrorist groups in Afghanistan “remained a source of concern,” particularly given cross-border attacks and regional instability.
The report said Al-Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS) remains active in southeastern Afghanistan, where the Haqqani Network holds influence. It added that AQIS leaders were reported to be in Kabul and warned of possible “spectacular” external attacks aimed at gaining global media attention.
The U.N. monitoring team previously stated that “the Taliban continues to host and support the group,” noting that senior Al-Qaeda commanders were reported to be living in Kabul, according to a late 2025 assessment.
Sayf al-Adel, believed by the FBI to be the group’s current de facto leader, is reportedly based in Iran and has sought to reorganize Al-Qaeda’s operations in Afghanistan. The monitoring team has assessed coordination between al-Adel and senior Al-Qaeda figures inside Afghanistan.
The report also described Taliban support for TTP, which has launched increased attacks in Pakistan from Afghan territory. According to the U.N., TTP has operated in what it called a “permissive environment,” leading to rising cross-border tensions.
ISIS-K, the Islamic State affiliate in Afghanistan, remains under pressure from Taliban and regional forces but continues to demonstrate resilience, according to the report. The group maintains operational capacity, including online recruitment and propaganda efforts enhanced by artificial intelligence and satellite communications technology.
The U.N. warned that jihadist groups have expanded activities beyond Afghanistan. In Africa, the Middle East and parts of South Asia, Al-Qaeda and Islamic State affiliates continue territorial expansion and fundraising operations. Jama’a Nusrat ul-Islam wa al-Muslimin (JNIM), Al-Qaeda’s branch in Mali, has reportedly expanded its territorial control and engaged in ransom operations. ISIS cells remain active in Syria and Somalia, despite counterterrorism pressure.
The monitoring team also expressed concern about the increasing use of commercial satellite communications and artificial intelligence tools to enhance recruitment, propaganda and operational coordination.
U.S. Deputy Representative to the U.N. Ambassador Tammy Bruce recently addressed the Security Council, emphasizing that the monitoring team plays a “vital role” in promoting stability in Afghanistan. In remarks delivered in New York, Bruce condemned Taliban hostage-taking practices and said the regime continues to use detainees as leverage in negotiations.
CBS News reported that American Dennis Coyle has been held in Afghanistan for more than a year, while The New York Times reported that at least two Americans remain in Taliban custody, with questions surrounding the whereabouts of a third.
Meanwhile, proceedings are underway in the United States against Mohammad Sharifullah, an alleged co-conspirator in the August 26, 2021 Abbey Gate bombing at Kabul’s airport. President Donald Trump previously announced his extradition. The FBI has stated that Sharifullah confessed to conducting reconnaissance ahead of the attack, which killed 13 U.S. service members and approximately 170 Afghan civilians.
The trial is currently scheduled for April.
The U.N. report concludes that the jihadist threat landscape has evolved into a decentralized yet interconnected network, with Afghanistan remaining a key node amid continued Taliban governance.
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