'Twenty one terrorist networks operating on Afghan soil'

Three years after taking control of Afghanistan, the Taliban government remains largely unrecognized by the international community.

Speaking at a discussion held by The Hudson Institute in Washington DC, leader of the anti-Taliban National Resistance Front of Afghanistan (NRF), Ahmed Masoud, claimed that Afghanistan had transformed into a haven for both regional and international terrorists.

He alleged that over 21 terrorist networks were now operating within the country, supported by the Taliban.

“Since the Taliban took over, Afghanistan has become a sanctuary for terrorism, with over 21 active terrorist networks receiving protection and support from the Taliban,” Masoud stated. “These groups are not just surviving—they're thriving, and the Taliban are directly responsible.”

Masoud emphasized the Taliban’s influence on terrorism in neighboring regions, particularly Pakistan, which has seen a surge in terrorist attacks since the Taliban's takeover. Pakistani authorities have claimed that terrorist organizations like the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and others are operating from Afghan soil.

Despite Taliban's denial, Masoud believes these incidents are connected to Afghanistan, with the Taliban serving as a role model for terrorist groups. “The recent wave of terrorist attacks in Pakistan is not a coincidence,” he said.

“These tragic events are rooted in the Taliban's influence and the safe haven they provide for groups like the TTP. The evidence is clear, the Afghan soil is being used to destabilize the region,” he maintained. The NRF leader further warned that organizations like Al-Qaeda and Islamic State – Khorasan Province (ISKP) are growing stronger under the Taliban’s “protection.”

“Al-Qaeda is more powerful today than it was in 2001, and ISKP is expanding rapidly,” Masoud warned. “The Taliban are setting up thousands of radical madrasas across Afghanistan, creating a pipeline that will funnel countless young people into extremism.”

  

REUTERS

Members of the Taliban carrying flags participate in a rally to mark the third anniversary of the fall of Kabul, in Kabul, Afghanistan, August 14, 2024.

Masoud’s remarks underscore concerns that the continuation of the current situation in Afghanistan could further destabilize the region and pose a threat to global security.

Ahmed Masoud is the son of the late Ahmad Shah Massoud, who led resistance against the Soviets and the Taliban during the 1980s and 1990s. Following the Taliban’s takeover in August 2021, Masoud returned to Panjshir Valley to continue his father’s legacy of resistance. However, he was forced to flee Kabul shortly after.