Taliban forces in Kabul/archive Photo

The United Nations Security Council, Sanctions Monitoring Committee has reported that terrorist groups continue to maintain a presence and conduct activities in Afghanistan, ranging from Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) to Al-Qaeda and Uyghur militants.

According to Ansar News Agency, the newly released report states that although the Taliban claim no terrorist groups are present in Afghanistan, United Nations member states have rejected this assertion.

In its latest findings, the Sanctions Monitoring Committee reports that Osama Mahmood, identified as the "emir" of Al-Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS), and his deputy, Yahya Ghouri, are present in Kabul.

The report further states that the media wing of this Al-Qaeda branch is based in Herat Province in western Afghanistan.

According to the findings, AQIS remains active in southeastern Afghanistan, where the Haqqani Network exerts significant influence.

The Committee states that Al-Qaeda continues to enjoy the support of Taliban officials and acts as a service provider and force multiplier for other terrorist groups in Afghanistan, particularly through training and advisory roles. The report notes that Al-Qaeda primarily provides training and guidance to members of Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).

It also expresses concern that during the reporting period, this Al-Qaeda branch has increasingly focused on external operations.

Greater Support and Operational Freedom for TTP

The Sanctions Monitoring Committee reports that Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan has been granted greater operational freedom and support by the Afghan Taliban, resulting in an increase in the group`s attacks against Pakistan.

Hakimullah Mehsud, former and slain leader of the Pakistani Taliban/archive photo

According to the report, TTP is one of the largest terrorist organizations operating in Afghanistan. Its attacks against Pakistani security forces and state structures have contributed to military confrontation between Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban.

The Committee reiterates that while Taliban authorities claim that no terrorist groups operate in Afghanistan, no UN member state has accepted this claim.

The report further notes that regional countries remain concerned about the number of terrorist groups present in Afghanistan and the implications of their influence, including cross-border attacks and the radicalization of vulnerable domestic populations.

Regarding ISIS-K, the report states that the group has come under significant pressure due to regional security operations and Taliban military actions. However, it retains considerable operational and combat capability and can rapidly replenish its ranks, including through online recruitment.

ISIS Khorasan forces undergoing military training in Afghanistan/archive photo

The report indicates that ISIS-K is primarily active in northern Afghanistan, particularly in Badakhshan Province and areas near the Pakistan border, and continues expanding its network to pose threats at both regional and broader levels.

The Committee also states that members of the Turkistan Islamic Movement and the Turkistan Islamic Party-composed of Uyghur militants-move freely within Afghanistan.

According to the report, these militants receive support from Taliban officials and have been issued identification documents by the group.

The findings indicate that members of these two organizations have gradually concentrated in Badakhshan Province in northeastern Afghanistan.

Citing a UN member state, the report notes that these groups finance their activities through poppy cultivation and mining operations.

The Committee further reports that 250 members of these groups joined the Taliban police in 2025.

Finally, citing another UN member state, the report states that these groups have called on their members in Syria and neighboring countries to relocate to Afghanistan in preparation for a "return to Xinjiang for jihad."