UN Report Confirms Al-Qaeda, Uyghur Militants Active in Afghanistan Despite Taliban Denials

KABUL / Afghanistan – A new United Nations Security Council report has reaffirmed that international terrorist groups continue to operate freely across Afghanistan, with key leaders of Al-Qaeda and Uyghur militant movements present in the country and, in some cases, expanding their activities with Taliban acquiescence.

According to the Sixteenth Report of the UN Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team, submitted to the Security Council under resolution 2763 (2024), the Al-Qaeda affiliate known as Al-Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS) maintains a significant presence in Afghanistan. The report identifies Osama Mahmood as the “Emir” (leader) of AQIS and Yahya Ghori as his deputy in Kabul. The group’s media operations are reportedly based in Herat province in western Afghanistan.

The Monitoring Team noted that AQIS remains active in southeastern provinces, particularly in areas where the Haqqani Network retains deep influence. It also states that the group continues to function as a provider of training, advisory support, and logistics to other armed networks, especially the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).

Despite repeated Taliban assertions that no foreign terrorist organizations operate within Afghanistan, the UN report emphasizes that such claims are not credible, citing ongoing attacks by TTP fighters operating from Afghan territory. The report states: “The ruling authorities effectively deny the presence or activity of any terrorist groups on Afghan soil. This claim is not credible.” These attacks have strained relations with neighboring Pakistan and illustrate the continuing permissive environment for extremist groups under Taliban rule.

The UN report also highlights the presence and movements of Uyghur militant organizations, including the Eastern Turkistan Islamic Movement (ETIM) and the Turkistan Islamic Party (TIP). These groups, composed primarily of Uyghur fighters, are reported to move freely within Afghanistan and, according to one UN member state, have even received identity documents from Taliban authorities. The Monitoring Team notes their growing concentration in Badakhshan province in the northeast.