KABUL: In response to a recent UN Security Council report alleging the establishment of new Al-Qaeda training centers in Afghanistan, the Taliban government has dismissed the claims. The UNSC committee’s report, citing intelligence from member states, suggested that Al-Qaeda had set up eight training camps in Afghanistan with the Taliban’s support.
Taliban chief spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid rejected the accusations, labeling them as “false” and part of the “propaganda” from countries that supported Afghanistan’s previous pro-US administration. Mujahid insisted that there is no association with Al-Qaeda in Afghanistan, and the Islamic Emirate does not allow Afghan territory to be used against others.
The UN sanctions team identified ISIS-K as the primary threat in Afghanistan, with increased strength noted for the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), operating from Afghanistan. The report suggested that, possibly with Al-Qaeda’s support, the TTP operated from Afghan territory across borders.
Mujahid dismissed these assessments, referring to the US-led war and NATO forces stationed in Afghanistan until the Taliban’s takeover in 2021. He urged the UN Security Council to remain neutral, expressing concerns about potential political and economic motivations influencing reports that could impact the council’s status and credibility. Additionally, Mujahid pointed out that certain member states of the Security Council, having faced defeat in Afghanistan, might be disseminating animosity and unfounded rumors.
