Security

Al-Qaeda rebuilding operational capabilities in Afghanistan: UN

By Emran

A man reads a newspaper in Kabul on May 3, 2011. It details the death of al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden. [Massoud Hossaini/AFP]

A man reads a newspaper in Kabul on May 3, 2011. It details the death of al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden. [Massoud Hossaini/AFP]

KABUL -- Al-Qaeda is working to rebuild its operational capabilities in Afghanistan, according to a July 10 report from the United Nations (UN) al-Qaeda Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team.

It also is collaborating with other extremist groups, the report notes, adding that despite its limited capacity to conduct large-scale attacks, al-Qaeda's intent remains firm.

In Afghanistan, al-Qaeda elements are engaging with warlords, propagandists, recruiters and financiers, the report says, while "experienced instructors" have traveled into the country to fortify dispersed cells.

The extremist network continues to maintain training camps and safe houses in several provinces, including Nangarhar, Kandahar, Kunar, Nuristan and Takhar.

The report follows a recent appeal from al-Qaeda leader Saif al-Adel to supporters worldwide, urging them to travel to Afghanistan for training.

Haven for extremists

The UN report indicates al-Qaeda has turned Afghanistan into a safe haven for itself and other extremist groups, military analysts say.

Over a period of close to three years, al-Qaeda in Afghanistan has once again emerged as a serious global threat, said Kabul-based military analyst Abdul Ghani Lalzaad.

"The al-Qaeda network has reached its pre-2001 capacities in Afghanistan," he said. "It has increased its ability to carry out attacks anywhere in the world by recruiting new forces and establishing shelters and training centers."

"Al-Qaeda, using its safe havens in Afghanistan, has strengthened its connections with its other members in Pakistan, the Middle East and even Africa," Lalzaad said.

Senior al-Qaeda elements have returned to Afghanistan and are managing the network with a sense of security, he noted.

Terrorist network

Al-Qaeda has reemerged in Afghanistan, and is attracting other extremist groups, said Kabul-based political analyst Abdul Latif Haqmal.

"Al-Qaeda acts as a mother organization for other terrorist groups," Haqmal said, warning that "as this network strengthens, other terrorist groups also will be reinforced."

"It seems that al-Qaeda has been revived and that its leaders feel secure in Afghanistan," he said, adding that "all al-Qaeda leaders based in Afghanistan should be targeted and eliminated, just like Ayman al-Zawahiri."

Herat province civil society activist Jawad Ameed compared the presence and covert activities of al-Qaeda in Afghanistan to a fire smoldering beneath the ashes, which could flare up at any moment.

"While al-Qaeda is busy planning and plotting killings ... in various countries, the world should not remain silent. Al-Qaeda has not come to Afghanistan for a visit; it is planning major attacks worldwide," Ameed warned.

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Nangarhar Province, which has been severely affected by heavy rains, hail, and storms in the past two days, has not yet returned to normal, and the people are in great fear. Nangarhar, there are families who have lost seven or even ten members to the recent deadly storms and are still living under the open sky. The hail and typhoons in the Surkh Rod and Sheikh Misri regions have destroyed solar and water networks, creating severe problems. This major disaster has resulted in 47 deaths and over 350 injuries, highlighting the urgent need for assistance. The International Organization for the Protection of Children, known as "Save the Children," published a report on Tuesday, July 16. The report stated that heavy rains, floods, and storms in Nangarhar, Laghman, and Kunar have killed 40 people and left 1,500 children homeless. Save the Children has stated that 1.36 million people, including 858,000 children, live in the affected districts of Nangarhar, Laghman, and Kunar. In its report, the organization, citing Taliban government officials, mentioned that 400 homes have been destroyed in these three provinces due to the storms and rains. According to some residents of the affected areas, the Taliban government's Ministry of State for Natural Disaster Management and other related relief teams, including the WFP, have arrived in Nangarhar and begun surveys to distribute aid to the people. This comes as floods claimed five lives in Kunar and one life in Kapisa on Monday.

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I do not believe there are any groups in Afghanistan that pose a threat to other countries, especially the West. Some media reports are based on information obtained from Pakistani officials. Pakistani agencies often share information against Afghanistan and aim to once again engage the world with Afghans, kill Afghans, and destroy Afghanistan. Whatever the international community does, it should do it with the ruling group in Afghanistan. It does not matter who holds power in Afghanistan, but it is better for the international community to talk with the ruling government in Kabul and not be deceived by the statements of Pakistani officials and agencies.

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