Coalition forces maintain pressure as terrorist groups struggle to rebuild

Despite the declining operational capabilities of al-Qaeda and its affiliates in recent years, counterterrorism forces have maintained relentless pressure on these groups.

Even with structural weaknesses, they continue to rebuild by adopting new tactics and exploiting cyberspace.

Coalition forces, particularly in Africa and the Middle East, remain focused on targeting and eliminating key operatives.

According to think tank New America, which tracks AFRICOM data, the US Africa Command (AFRICOM) carried out at least 80 airstrikes in Somalia during the first eight months of this year.

More than half of these strikes, conducted in coordination with Somalia’s federal government, targeted members of the "Islamic State of Iraq and Syria" (ISIS), while the remainder focused on al-Shabaab, al-Qaeda’s affiliate in the country.

Need for sustained pressure

"Al-Qaeda and its affiliates may be weaker today compared to a decade ago, but this weakness should not be mistaken for the end of the threat," warned Asif Taheri, a security expert based in Ankara, Türkiye.

"Experiences in Afghanistan, Yemen, and Somalia have shown that these groups exploit any security gaps," he told Salaam Times.

"When counterterrorism forces increase military pressure, al-Qaeda shifts toward information warfare and propaganda, which is why military pressure must be accompanied by political and economic measures," he added.

"If these pressures stop, the groups regain strength, which is why coalition forces continue targeted operations against their leaders and key centers even after al-Qaeda’s weakening," Taheri said.

Countering extremists' ideology

Ali Akbar Muhammadi, a global security analyst based in London, described the multi-layered nature of the fight, emphasizing that coalition forces must not only eliminate dangerous terrorists and arms trafficking networks but also prevent ideological influence.

"In Somalia, Syria, and parts of North Africa, military operations continue without pause. But more important than physical destruction of terrorists is breaking their recruitment cycle," he said.

"If coalition forces rely solely on airstrikes, al-Qaeda can attract followers by portraying local populations as victims," he added. "Therefore, balancing military force with soft measures is vital, and this is something the international community must better understand."

Muhammadi said that ongoing pressure prevents al-Qaeda from rebuilding operational capabilities while enhancing security for vulnerable communities in countries such as Somalia, Yemen, and Afghanistan.

"Instability has always been a major weakness for countries, and al-Qaeda exploits exactly this weakness," said Mukhtar Mosawi, an international relations analyst in Kabul.

"In terrorism-affected countries, when governments fail to provide basic services and security, al-Qaeda fills the void. That is why counterterrorism strategies must go beyond destroying terrorists," he added.

"Training local forces, securing borders, rebuilding infrastructure, and creating economic opportunities must be part of these efforts. Without them, even the most successful military operations will yield only temporary results," he said.