UNSC report finds Al-Qaeda, TTP active in six Afghan provinces

ISLAMABAD: A United Nations Security Council (UNSC) monitoring report has found “undeniable evidence” of the presence and activity of terrorist groups, including Al-Qaeda and Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan [Fitna al-Kharij], inside Afghanistan.

The 36th report of the Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team, submitted to the UN Security Council on July 24, 2025, warns that the de facto authorities in Afghanistan have given these groups free rein, enabling them to regroup, train, and rearm.

The report alleged that these organisations now pose a serious threat to Central Asia and other countries..

It further stated that Al-Qaeda’s operatives in Afghanistan are largely fighters of Arab origin, many of whom previously fought alongside the Taliban.

These fighters are present across six provinces: Ghazni, Helmand, Kandahar, Kunar, Uruzgan, and Zabul.

The monitoring team has reported the existence of several Al-Qaeda-linked training centres, and has identified three new facilities reportedly used to train both Al-Qaeda members and TTP militants.

The report further estimates the TTP strength at approximately 6,000 fighters, noting they have access to a range of weapons, which has increased the lethality of their attacks.

The UN monitoring team stresses that for sustainable peace and regional security in the region, it is essential to eliminate the facilitation of terrorists.