How Osama’s Son Hamza bin Laden Spreading Terror Network In Afghanistan?

Kabul: Is terror outfit Al-Qaeda, which was once the synonym of terrorism across the world, regrouping and acquiring capabilities to plan some major terror attacks? The latest inputs from the intelligence agencies hint at something big from the terror group amidst intelligence reports that the son of Osama Bin Laden, Hamza Bin Laden, is alive and has taken command of Al-Qaeda. The shocking revelation made by the intelligence agencies contradicted the claims of 2019, which stated that Hamza Bin Laden was killed in a US airstrike in the same year. 

The resurgence of Al-Qaeda in Afghanistan poses significant challenges for Western nations, despite the Taliban’s assurances that they would prevent Afghanistan from becoming a haven for terrorism. As Al-Qaeda appears to be significantly attempting to cement its hold in Afghanistan, the US and its allies must be reassessing their counterterrorism strategies, particularly against Al-Qaeda.

UN Noted Increasing Presence of Foreign  Fighters in Afghanistan

The United Nations has also noted an increasing presence of foreign fighters in Afghanistan, with militants from Arab countries, Central Asia, and even Europe flocking to the country to train and join the fight. This influx of fighters, combined with the training camps run by Al-Qaeda and other groups, makes Afghanistan a global epicentre of jihadist activity.

The Taliban and Al-Qaeda have shared deep historical ties dating back to the 1990s when Osama bin Laden first established al-Qaida’s headquarters in Afghanistan. These ties persisted despite the US-led invasion in 2001, and they are now stronger than ever.

"The resurgence and stronger ties between the Taliban and al-Qaida and the establishment of its training camps in Afghanistan represent a profound threat to the West," said one intelligence dossier. Western officials are particularly concerned that the Taliban is facilitating the movement of al-Qaida operatives between Afghanistan and Iran, allowing them to regroup and plan attacks with minimal interference.

According to the intelligence reports, Al-Qaeda has set up several safe houses, Madarsas, weapon stockpiles and training camps. As per claims, Al-Qaeda’s safe houses are located in Herat, Bakwa, Farah, Helmand, and Kabul, while the outfit has training camps in Badghis, Uruzgan, Helmand, Zabul, Ghazni, Nangarhar, Laghman, Parwan, Kunar and Nuristan.

The terror group-run Madarsas are situation in Nuristan, Nangarhar, Laghman, Parwan and Kunar, while Al-Qaeda's weapon stockpile is reportedly in Afghanistan's Panjshir.