In a recent report, the United Nations revealed the allegiance “Bay’ah” of the al-Qaeda leader to the Taliban leader.
According to the report, al-Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri has sworn allegiance to Taliban leader Hebatullah Akhundzadah, renewing the two groups’ long-standing affiliation and alliance.
Al-Qaeda acquired “greater freedom of action” after the Taliban took over the government, according to the report.
The Taliban are operating like the group that transformed Afghanistan into a “safe haven” for terrorist groups 20 years ago, according to the UN in a 25-page report.
According to the United Nations, the Taliban have recruited wanted international offenders who are on the organization’s blacklist, to hold significant positions.
The report comes as senior US military commanders have previously reported to the Congress that the Taliban are colluding with al-Qaeda.
The level of terrorist activity, according to Sean O’Donnell, acting Inspector General of the US Department of Defense, varied in the quarter of the year.
He claims that al-Qaeda’s activities in Afghanistan have decreased as the Taliban seek international legitimacy, and that the two are likely to be linked.
Despite long-standing ties between al-Qaeda leaders and senior Taliban leaders, al-Qaeda’s travels in Afghanistan have been limited, according to the report.
Al-Qaeda’s network attacks may escalate once the Taliban acquires international legitimacy, according to a US Department of Defense report, and it will train and recruit for its foreign attacks.
