5 Terrorism Trends to Watch in 2021
2020 emphasized the importance of staying nimble as multiple threats simultaneously unfold. Keep Reading
Taliban, al-Qaeda Behind Illegal Drug Trade in Afghanistan, Says Counter-Narcotics Chief
The ministry said the provinces such as Helmand, Nimroz, Farah and Badakhshan where the Taliban has more influence, poppy cultivation and drug processing "have been on the rise" compared to other places. Keep Reading
Afghan VP Blames Taliban for Maintaining Ties with al-Qaeda
First Vice President Amrullah on Sunday said that the Taliban still maintains ties with al Qaeda and that their separation “is harder than desalination.” Keep Reading
IS Khorasan, the U.S.–Taliban Deal, and the Future of South Asian Security
The relative rise of IS-K comes at a time when Afghanistan is embarking on a long process of reconciliation and potential peace with the Taliban, as the US plans its military withdrawal. Keep Reading
General Confirms the U.S. Has Helped the Taliban by Launching Drone Strikes Against ISIS
The head of U.S. Central Command confirmed on Thursday that the U.S. military has conducted drone strikes on the Islamic State terrorist group to assist the Taliban. Keep Reading
Taliban Reacts to U.S. Election Results After Endorsement of Trump
Group declares that "the future American president and administration need to be vigilant of war-mongering circles" who oppose pullout agreement that continues despite increased Taliban violence and continued al-Qaeda ties. Keep Reading
Afghanistan Attacks Up 50 Percent from Previous Quarter, Inspector General Tells Congress
SIGAR asked USFOR-A whether there have been any confirmed or suspected Taliban attacks on U.S. personnel or facilities since the beginning of the Afghan peace negotiations. The question drew a classified response. Keep Reading
Afghanistan’s Terrorism Challenge: The Political Trajectories of al-Qaeda, the Afghan Taliban, and the Islamic State
As America prepares to pull out its military forces from the country, policymakers remain divided on how terrorist groups in Afghanistan might challenge the security of the U.S. and the threat they pose to allies and regional countries. Keep Reading
Living with the Taliban: Local Experiences in Andar District, Ghazni Province
The Taleban have developed a structured governing system in Andar. Fighters and commanders play sweeping roles, including constituting the district’s supervisory commission, staffing various sectoral commissions to do with health, education etc. Keep Reading
At Least 30, Mostly Youths, Killed in Suicide Bombing in Western Kabul
At least 30 people were killed and over 70 were wounded outside an educational center in the western part of Kabul city on Saturday evening, a security official confirmed. Keep Reading
Al-Qaeda Remains Close to Taliban: UN Official
According to the UN official, the Taliban consulted on regular basis with al-Qaeda during the peace negotiations with the US. Keep Reading
Trump Bid for Reelection Receives Unusual Endorsement
President Trump's reelection bid received a vote of support Friday from an entity most in his party would reject: the Taliban. Keep Reading
U.S. Embassy Warns Women of Heightened Attack Risk in Afghanistan
The message issued by the U.S. Embassy in Kabul advises citizens to review personal security plans and carry a communication device, notify a trusted person of travel and movement plans, avoid large crowds, gatherings, and demonstrations. Keep Reading
The Evolution of Terror: 6 Critical Threats 19 Years After 9/11
There are some familiar faces as well as new threats keeping counter-extremism on its toes. Keep Reading
Green Berets Receive Valor Awards for Grueling Eight-Hour Firefight Against Elite Taliban Force in Afghanistan
A group of Green Berets has received valor awards for their heroic actions during a grueling eight-hour firefight against Taliban forces in Afghanistan last year, the Army announced last week. Keep Reading
Esper Says U.S. Troop Presence in Afghanistan Will be ‘Less Than 5,000’ by November
Esper cautioned that the troop reduction would be "conditions-based" and carried out as long as the Pentagon felt it could proceed with missions in the region with fewer troops. Keep Reading
Al-Qaeda Training Taliban in Helmand: Local Officials
Local officials in Helmand province, in southern Afghanistan, have said that Al Qaeda has a strong presence in the province's districts alongside the Durand Line and in border areas between Afghanistan and Iran. Keep Reading
A Bloodied ISIS Still a Threat in Afghanistan as It Looks to Recruit Disgruntled Taliban
The Islamic State affiliate in Afghanistan has suffered heavy losses in the past year but could spoil the country’s peace process by attacking cities and recruiting Taliban splinter groups angered by the negotiations. Keep Reading
Afghan Girl Who Killed Taliban Gunmen ‘Ready to Fight Again’
An Afghan girl who shot dead two Taliban fighters after they gunned down her parents said she was ready to confront any other insurgents who might try to attack her. Keep Reading
‘Don’t Redeem the Taliban,’ Afghan Social Media Users Ask World Before Peace Talks
Afghans shared accounts of violence linked to the Taliban on social media with the hashtag phrase ‘don’t redeem the Taliban’ as anxiety grows as the United States withdraws troops and attempts to usher peace talks with the militant group. Keep Reading