UN Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team’s 38th report argues that Al-Qaida provides ideological guidance, training, and support to the TTP in its insurgency against Pakistan. Terrorists affiliated with the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) were also trained alongside TTP members by Al-Qaida trainers in Afghanistan.
The de facto authorities (Afghan Taliban) continued to support the TTP, contributing to an escalation in attacks against Pakistan. As in previous editions, the report was unequivocal in its assessment of Kabul’s role, stating that “the de facto authorities (Taliban) continued their support to the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), which escalated attacks against Pakistan, provoking military exchanges.” Furthermore, five years after the Taliban takeover, the continued availability of large quantities of advanced weapons and other military equipment enabled the de facto authorities to transfer such weapons to the TTP and other terrorist groups.
The terrorist threat emanating from Afghanistan remained largely unchanged. The ability of numerous terrorist groups to operate in Afghanistan constituted an enduring threat to neighboring countries and the Central Asian region.
Additionally, ISIL-K has modern tactical equipment, including drones, night-vision devices, and thermal imagers, and received training in urban combat and the use of drones at camps located in Afghanistan. ISIL-K and the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) shared facilitation networks for the provision of logistics.
Similarly, ETIM/TIP is training its militants at Al-Qaida’s newly established training camps in Barg-e-Matal, Nuristan. The group has emphasized investment in and the development of drones. The group continued to urge its members in the Syrian Arab Republic to move to Afghanistan, and some have relocated.
Al-Qaida in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS) formed the backbone of Ittehad-ul-Mujahideen Pakistan (IMP). IMP is responsible for multiple attacks in Pakistan, resulting in numerous casualties. AQIS leadership in Kabul has reportedly been issued Tazkiras, suggesting close cooperation between the Taliban and AQIS.
Al-Qaida’s status and strength in Afghanistan remained unchanged. On 28 April, Al-Qaida’s official media outlet, the As-Sahab Media Foundation, published a statement supporting the TTP and, for the first time, its operations against Pakistan.
