Marco Rubio emphasized the risks posed by ungoverned territories in Taliban-controlled Afghanistan where extremist groups can operate. He noted the difference from the pre-9/11 environment, stating there’s less control over territory and no U.S. presence for direct action. Recent U.N. reports confirm al-Qaida’s and IS-K’s continued activities in Afghanistan, raising alarms about potential global threats.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio highlighted that there are ungoverned regions in Taliban-controlled Afghanistan, which could serve as operational grounds for extremist groups. During an interview with Catherine Herridge on X, he was queried about potential safe havens established by al-Qaida and ISIS in Afghanistan, suggesting these conditions present risks reminiscent of the era before the September 11 attacks, though not identical to that landscape.
Rubio remarked, “I wouldn’t say it’s the pre-9/11 landscape, but… it creates the opportunity for these groups” due to the Taliban’s limited control over the territory. He noted the significant shift since ten years ago, emphasizing that without American forces on the ground, it’s more challenging to monitor and address these terrorist threats effectively.
The Taliban has shown mixed responses regarding actions against extremist groups within its borders. Rubio indicated that the Taliban has sometimes cooperated when informed about ISIS or al-Qaida activity, while in other instances, they have not. He stressed that the situation remains uncertain, not just confined to Afghanistan, suggesting a broader global security concern.
Following Rubio’s remarks, the United Nations reported that al-Qaida continues to operate in Afghanistan, enjoying shelter from the Taliban’s intelligence apparatus. Their recent assessment stated that the Taliban permits a conducive environment for al-Qaida, enabling the establishment of safe houses and training camps throughout Afghanistan.
The report highlighted the increasing risks posed by the Islamic State-Khorasan (IS-K), labeling it as a significant extra-regional terrorist threat. The IS-K has been implicated in attacks not only against Taliban officials and Afghan minorities but also in Europe, actively trying to recruit from Central Asian neighboring countries.
The Taliban regained control of Afghanistan in August 2021 when the former government collapsed as U.S. and NATO forces withdrew from a nearly 20-year military presence in the country.
In conclusion, Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s insights underline the ongoing terrorist threats emerging from Afghanistan under Taliban rule. The unrestrained environment allows groups like al-Qaida and ISIS to exploit the situation, raising serious global security concerns. With the Taliban’s inconsistent cooperation and the absence of U.S. forces, monitoring and countering these threats becomes increasingly complex, as highlighted by recent U.N. reports.
Original Source: www.voanews.com
