Taliban accused of sheltering terror groups

Kabul

Afghanistan still provides shelter to major terrorist groups like Al-Qaeda, Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), and ISIS-K, even after the 2020 Doha Agreement, according to a new report by the U.S. Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR).

The SIGAR report, quoted by Khaama Press, warns that Afghanistan under Taliban rule has become more dangerous, less stable, and more isolated from the world. It highlights the Taliban's failure to eliminate terrorist threats and instead accuses them of supporting militant groups.

One of the biggest concerns is ISIS-Khorasan, which the report calls the “largest transnational terrorist threat” from Afghanistan. This group reportedly targets minorities, diplomats, UN staff, and foreigners. The Taliban has also allegedly continued backing TTP, which has around 6,500 fighters in eastern Afghanistan. This support clearly breaks the Doha pledge, SIGAR noted.

The humanitarian situation is worsening too. After the U.S. stopped aid in April, millions of Afghans lost access to basic help. The International Rescue Committee reported “devastating” effects in the poorest areas. Before the aid cutoff, the U.S. had donated over $30 million to the 2025 UN humanitarian response plan.

Diplomatic talks have failed to make progress. The Taliban has resisted adopting international rules in exchange for economic support. Meanwhile, U.S. efforts are now limited to counterterrorism and evacuating citizens.

U.S. officials say they cannot support a government that harbors terrorists and enforces harsh restrictions, especially against women and girls.