KABUL (SW) – Analysts believe Al-Qaeda continue to seek foothold in Afghanistan and it might even get support from Pakistan for this objective.
In a latest press briefing, Pentagon Press Secretary John F. Kirby said it was possible that groups like ISIS-K, and even Al-Qaeda could try to find a renewed foothold in Afghanistan, with the US departure from Afghanistan. “But I don’t believe that we would at all agree that our departure from Afghanistan was a mistake. Our troops had fought there for 20 years, had accomplished the mission for which they were sent”, he said.
However, Bilal Karimi, a deputy spokesman for the Islamic Emirate, told Salam Watandar that the Islamic Emirate’s policy on world affairs was clear. He reaffirmed that the Afghan territory is not being used against anyone or any country.
Meanwhile, a number of analysts do not consider the US Department of Defense report far from possible. According to them, it is possible that the Al-Qaeeda might resume its activities in the future.
Mahmoud Heydari, an intelligence expert, says al-Qaeda will have Pakistan’s support to launch any threats and activities.
Political analyst Gul Muhammad Gulzay says Al-Qaeda is present in some border areas of Afghanistan. According to him, the network may resume operations in the future. He added that the Islamic Emirate should not support Al-Qaeda in the light of past bitter experiences, and if it does, Afghanistan will once again become a battleground for foreign countries.
According to the Doha Agreement, the Islamic Emirate should not allow any foreign terrorist groups to operate in Afghanistan, but US military officials say that although the Islamic Emirate has restricted Al-Qaeda leaders’ travel and training opportunities, they have close ties to the Emirate.
ENDS
