Key Points
- ISKP, TTP remain active threats, says UN official
- Concerns over Taliban counterterrorism commitments
- Regional security fears persist
ISLAMABAD: A senior United Nations counterterrorism official has said Al-Qaeda continues to maintain a presence in Afghanistan and retains links with the Taliban.
The UN official’s remarks have raised fresh concerns about the country’s role as a base for militant groups despite commitments made under the 2020 Doha Agreement.
Acting United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Counter-Terrorism Alexandre Zouev, in remarks reported by Russia’s TASS news agency, said Al-Qaeda remains active in Afghanistan.
The UN official also identified Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP) and Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) among the most active terrorist organisations operating from Afghan territory.
He warned that the continued activities of these groups pose a threat to regional and international security.
The remarks add to a series of United Nations assessments that have questioned the Taliban’s ability or willingness to sever ties with militant organisations and prevent Afghan soil from being used for terrorism.
Reports highlight Al-Qaeda presence in Afghanistan
UN monitoring reports have repeatedly highlighted the presence of Al-Qaeda members and other extremist groups in different parts of Afghanistan, despite assurances from the Taliban that it does not allow the country to be used against other states.
The Taliban pledged under the Doha Agreement signed with the United States in February 2020 that it would prevent terrorist groups from operating on Afghan territory.
However, international monitoring bodies and several governments have continued to express concern over the activities of Al-Qaeda, ISKP and TTP in Afghanistan since the Taliban returned to power in August 2021.
The Taliban interim government has consistently rejected allegations that it supports or shelters terrorist organisations.
The interim government in Afghanistan is insisting that it remains committed to preventing threats from emanating from Afghanistan.
Nevertheless, security analysts warn that the continued presence of internationally designated militant groups could undermine regional stability and complicate efforts to secure broader international engagement with the Taliban-led administration., Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan, Counterterrorism, Doha Agreement, Regional Security.
About Alexandre Zouev
Zouev, a veteran United Nations official with more than three decades of international service, was appointed Acting Under-Secretary-General for Counter-Terrorism in September 2025.
A Russian national, he previously served as Assistant Secretary-General for Rule of Law and Security Institutions in the Department of Peace Operations, overseeing the United Nations Police, Mine Action Service and other security-related programmes.
Since joining the UN in 1990, he has held senior positions with the United Nations Development Programme, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the United Nations Office for Project Services, with extensive experience in peacekeeping, security sector reform and countering violent extremism.
He holds a doctorate in development economics from the Moscow State Institute of International Relations (MGIMO).
