Al-Qaeda trying to expand operations in Bangladesh, India, Myanmar: UN report

Al-Qaeda, one of dangerous terrorist groups in the world is reportedly shaping its regional wing to spread its operations in Bangladesh, Jammu and Kashmir in India and Myanmar.

According to a recent report by the United Nations, the militant outfit which involves in the attack at Twin Tower in 2001, is named after Al-Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS).

Osama Mehmood is the emir, or chief, having approximately 200 fighters behind him. 

These information are reported by the Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team of the UN Security Council in its 32nd report on July 25, citing assessments by some member states.

A member state assessed that al-Qaeda was preparing AQIS to expand its operations into neighboring Bangladesh, Jammu and Kashmir administered by India, and Myanmar.

That member state also stated that a small number of AQIS members are prepared to join or work with ISIL-K, the regional wing of the Islamic State (IS), the UN report stated. 

It also said some member states assessed Sayf al-Adl as most likely to succeed Aiman al-Zawahiri, the al-Qaeda chief who was killed in an US strike in Afghanistan in 2022. Sayf is reportedly in Iran.

The member states assessed ISIL-K as the most serious terrorist threat in Afghanistan and the wider region, benefiting from increased operational capabilities inside Afghanistan. ISIL-K is estimated to have 4,000 to 6,000 members, including family members.

One member state claimed that Sanaullah Ghafari was killed in Afghanistan in June, but the report emphasized that this has not yet been verified. Ghafari is thought to be the most ambitious leader of ISIL-K.

ISIL-K‍‍`s assaults on both the Taliban and foreign targets are become increasingly sophisticated. According to the report, the group was intent on carrying out a plan of high-profile strikes to jeopardize the Taliban‍‍`s capacity to provide security.

“The Taliban and Al-Qaida continue to have a tight and mutually beneficial relationship. Al-Qaida mostly operates clandestinely in Afghanistan to support the idea that the Taliban uphold commitments not to utilize Afghan territory for terrorist activities, ” the UN report stated. 

The member states voiced worry that Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) could become a regional menace if it continues to enjoy a safe operational base in Afghanistan, according to the article cited by India Today newspaper.

Some member states also expressed worry that the TTP would act as a hub for a variety of foreign groups to operate or possibly unite, evading Taliban attempts at control.

One member state raised the prospect of a merger between AQIS and TTP. According to its assessment, AQIS is advising TTP on how to execute further strikes inside Pakistan.

Additionally, it was claimed that TTP fighters were using ETIM/TIP training facilities in the province of Kunar, one of the 34 provinces of Afghanistan located in the northeastern zone.