A-Qaeda and Taliban still allied, alleges US

KABUL (Pajhwok): Al-Qaeda is gaining strength in Afghanistan under Taliban’s protection, alleges the US Treasury Department.

Despite signing a peace deal with the US in February last year, the Taliban has not yet severed ties with Al-Qaeda, the Treasury Department claimed in a new report.

The insurgent outfits stayed closely allied, the department said In response to inquiries from the Department of Defense’s lead inspector general on illicit terrorism financing.

The report added: “As of 2020, Al-Qaeda is gaining strength in Afghanistan while continuing to operate with the Taliban under the Taliban’s protection.

It maintained the Al-Qaeda was still dependent on donations from like-minded supporters and from individuals who believed their money was benefiting humanitarian or charitable causes.

The report continued “Al-Qaeda capitalises on its relationship with the Taliban through its network of mentors and advisers who are embedded with the Taliban, providing advice, guidance and financial support.

According to the Treasury Department, senior Haqqani Network leaders have discussed forming a new joint unit of armed fighters in cooperation with and funded by Al-Qaeda.

About finances of Al-Qaeda in Afghanistan, the report said: “ISIS-K primarily raises funds through local donations, taxation, extortion and some support from ISIS-core.

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