Former Afghan Lt. Gen. Sami Sadat warns that Afghanistan has transformed into a breeding ground for terrorism following the US withdrawal and Taliban takeover, providing al-Qaeda a safe haven and fueling its resurgence.
Afghanistan, once again, has become a "crucible of international terrorism," warns former Afghan Lt. Gen. Sami Sadat, a grim reminder of the consequences of the US withdrawal and the Taliban's swift takeover three years ago.
Despite the staggering cost of the 20-year war in Afghanistan, with over 6,200 American soldiers and contractors killed, al-Qaeda has resurged, becoming stronger than it was before the 9/11 attacks, argues Sadat.
Afghanistan's Descent into Terrorism: A Crucible for al-Qaeda's Return
"There is 50,000 al Qaeda members and al Qaeda associates in Afghanistan – most of them have trained for overseas operations in the last three years," Sadat, who served in the Afghan military and security apparatus for nearly two decades, told Fox News Digital.
This alarming figure is only half of the total al Qaeda militants Sadat estimates are scattered across the Arab world, a shocking contrast to the 4,000 members the group had prior to 9/11. Al-Qaeda now operates in at least 19 countries, including a dozen training camps established in Afghanistan after the US pullout.
Afghanistan's Descent into Terrorism: A Crucible for al-Qaeda's Return
The Taliban's return has provided al-Qaeda with a new rallying cry and a safe base, enabling it to adapt to changing policies and outwait the West in Iraq and Afghanistan, as highlighted in Sadat's book, "The Last Commander: The Once and Future Battle for Afghanistan."
Unlike the pre-9/11 al-Qaeda, reliant on private funding, the current iteration has found support in nation-states, most notably Iran. In 2021, then-Secretary of State Mike Pompeo declared that Iran had become "al-Qaeda's new home base," a development that signals a shift in the fight against Islamic extremism.
Afghanistan's Descent into Terrorism: A Crucible for al-Qaeda's Return
Reports have surfaced that Iran has been strengthening ties with al-Qaeda and the Taliban, offering financial assistance and providing arms, with the goal of uniting against the US and its allies.
In October 2021, a meeting in Tehran between Iran's Quds Force leader, al-Qaeda's international operations leader Saif al-Adel (now the group's leader), and the Taliban's Mulla Abdul Hakim Mujahid paved the way for cooperation, with Iran allegedly offering to finance al-Qaeda's reconstitution and recruitment.
Afghanistan's Descent into Terrorism: A Crucible for al-Qaeda's Return
Sadat warns that this alliance has had a profound impact on the Middle East. "They started a process of peace, brokering between these groups across the Middle East," he said, pointing to the truce formed between Shi'a Houthi rebels in Yemen and Sunni al-Qaeda militants.
A series of poor strategic decisions in Afghanistan, fueled by political turmoil in the US, led to devastating consequences for the country and global security. Sadat argues that the failure to eliminate the Taliban, counter state-funded entities like Iran, and provide consistent support to Afghan forces weakened the country and encouraged terrorist groups to form alliances with Western adversaries.
Afghanistan's Descent into Terrorism: A Crucible for al-Qaeda's Return
Today, Afghanistan has become a haven for terrorism once more, with al-Qaeda thriving under Taliban protection. For Sadat, who is determined to return to Afghanistan someday, there is a burning desire to reclaim the country and guide it towards peace and prosperity. But for now, he remains a "general without an army," fighting a different battle from exile.
