KABUL: Al-Qaeda and its affiliated groups have established at least eight training sites in Afghanistan over the past three years, according to a report by The Washington Post citing US and Western intelligence officials and a United Nations organization monitoring terrorist networks.
The report, published on September 12, 2026, said the militant organization has been rebuilding its presence in Afghanistan following the Taliban’s return to power in 2021 and the withdrawal of US forces.
According to the report, the emergence of new training sites has raised concerns among counterterrorism officials, although current activity differs in important ways from Al-Qaeda’s presence in Afghanistan before the September 11, 2001 attacks.
Al-Qaeda Afghanistan Presence Expands
The Al-Qaeda Afghanistan presence has reportedly expanded through training facilities and safe houses across the country.
The Washington Post reported that Al-Qaeda and its offshoots have established at least eight training sites during the past three years. Other militant organizations have also established training facilities, with Islamist militant groups reportedly gaining a foothold in at least 14 of Afghanistan’s 34 provinces.
A United Nations report cited by the newspaper described Afghanistan as a permissive environment in which Al-Qaeda has been able to consolidate its presence through safe houses and training camps.
The report cited intelligence and security officials who said the current situation does not completely mirror the period before the September 11 attacks.
Difference From Pre-9/11 Al-Qaeda
According to the Washington Post report, militant groups operating training sites in Afghanistan now appear more focused on regional conflicts than on immediately preparing large-scale attacks against the United States and its allies.
The report also said Al-Qaeda’s activities appear to be constrained by its relationship with Taliban authorities, who are described as wary of provoking renewed international pressure.
Al-Qaeda’s senior leadership structure has also changed significantly since the era of Osama bin Laden. The newspaper reported that several senior leaders are believed to be outside Afghanistan, including in Iran or elsewhere.
Despite these differences, the reappearance of training camps has renewed concerns among counterterrorism officials about the group’s ability to rebuild its capabilities.
The Al-Qaeda Afghanistan issue has remained a subject of international concern since the Taliban returned to power in August 2021.
The Washington Post reported that US and Western officials believe the security environment created after the US withdrawal has provided militant groups with greater room to operate.
The newspaper also reported that Islamic State’s Afghanistan affiliate has established training sites, making it another significant militant presence in the country. Together, the various groups have reportedly developed a presence across multiple Afghan provinces.
The Taliban has previously pledged that Afghan territory would not be used by militant groups to threaten other countries. However, international monitoring organizations and security officials have continued to assess the presence and activities of Al-Qaeda and other militant organizations inside Afghanistan.
Al-Qaeda’s Historical Afghan Presence
Afghanistan has a long history with Al-Qaeda. Before the September 11, 2001 attacks, the organization operated training camps in the country and used Afghan territory as a base for recruiting and training militants.
According to the Washington Post, all 19 September 11 hijackers had spent time at Al-Qaeda camps or safe houses in Afghanistan before carrying out the attacks. The planning of the attacks also involved Al-Qaeda facilities in the country.
The US-led war in Afghanistan subsequently targeted Al-Qaeda’s infrastructure and leadership, while years of military and counterterrorism operations significantly disrupted the organization’s capabilities.
The latest report is likely to add to international scrutiny of Afghanistan’s security environment and the relationship between Taliban authorities and militant organizations.
While officials cited by The Washington Post did not describe the current situation as an exact repeat of the pre-9/11 period, the reported establishment of at least eight Al-Qaeda training sites demonstrates that the organization and its affiliates retain an operational presence in Afghanistan.
The development comes 25 years after the September 11 attacks and highlights the continuing international focus on militant networks operating from Afghanistan.
FAQs
How many Al-Qaeda training sites are reportedly operating in Afghanistan?
According to The Washington Post, Al-Qaeda and affiliated groups have established at least eight training sites in Afghanistan over the past three years.
Where are the Al-Qaeda training sites located?
The report indicates that Al-Qaeda and other militant groups have established facilities in different parts of Afghanistan. It does not provide a complete public list of all eight sites.
When did Al-Qaeda expand its presence in Afghanistan?
The reported expansion has taken place primarily since the Taliban returned to power in 2021, according to the Washington Post report.
Is the current Al-Qaeda presence the same as before 9/11?
No. The report describes important differences between the current situation and Al-Qaeda’s pre-September 11, 2001 presence. Current activities are reportedly more focused on regional conflicts, while the group’s senior leadership is also more dispersed.
Does the Taliban allow Al-Qaeda to operate in Afghanistan?
The relationship remains a subject of international scrutiny. The Taliban has pledged that Afghan territory will not be used to threaten other countries, while UN and Western officials have continued to report concerns about the presence of Al-Qaeda and other militant organizations.
