UN Security Council Report Classifies 25 Active Terrorist Groups in Afghanistan

A report drawing on United Nations Security Council documents has classified 25 active terrorist groups in Afghanistan into six categories based on geographical origins, strategic objectives, and threat levels.

Many of the groups have restructured into small cells, affiliated networks, or front organizations to evade pressure, with about 23 absorbed into larger entities operating under the Taliban protective umbrella.

The Islamic State Khorasan Province maintains between 2,000 and 4,000 fighters, is led mainly by Afghans with significant Central Asian membership, and does not recognize Taliban legitimacy. The group has been linked to the Crocus concert hall attack in Moscow.

Al-Qaeda is reported to be rebuilding bases and training centers in several Afghan provinces while holding influence inside Taliban structures. Its Indian Subcontinent branch is led by Osama Mahmoud and Yahya Ghori, who operate from Kabul with media activities based in Herat.

Six to seven smaller anti-Pakistan groups have integrated into Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan. The assessment identifies the Islamic State Khorasan Province, al-Qaeda, and Central Asian militant groups as the main sources of cross-border threats.