Recent remarks by former Afghan intelligence chief Ahmad Zia Saraj have brought fresh attention to a long-standing concern. He says the Taliban maintained close links with groups like the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan and the East Turkestan Islamic Movement. These were not loose contacts. Instead, they were steady and organized partnerships.
During the 20 year war, the Taliban relied on these groups for support. They shared safe places to hide, training facilities and weapons. They also helped each other with planning and movement. Most worrying is the claim that fighters, including suicide bombers, were exchanged between groups. This suggests a deep level of trust and coordination.
At the same time, the Taliban have often said they cut ties with such groups. However, these new details raise doubts about those claims. If these links were so strong in the past, it is hard to believe they simply disappeared.
After the Taliban returned to power in 2021, the situation did not change much. Instead, these networks appear to have found more space to operate. Afghanistan is now seen by many as a safe place where such groups can regroup and plan.
As a result, concerns are growing across the region. Neighboring countries fear that attacks can be planned from Afghan soil. This creates tension and insecurity beyond Afghanistan’s borders. Reports by the United Nations Security Council Monitoring Team have also warned that several terrorist groups, including TTP and Al-Qaeda linked elements, continue to find safe haven and operational space inside Afghanistan. Similar concerns have been raised by international security and counterterrorism organizations, highlighting ongoing risks of cross-border militancy.
Meanwhile, ordinary Afghans continue to suffer. Years of conflict have already taken a heavy toll. Now, the presence of multiple armed groups makes daily life even more uncertain.
The issue is not just about the Taliban or one country. It is about a wider network that affects regional peace. Ignoring these links could allow the problem to grow further.
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