Under U.S. command, forces in Afghanistan have launched a new operation aimed at capturing senior leaders of Al-Qaeda and the Taliban in the southern and eastern parts of the country. According to U.S. military officials, this operation, named Mountain Storm, has been ongoing since March 7, involving soldiers from the 13,000-strong coalition led by the U.S. Searches are being conducted in areas where it is said that Osama bin Laden, the leader of Al-Qaeda, is hiding. It is also reported that Pakistani soldiers will intensify operations near the Afghanistan border to prevent Al-Qaeda fighters from seeking refuge in Pakistan.
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New Military Operation in Afghanistan to Capture Senior Leaders of Al-Qaeda and Taliban - 2004-03-13
Feb 8, 2026
February 8, 2026
1 min read
📰 VOA Persian
📋 Key Takeaway
A new military operation named Mountain Storm has been initiated by U.S.-led forces in Afghanistan to capture Al-Qaeda and Taliban leaders, particularly targeting Osama bin Laden's hideouts. This operation, involving 13,000 coalition troops, began on March 7 and is complemented by increased Pakistani military efforts along the border.
🔍 Quick Context Guide
💡 Bottom Line:
The U.S. military's Operation Mountain Storm aims to disrupt Al-Qaeda and Taliban leadership, impacting regional security and international counterterrorism efforts.
👥 Key Players
U.S. Military
MENTIONED
Leading coalition forces in Afghanistan
"The U.S. is a key player in the fight against terrorism, impacting regional stability and security."
Al-Qaeda
MENTIONED
Terrorist organization
"Al-Qaeda's activities pose a direct threat to global security and have implications for Iran's security policies."
Taliban
MENTIONED
Insurgent group in Afghanistan
"The Taliban's control over parts of Afghanistan affects regional dynamics and Iran's border security."
Pakistani Military
MENTIONED
Supporting U.S. operations by securing the border
"Pakistan's actions influence the flow of militants and regional stability, which is of concern to Iran."
📰 What Happened
U.S.-led forces have launched Operation Mountain Storm in Afghanistan to capture senior leaders of Al-Qaeda and the Taliban, focusing on areas where Osama bin Laden is believed to be hiding. The operation began on March 7 and is supported by increased Pakistani military activity along the border.
- Operation Mountain Storm involves 13,000 coalition troops.
- The operation targets specific hideouts of Osama bin Laden.
💡 Why It Matters
🇮🇷 For Iran: Iran views U.S. military operations in Afghanistan with caution, as they could influence regional power dynamics and security threats.
🌍 Regional: The operation may destabilize the region further, affecting neighboring countries and their security policies.
🌐 International: The U.S. commitment to combating terrorism remains a focal point for international relations and security cooperation.
📚 Background
Following the September 11 attacks, the U.S. launched military operations in Afghanistan to dismantle Al-Qaeda and remove the Taliban from power. This ongoing conflict has significant implications for regional stability.
War on Terror
U.S.-Pakistan relations
📡 Source:
NEUTRAL
📊 Confidence:
70%
The information is presented from a military operations perspective, focusing on factual reporting of events.
🏷️ Entities Mentioned
🌐
Translated from the original and edited for English readers. View original source →
Translation confidence: 85%
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