The New York Times, citing U.S. intelligence officials, reports that some members of Al-Qaeda have begun their covert return to Afghanistan through Pakistan. The newspaper, quoting unnamed officials, states that the return of these terrorist network members is still occurring on a small scale and in small groups. According to the report, the return of some Al-Qaeda members to Afghanistan poses a serious threat to the government of Hamid Karzai, which is supported by the United States. Meanwhile, the U.S. military in Afghanistan has stated that it has recently launched extensive operations against Al-Qaeda terrorists in southeastern Afghanistan near the Pakistan border.
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Recent Movements of Al-Qaeda Members - 2002-09-10
Feb 12, 2026
February 12, 2026
1 min read
📰 VOA Persian
📋 Key Takeaway
Members of Al-Qaeda are reportedly returning to Afghanistan from Pakistan, posing a threat to the U.S.-backed government of Hamid Karzai. The U.S. military has initiated operations against these terrorists in southeastern Afghanistan.
🔍 Quick Context Guide
💡 Bottom Line:
The covert return of Al-Qaeda members to Afghanistan represents a significant threat to regional stability and U.S. interests.
👥 Key Players
Al-Qaeda
MENTIONED
Terrorist organization
"Al-Qaeda's activities have significant implications for regional stability and security, particularly in relation to U.S. interests and Iranian security concerns."
Hamid Karzai
MENTIONED
Former President of Afghanistan
"As a U.S.-backed leader, Karzai's government is crucial for U.S. interests in the region and its stability affects Iran's border security."
U.S. Military
MENTIONED
Military force in Afghanistan
"The U.S. military's operations against Al-Qaeda are key to maintaining influence in Afghanistan and countering terrorism that could spill over into Iran."
📰 What Happened
Members of Al-Qaeda are reportedly returning to Afghanistan from Pakistan, which poses a threat to the U.S.-backed Afghan government led by Hamid Karzai. The U.S. military has responded by launching operations against these terrorists in southeastern Afghanistan.
- Al-Qaeda members are returning in small groups.
- The U.S. military is conducting extensive operations against Al-Qaeda in southeastern Afghanistan.
💡 Why It Matters
🇮🇷 For Iran: The resurgence of Al-Qaeda in Afghanistan could destabilize the region, leading to increased security threats for Iran, especially if extremist groups gain strength.
🌍 Regional: The return of Al-Qaeda members could undermine the Karzai government, potentially leading to a power vacuum that could be exploited by other extremist groups.
🌐 International: The situation poses challenges for U.S. foreign policy in Afghanistan and raises concerns about the resurgence of terrorism globally.
📚 Background
Following the U.S. invasion of Afghanistan in 2001, Al-Qaeda was largely displaced but has remained a persistent threat in the region. The dynamics of U.S. involvement and local governance continue to shape the security landscape.
U.S. foreign policy in Afghanistan
Terrorism and counterterrorism efforts
📡 Source:
INTERNATIONAL
📊 Confidence:
70%
The New York Times is generally considered a reputable source, but readers should remain aware of potential biases in reporting on sensitive geopolitical issues.
🏷️ Entities Mentioned
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Translated from the original and edited for English readers. View original source →
Translation confidence: 85%
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