The latest report by the 37th issue of United Nations Security Council’s Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team pursuant to resolutions 1526 (2004) and 2253 (2015) has raised serious concerns and a daunting imagery over the growing militant ecosystem in Afghanistan, warning that the presence of multiple armed groups continues to threaten regional stability through cross-border attacks, radicalization, and evolving militant alliances.

The report notes that regional countries remain deeply concerned about militant safe havens inside Afghanistan. It states that “regional countries remained concerned about the number of terrorist groups in Afghanistan and its spillover effects, including cross-border attacks and the radicalization of vulnerable domestic communities.”

The Monitoring Team further revealed that the Afghan Taliban’s claim that no terrorist organizations operate within its borders has found no international backing, stating that “no Member State supported this view.”

Rising TTP threat

Among the most pressing concerns highlighted in the report is the strengthening presence of Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).

The Monitoring Team states that the group has been granted greater operational space and “support from the Afghan de facto authorities,” which has contributed to an increase in attacks inside Pakistan and heightened regional tensions.

The report describes TTP as one of the largest militant organizations operating from Afghan territory, noting that its attacks have become more sophisticated and increasingly involve large numbers of fighters. It also highlights TTP’s evolving targeting strategy, referencing high-profile incidents such as an attack on an Islamabad courthouse, marking a rare strike in Pakistan’s capital.

Member States have also expressed concern over the potential expansion of cooperation between TTP and Al-Qaida-aligned networks, warning that such coordination could elevate the threat beyond South Asia and transform it into a broader international security challenge.

Al-Qaida’s influence

Despite global counter-terrorism campaigns, the report suggests that Al-Qaida remains deeply entrenched within Afghanistan’s militant landscape. The group continues to enjoy what the report describes as “patronage of the de facto authorities,” while functioning as a “service provider and multiplier for other terrorist groups… principally to TTP.”

It highlighted the continued presence of Al-Qaida in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS), which remains active in southeastern Afghanistan. Intelligence assessments suggest that AQIS leadership is operating from Kabul while its media infrastructure functions from Herat, the report stated, adding that  officials are increasingly “concerned” that the group may be shifting toward covert external operations designed to remain deniable while maintaining operational effectiveness.

ISKP as a resilient threat

The Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP) has faced sustained pressure from regional security operations and Taliban military campaigns, leading to a decline in the number of attacks. However, the report warns that the group continues to retain “significant operational and combat capability.”

ISKP has expanded online recruitment networks and intensified propaganda efforts, particularly targeting Central Asian audiences through local-language outreach. The group is also reportedly exploiting global conflicts, including the Gaza war, to attract recruits and funding.

Security officials remain particularly alarmed by ISKP’s attempts to establish “sleeper cells” in Central Asian countries and its efforts to build alliances with other militant factions across Afghanistan.

Expanding Network of Armed Groups

The report also highlights the presence of several additional militant organizations contributing to regional instability. Fighters linked to the East Turkestan Islamic Movement/Turkistan Islamic Party (ETIM/TIP) are reportedly moving freely within Afghanistan, raising funds through mining and narcotics networks while integrating into Taliban-controlled security structures.

Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) is also referenced in the report, with some Member States linking the group to attacks in India and noting its efforts to expand operational capabilities, including the creation of a women’s wing aimed at supporting militant activities.

Meanwhile, the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) continues to conduct attacks targeting Pakistani security forces and infrastructure linked to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Some Member States have reported collaboration between BLA, TTP, and ISKP through shared training facilities, resources, and coordinated operations. However, intelligence assessments remain divided over whether BLA maintains ideological or operational links with global jihadist organizations such as Al-Qaida or ISIL.

Repercussions:

Beyond Afghanistan and Pakistan, the report warns that militant networks are increasingly interconnected, creating a complex and evolving security landscape across Central, South, and Southeast Asia.

Militants are adapting to counter-terrorism pressure by shifting tactics, strengthening alliances, exploiting digital platforms, and recruiting younger followers.

The Monitoring Team concludes that while certain militant groups have suffered operational setbacks, the broader extremist ecosystem across the region remains resilient and continues to evolve, presenting a long-term challenge for regional and international security.