US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin stated that the extremist organization al-Qaeda, which used Afghanistan as a launchpad for attacks against the United States two decades ago, may attempt to re-emerge there following the US withdrawal that left the Taliban in power. Speaking from Kuwait at the conclusion of a four-day tour of Gulf Arab states, he remarked, "This is the nature of the organization." He affirmed that the United States is prepared to prevent al-Qaeda's return to Afghanistan, which would pose a threat to the US.
The Taliban provided sanctuary for al-Qaeda during its rule in Afghanistan from 1996 to 2001. The US invaded and toppled the Taliban after its refusal to hand over al-Qaeda leaders following the September 11, 2001 attacks. During the 20-year US war, al-Qaeda significantly diminished, but questions have arisen about its future prospects with the Taliban's return to power in Kabul. Austin stated, "We have informed the Taliban that we expect them not to allow that," referring to the possibility of al-Qaeda using Afghanistan as a launchpad in the future.
In a February 2020 agreement with the administration of President Donald Trump, Taliban leaders pledged not to support al-Qaeda or other extremist groups that would threaten the US. However, US officials believe the Taliban maintains ties with al-Qaeda, and many countries are concerned that the Taliban's return to power could pave the way for al-Qaeda's influence to return.
Austin emphasized that the US military is capable of containing al-Qaeda or any other extremist threat to the US originating from Afghanistan using surveillance aircraft. He also acknowledged that it would be more challenging without American troops and intelligence teams stationed in Afghanistan.
Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Mark Milley warned, saying, "I believe there is at least a significant possibility of a wider civil war, which in turn could create conditions that could actually lead to al-Qaeda re-organizing or the growth of ISIS or other terrorist groups." He added, "You could see the resurgence of terrorism from that region within 12, 24, or 36 months. We will monitor that."
