Terror groups in Afghanistan
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There are an estimated 8,000-10,000 foreign terrorist fighters in Afghanistan. All must take an oath to the Taliban’s “Islamic Emirate,” and many support Al Qaeda or the so-called Islamic State
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Al Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent
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400-600 fighters. Led by Osama Mahmood, AQIS is present in Nimruz, Helmand and Kandahar provinces
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Taliban 60,000 fighters. 
Led by Mawlawi Hibatullah Akhundzada (left). Its Intelligence Commission is responsible for oversight and training of all foreign terrorists. Backed by Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) agency
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Al Qaeda Core Presence in 15 provinces, led by Ayman al-Zawahiri
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Haqqani Network 3,000-plus fighters. Led by Sirajuddin Haqqani. Blamed for death or injury of hundreds of U.S. troops.
Links to Pakistan’s ISI
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400km 250 miles

Kandahar
UZBEK.
TAJIKISTAN
Badakhshan
Nuristan Kunar
Nangarhar
Paktia Khost
Paktika
PAKISTAN
TURKMENISTAN 
AFGHANISTAN
Kabul
Logar
IRAN
Nimruz
Helmand

Islamic State- Khorasan Province
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Up to 2,000 fighters. Led by Shahab al-Muhajir. ISKP bombed girls’ school in Kabul in May 2021, killing more than 100 people – mostly children
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Turkistan Islamic Party 
1,000 fighters. Located in Badakhshan. Leader Abdul Haq seeks to establish Uighur state in Xinjiang, China
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Tehrik-e Taliban Pakistan

2,500-6,000 fighters. Group led by Noor Wali Mehsud. Located in Nangarhar province. TTP claimed 2007 assassination of Pakistan’s former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto
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Source: Congressional Research Service
Pictures: Associated Press © GRAPHIC NEWS