Security services concerned about potential terrorist activity

British intelligence agencies are monitoring the impact of the Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan on jihadists in the UK, amidst concern over vulnerability in ‘ungoverned spaces’.

In a 2020 deal that ensured the withdrawal of US troops, the Taliban pledged to ensure terrorist groups including al-Qaeda and Isis were not able to use Afghan territory to train and plot foreign attacks.

However, now there are concerns that the agreement may not be honoured, or that the Taliban may lose control of parts of the country to its rivals.

Reports suggest that UK security services are monitoring the impact of the Taliban’s sweep to power on jihadists in Britain and around the world, and if it could increase the threat of lone-actor attacks. Part of the monitoring involves watching for any indication of foreign fighters attempting to travel to Afghanistan, either from the UK directly or from Syria.

Security checks are also in place for all refugees being relocated to Britain under the Afghan Relocation and Assistance Policy.

ISIS, which has a smaller presence in Afghanistan, has fought the Taliban and officially declares the group an ‘apostate militia’, although the two groups have also collaborated in the past.