Islamabad: Growing evidence suggests that the Afghan Taliban regime has become a significant security concern beyond the region, with militant networks extending into Europe and North America, according to multiple international assessments and recent incidents.
The warnings come amid renewed scrutiny of Afghanistan’s role as a haven for extremist groups, as well as increasing attacks linked to individuals who entered Western countries after the Taliban takeover in 2021.
Shooting Near White House Raises Alarms
In one of the most recent incidents, an Afghan national, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, opened fire on National Guard officers near the White House on Wednesday, seriously injuring several personnel.
According to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Lakanwal arrived in the United States in 2021 under Operation Allies Welcome, a program launched to facilitate the evacuation of Afghan nationals after the fall of Kabul.
Following the attack, U.S. authorities have suspended all Afghan immigration applications indefinitely, citing security concerns and gaps in background verification processes.
European Study Points to Passport Abuse
A report by the European Union Institute for Security Studies states that the Taliban government has issued Afghan passports to members of militant organizations operating inside the country. Analysts say such documentation enables extremists to move across borders with greater ease, complicating security screening efforts in Europe.
Cross-Border Attack Targets Chinese Nationals
Meanwhile, regional security fears intensified after an attack on a Chinese company’s camp in Tajikistan on the night of Nov. 26. Three Chinese workers were killed in the assault.
The Tajik embassy confirmed that the attack was carried out by a terrorist group operating from Afghan soil, deepening concerns about militant mobility across Central Asia.
Growing Global Concerns
Western and regional security agencies say the incidents highlight how terrorist networks based in Afghanistan are expanding their reach, posing risks far beyond South Asia.
The developments are expected to fuel further international pressure on the Taliban regime, whose failure to curb extremist activity continues to obstruct diplomatic recognition and foreign assistance.
For now, officials warn that the threat linked to Afghanistan is no longer limited to its neighbors it is increasingly a global challenge.
