Kabul back as terror hot spot

Less than two years after the US-led Operation Enduring Freedom, Afghanistan is re-emerging as a terrorism hotspot on radar screens.

A spate of attacks and an increase in intercepted electronic 'chatter' indicate that the Al-Qaeda network could be re-establishing its foothold there.

Intelligence officials said this communication buzz and tapes reportedly released by Mullah Mohammed Omar, former leader of the Taleban, suggest that Osama bin Laden has renewed his partnership with it. The Taleban have been regrouping in the far-flung areas of the country.

The Al-Qaeda has also formed new tie-ups with outfits such as the Hizbi Islami of renegade Afghan warlords like Gulbuddin Hekmatyar. Some of its members, who had fled to Pakistan in the wake of the 9/11 attacks, are beginning to return.

The most recent suicide attack in Afghanistan is believed to be jointly organised by the Al-Qaeda, the Taleban and those affiliated with Hekmatyar.

Earlier this month, a bus packed with international peacekeepers was blown up in Kabul, leaving four German peacekeepers and one civilian dead, and 29 others injured....

'Operation Enduring Freedom was a full frontal assault on the Taleban in Afghanistan...(but) no one was guarding the back door,' said terrorism commentator M.J. Gohel, a director with the Asia-Pacific Foundation on CNN's Your World Today, last week....

In another surprising move Pakistani authorities who have so far captured more than 500 of Al-Qaeda members, have found Indian made communication systems being used by some of these activists indicating the involvment of Indian agencies in Afghanistan....

--PakTribune (Pakistan)

(Link courtesy of BuzzFlash.)