Al-Qaeda Releases Propaganda Praising Taliban

DID Press: Al-Qaeda’s media wing, As-Sahab, has released a new video ahead of 24th anniversary of September 11 attacks, portraying Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan as the outcome of a “joint struggle” between the two groups.

The 62-minute film, part of the sixth season of Al-Qaeda’s Winds of Paradise series, praises Taliban fighters as an “Islamic army” and “model soldiers,” showcasing their victories with religious chants and battlefield footage.

Beyond glorifying the Taliban, the production touches on broader themes, including Afghanistan’s current situation under Taliban rule, the role of global jihadist movements, and the history of cooperation between the Taliban and Al-Qaeda.

The video follows a public call issued by Al-Qaeda last year urging its members and supporters to return to Afghanistan and strengthen “global jihad” alongside the Taliban. The group framed Afghanistan as both a “land of jihad” and a “safe haven” for training and regrouping.

Despite Taliban claims of severing ties with terrorist groups, multiple international assessments, including recent reports from the UN Security Council, suggest that Al-Qaeda maintains a presence in parts of southern and eastern Afghanistan and preserves links with Taliban leadership.