Secret Ties: Syrian Government’s Hidden Relations with the Haqqani Network

Reports indicate that the new Syrian government, led by Ahmad al-Shara, has established a clandestine connection with the Haqqani network in Afghanistan and meetings have taken place between the Syrian delegation and the leader of the Haqqani network. While the Taliban is attempting to establish official political relations with Syria, the pathway for Al-Qaeda forces entering Afghanistan continues to be managed under the supervision of the Haqqani network…

Secret Connection between Syria and the Haqqani Network

Credible reports suggest that in recent months, a confidential relationship has been established between the Syrian government led by Ahmad al-Shara and the Haqqani network in Afghanistan, with meetings taking place between the Syrian delegation and Sirajuddin Haqqani, the leader of the network. These connections are in line with the past relations between the Haqqani network and Al-Qaeda forces in Syria and continue to this day.

According to available information, many Afghan forces that have worked against Bashar al-Assad’s government with a Taliban mindset under Ahmad al-Shara are only in contact with the Haqqani network and do not have direct communication with Sheikh Hibatullah, the leader of the Taliban, or other elements of the Emirate.

Taliban’s Efforts to Establish Official Relations

After the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s government and the emergence of the new Syrian government led by Ahmad al-Shara, the Taliban sought to send its political delegation to Syria to establish official relations. However, under an order from the Emirate’s leadership, the Taliban’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs became responsible for facilitating the delegation’s travel conditions, but so far, Syria has not responded positively to these requests.

Diplomatic Contacts and Greetings Message

Despite the lack of formal progress, Amir Khan Muttaqi, the Taliban’s Foreign Minister, contacted his Syrian counterpart and emphasized strengthening relations between the two countries. Additionally, a message was sent from the Taliban Prime Minister to congratulate Ahmad al-Shara on being elected as the head of the transitional period, but no official response has been received from the new Syrian government.

Management of Al-Qaeda Forces Entering Afghanistan

Alongside these efforts, reports indicate that some Al-Qaeda forces who have sworn allegiance to the Taliban have been transferred from Syria to Afghanistan. Credible sources have stated that this movement of forces is being managed by Sirajuddin Haqqani, and the continuing connection of the Haqqani network with Al-Qaeda forces in Syria remains intact.

The clandestine relations between the new Syrian government and the Haqqani network, along with the Taliban’s efforts to establish diplomatic relations, highlight the complexity of political and security developments in the region. This dossier also emphasizes that the Haqqani network continues to play a key role in managing the movements of Al-Qaeda forces and maintaining its past communications with militia groups.