Syria and Haqqani Network: A Surprising New Alliance Amid Taliban Outreach

Reports indicate that the new Syrian government, led by Ahmad al-Shara, has established clandestine connections with the Haqqani network in Afghanistan, which have included meetings between Syrian representatives and the Haqqani leader. While the Taliban is striving to forge official political relations with Syria, the entry route for Al-Qaeda forces into Afghanistan continues to be managed by the Haqqani network…

Secret Ties Between Syria and the Haqqani Network

Credible sources reveal that in recent months, a covert relationship has developed between the Syrian government, under Ahmad al-Shara, and the Haqqani network in Afghanistan, including meetings with Sirajuddin Haqqani, the group’s leader. This connection appears to adhere to the prior associations between the Haqqani network and Al-Qaeda factions in Syria and is ongoing.

According to available information, many Afghan forces, influenced by Talibani ideology and led by Ahmad al-Shara, are in communication exclusively with the Haqqani network and maintain no direct ties with Sheikh Hibatullah, the leader of the Taliban, or other branches of the Emirate.

Taliban’s Efforts to Establish Official Relations

Following the downfall of Bashar al-Assad’s government and the rise of the new Syrian administration under Ahmad al-Shara, the Taliban has sought to send a political delegation to Syria to formalize relations. However, under the leadership’s directive, the Taliban’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been tasked with facilitating the delegation’s travel, and thus far, Syria has not responded positively to these outreach efforts.

Diplomatic Contacts and Congratulatory Messages

Despite the lack of formal progress, Amir Khan Muttaqi, the Taliban Foreign Minister, has reached out to his Syrian counterpart emphasizing the importance of strengthening ties between the two countries. A message from the Taliban Prime Minister was also sent congratulating Ahmad al-Shara on his appointment as head of the transitional government, but no official response has been received from the new Syrian administration.

Management of Al-Qaeda Forces’ Entry into Afghanistan

Alongside these diplomatic initiatives, reports indicate that some Al-Qaeda affiliates who have pledged allegiance to the Taliban have been transferred from Syria to Afghanistan. Trustworthy sources state that these troop movements are being overseen by Sirajuddin Haqqani, maintaining the Haqqani network’s established connections with Al-Qaeda groups in Syria.

The secretive relationship between the new Syrian government and the Haqqani network, coupled with the Taliban’s formal attempts to establish diplomatic connections, underscores the complexities of the political and security landscape in the region. This dossier also highlights the ongoing critical role of the Haqqani network in managing Al-Qaeda troop transfers and sustaining its historical relations with militant groups.