UN Security Council extends Afghanistan sanctions monitoring mandate

ISLAMABAD: The United Nations Security Council on Thursday extended the mandate of its sanctions monitoring team overseeing measures against the Taliban for another year, keeping the group under UN sanctions amid ongoing concerns about security and human rights in Afghanistan.

All 15 members of the Security Council unanimously adopted the resolution under the 1988 sanctions regime, which targets the Taliban and affiliated entities deemed to threaten Afghanistan’s peace, stability, and security. The draft resolution was prepared by the United States, renewing the Monitoring Team’s mandate until Feb. 17, 2027.

The decision means the UN monitoring team will continue to track implementation of sanctions, including asset freezes, travel bans, and arms embargo measures. 

Travel-ban exemptions previously granted to several Taliban leaders were not renewed.

The Taliban has repeatedly urged the international community to lift sanctions, arguing that restrictions hinder economic recovery and diplomatic engagement. 

However, members of the Security Council cited persistent concerns over the presence of militant groups in Afghanistan, sweeping restrictions on women and girls, and the absence of an inclusive political framework as reasons to maintain the measures.

Diplomats said the extension reflects the Council’s view that conditions on the ground have not improved sufficiently to justify easing the sanctions regime. 

The monitoring team will continue reporting regularly to the Council on compliance and developments related to security threats and governance in Afghanistan. 

As there is an ongoing threat from Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), ISIL-Khorasan (ISIL-K), Majeed Brigade, and Al-Qaeda.

The report pointed to growing concern across the region about cross-border attacks, the radicalization of vulnerable communities, and the use of commercial satellite communications and artificial intelligence by militant groups to advance their operations.

 While Afghan authorities emphasize no terrorist groups are present in the country, the Monitoring Team stated that “no UN member state supported that assessment.”

On Al-Qaeda, the report said the group’s intent and capability for external operations remain unchanged. It continues to serve as a training and advisory hub, particularly for TTP, and “favors spectacular attacks aimed at attracting global media attention,” highlighting the continued threat beyond the immediate region.

The Monitoring Team warned that TTP could deepen cooperation with Al-Qaeda-aligned groups, potentially expanding the threat beyond the region.