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Washington: Twenty-five years after the tragic events of 9/11, al Qaeda remains a significant threat, albeit a transformed one, as the United States shifts its strategic priorities. The global jihadist network has faced considerable setbacks over the years, notably the loss of its leaders Osama bin Laden and Ayman al-Zawahiri. Despite such losses, al Qaeda’s presence continues to destabilize regions such as the Sahel, Somalia, Yemen, Afghanistan, and Pakistan.
According to France24.com, al Qaeda’s capability to launch attacks on Western soil has diminished, as evidenced by its last attack in December 2019 at the Pensacola Naval Air Station in Florida. However, the network has evolved into a less centralized organization, with authority devolved to its numerous franchises and affiliates worldwide, as noted by Bruce Hoffman, a counterterrorism expert at the Council on Foreign Relations.
In Africa, al Qaeda’s regional branches are notably active, particularly in the Sahel region, where the withdrawal of French
and international troops has facilitated the enduring presence of jihadist groups. This includes the Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (JNIM), al Qaeda’s most active affiliate in the region, extending across multiple countries.
The eastern Horn of Africa sees the al Qaeda-aligned al Shabaab controlling territories in Somalia, while in the Arabian Peninsula, AQAP has managed to sustain its financial resources and propaganda efforts despite years of conflict. Meanwhile, in Afghanistan, al Qaeda continues to operate under a permissive environment, as reported by Pearl Pandya in a study by the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data.
According to Colin Smith, the UN coordinator responsible for monitoring sanctions against al Qaeda and related groups, a $50 million ransom paid in 2025 was channeled to various al Qaeda affiliates, showcasing the organization’s global reach. This persistence is concerning as US strategic priorities have shifted, with the latest US Counter-terrorism Strategy focusing more o
n transnational cartels and criminal gangs than jihadist organizations.
The shifting focus in Washington has led to a reallocation of resources and expertise away from international jihadism, raising concerns of recreating pre-9/11 conditions of under-resourcing and neglect. Former President George W. Bush, in a recent conference, emphasized the importance of learning from the lessons of 9/11 and criticized the current trend towards isolationism.
In Europe, while the focus on Islamist terrorism remains, the primary concern has shifted to Russian interference and the conflict in Ukraine. Nonetheless, security services remain vigilant about homegrown threats and foreign-based jihadist activities. Recent arrests in France highlight ongoing concerns over potential attacks and the influence of jihadist networks.
The priorities of jihadist groups have shifted since 9/11, focusing more on their local contexts rather than global jihad. This local focus is evident in the actions of the Sahel-based JNIM, which has
shifted its strategy since the withdrawal of foreign troops. Despite these changes, the threat from Islamist militants lured by jihadist groups persists, even as their global objectives have evolved.