Al Qaeda Remains the Most Dangerous Terrorist Group 24 Years After 9/11

Over the past 24 years since the devastating 9/11 attacks, al Qaeda has retained its status as the "most dangerous terrorist group" globally, as noted by terrorism expert Bill Roggio. He pointed out that the conditions in Afghanistan, bolstered by the Taliban’s support, have deteriorated significantly compared to the pre-9/11 era. Al Qaeda is presently not just operational but has established training camps in at least 13 out of Afghanistan’s 34 provinces, and its activities have expanded across the Middle East and Africa.

Roggio elaborated on the organization's ongoing influence, emphasizing that it controls over a third of Somalia and has ties to groups in Syria, where the extremist organization Hayat Tahir Al Sham has taken hold. He reflected on the earlier U.S. administrative support for the ousting of Bashar Al Assad, which he believes to be a strategic error, underscoring the clever and committed nature of al Qaeda. His principal concern is the proliferation of safe havens for terrorist organizations, allowing them the crucial time and resources to plan, recruit, and execute significant attacks.

The rise in access to advanced weaponry through state backing, such as Iran's support for groups like Hamas and Hezbollah, has heightened the risk, particularly when combined with technological advancements, including drones and AI. However, Roggio stressed that even minimal resources can facilitate major attacks, recalling that the 9/11 hijackers used box cutters and rudimentary training to execute their plot.

Moreover, he noted the transformation of previously lesser-known groups and their growth into formidable forces with global reach. There is also a troubling trend of rising public support for organizations that have committed grave human rights violations, which raises serious concerns about attitudes toward jihadist groups. Roggio expressed that these supportive sentiments indicate a troubling direction in the ongoing war on terror.

According to him, the lack of resolve in addressing the roots of extremism complicates the fight against terrorism, asserting that a purely military approach is insufficient. A parallel is drawn with the defeat of Nazi Germany, emphasizing the importance of a committed strategy to counter radical ideologies. He warned that until state sponsorship is effectively tackled and leaders of extremist ideologies are dealt with, these threats will persist.