Beware of Al-Etisam: A Taliban Front Disguised as a Charity

Kokcha News Agency – Al-Etisam, an organization registered as a cultural and charitable institution, is reportedly a front for the Taliban, operating under the radar to spread extremist ideologies and collect intelligence, especially in historically anti-Taliban regions. Supported financially by the Taliban’s General Directorate of Intelligence, Al-Etisam has managed to infiltrate communities while maintaining a facade of legitimacy.

Field and intelligence investigations by the Green Trend Afghanistan – Rasa reveal that Al-Etisam, under the cover of charity work, is actually a tool for indoctrination and information gathering. Despite its charitable registration, the organization has been used to promote extremist views and glorify Taliban leader Mullah Haibatullah.

Al-Etisam has occasionally received financial support from UN-affiliated organizations, either out of fear or ignorance, and has hosted local UNAMA representatives at its seminars. The group has exploited these associations to legitimize its activities.

Although Al-Etisam members do not openly carry the flags of ISIS or Hizb ut-Tahrir, their ideologies are said to be no different. The group is accused of luring young people into baseless beliefs, glorifying Mullah Haibatullah, and aligning them against anyone outside the Taliban’s ideology.

The Green Trend Afghanistan – Rasa has urged the public, especially the youth, to avoid participating in Al-Etisam’s events. There is a strong possibility that the organization will soon be added to the UN and several countries’ sanctions lists due to its role in radicalizing young minds.

Afghans in the diaspora are also warned to be vigilant about the group’s activities, as Al-Etisam is believed to be working to turn Afghanistan into a swamp of absolute extremism. The Green Trend Afghanistan – Rasa has called on citizens to share any information related to Al-Etisam via email at resistance4freedom@gmail.com.