Afghanistan: A 'Crucible of Terrorism' After US Withdrawal

Former Afghan Army Lt. Gen. Sami Sadat warns that Afghanistan has become a "crucible of terrorism" following the US withdrawal and Taliban takeover, providing a safe haven for al Qaeda and posing a threat to global security.

Three years after the US withdrawal from Afghanistan, the country has become a breeding ground for terrorism, according to former Afghan Army Lt. Gen. Sami Sadat. Sadat, who served in the Afghan military for nearly two decades, believes Afghanistan is now a more dangerous place than before the US invasion.

Afghanistan: A 'Crucible of Terrorism' After US Withdrawal

"There is 50,000 al Qaeda members and al Qaeda associates in Afghanistan – most of them have trained for overseas operations in the last three years," Sadat told Fox News Digital.

Sadat's estimate is double the number of al Qaeda militants believed to be active in the region before the 9/11 attacks. The terrorist organization has established at least a dozen training camps in Afghanistan since the US withdrawal and has expanded its presence to 19 countries.

Afghanistan: A 'Crucible of Terrorism' After US Withdrawal

According to Sadat, al Qaeda is now stronger than ever and has the capability to carry out a "major attack." He warns that the terrorist group is receiving support from Iran, which has become a "new home base" for al Qaeda.

Iran has been providing arms and financial support to the Taliban and has brokered truces between al Qaeda and other terrorist groups in the Middle East. This cooperation has dramatically increased the threat posed by these organizations.

Afghanistan: A 'Crucible of Terrorism' After US Withdrawal

Sadat believes that the US withdrawal from Afghanistan was a strategic mistake that has had devastating consequences for global security. He argues that the US failed to provide adequate support to the Afghan forces and neglected to develop a long-term strategy for countering terrorism in the region.

"The war was lost not because the Taliban were strong but because for twenty years it was not treated as a war but as a short-term intervention," Sadat wrote in his book, "The Last Commander: The Once and Future Battle for Afghanistan."

Afghanistan: A 'Crucible of Terrorism' After US Withdrawal

Sadat believes that Afghanistan can only be stabilized if the international community works together to support the Afghan people and counter the threat posed by terrorism. He urges the US to reconsider its strategy and provide more assistance to the Afghan forces.

"For now, I am a general without an army," Sadat said. "But I fully intend to return to Afghanistan one day...Each generation has a responsibility to fight for what they believe in."

Afghanistan: A 'Crucible of Terrorism' After US Withdrawal