Andrey Serenko, head of the Russian Centre for Contemporary Afghanistan Studies, released a book titled Taliban Intelligence Secrets, which includes documents he says expose confidential aspects of the Taliban’s intelligence structures. The authenticity of the documents has not been independently verified.
Claim Of ‘Iron Dome’-Style Defence System
Serenko writes that the Taliban administration is seeking to establish an air defence system similar to Israel’s Iron Dome over Kandahar or above the residence of Taliban leader Hibatullah Akhundzada.
Citing what he describes as internal material, the author says Taliban leaders have emphasised training specialists in China to operate advanced air defence systems. He attributes the choice of China to its military-technical capabilities, particularly in air defence, and what he calls a high level of mutual trust between Kabul and Beijing.
According to the book, ensuring the security of Taliban leaders against potential air attacks has become increasingly urgent. Serenko says repeated flights by unidentified drones over Kandahar, where the Taliban leader is based, have heightened security concerns.
He adds that, according to his sources, Akhundzada’s close associates focused last summer on strengthening his security, including protection against possible air threats.
Alleged Contacts With The CIA
Serenko also claims Taliban intelligence maintains covert contacts with the CIA and has held secret meetings in Saudi Arabia and Qatar.
He writes that, within the framework of this alleged cooperation, the CIA is promptly informed of the results of Taliban intelligence visits to Moscow. Citing a document he says he published, Serenko claims that two Taliban intelligence officials met US intelligence representatives before travelling to Moscow.
The author adds that, according to his sources, the CIA is attempting to learn about Russian activities in Afghanistan through Taliban channels. He also writes that CIA intelligence activity within the Taliban administration has increased since Donald Trump returned to power.
Alleged Taliban Invitation Over Bagram
In another section, Serenko says the Taliban invited the United States officials to visit Bagram Air Base, claiming the aim was to influence US President Donald Trump’s position on the facility.
Trump has repeatedly said the Taliban should return Bagram Air Base to the United States. Serenko described the alleged Taliban initiative as a “new intrigue.”
Warning Of Regional Militant Threat
Serenko writes that Afghanistan hosts numerous small, autonomous armed jihadist groups that are seeking financial backers for attacks in Central Asia.
He says that after the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime in Syria, many foreign fighters began leaving the country and are increasingly choosing Taliban-controlled Afghanistan as a base.
Citing his sources, the analyst adds that al-Qaida and other jihadist groups in Afghanistan are attempting to regroup.
In an interview with Afghanistan International, Serenko said regional and other countries should remain vigilant and not trust the Taliban, which he described as an unreliable structure posing risks to Afghanistan, the region and the wider world.
Serenko said the documents were provided by what he called “patriotic Afghans” and that individuals in Russia, including some linked to the presidential office, have reviewed them.
He said some of the materials had previously been published in the Russian newspaper Nezavisimaya Gazeta. Afghanistan International has not independently verified the documents.
