Washington: Twenty-five years since the September 11 attacks, al Qaeda has transformed significantly but remains a formidable threat. The group has faced setbacks, including the deaths of leaders Osama bin Laden in 2011 and Ayman al-Zawahiri in 2021. Its last attack on US soil was in December 2019, at the Pensacola Naval Air Station, Florida, which was claimed by the al Qaeda branch in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP). According to France24.com, al Qaeda's influence persists in regions such as the Sahel, Somalia, Yemen, Afghanistan, and Pakistan. The organization has decentralized, with authority devolved to various franchises and affiliates globally. In Africa, particularly the Sahel region, groups like the Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (JNIM) are highly active, facilitated by the withdrawal of French and international troops. In Somalia, al Shabaab, aligned with al Qaeda, controls significant territory. Across the Arabian Peninsula, despite military weakening, AQAP has bolstered its financial and propaganda capabilities. In Afghanistan, al Qaeda enjoys a supportive environment despite Taliban denials, maintaining the ability to strategize on a global scale. Reports indicate that ransom payments are channeled to affiliates, underscoring al Qaeda's global reach. The resilience of al Qaeda-linked groups is concerning as US strategic focus shifts. The latest US Counter-terrorism Strategy prioritizes threats from transnational cartels and gangs over jihadist organizations. This shift has led to the reallocation of resources and personnel, weakening the counter-terrorism framework established post-9/11. Former President George W. Bush has criticized this inward-looking approach, emphasizing the importance of international vigilance for national security. In Europe, security focus has shifted towards Russian interference and the Ukrainian conflict, though jihadist threats persist, primarily in the form of homegrown actors inspired by overseas groups. Recent arrests in France highlight ongoing threats, wit h individuals planning attacks within Europe and connections to international jihadist networks. While jihadist groups maintain allegiance to al Qaeda, their focus has shifted to local contexts, as seen with JNIM's activities in the Sahel. In conclusion, while al Qaeda's global jihadist vision has evolved, its decentralized network continues to pose a significant threat, necessitating continued vigilance and international cooperation.