Al Qaeda Builds a 'Shadow Army'; New Force Bedevils U.S. Efforts to Pacify Afghanistan

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Byline: Bill Roggio, SPECIAL TO THE WASHINGTON TIMES

Al Qaeda has reorganized its notorious paramilitary formations, setting the stage for a dramatic comeback. Formerly known as Brigade 055, the military unit has been rebuilt into a larger, more effective fighting unit known as the Lashkar al Zil, or the Shadow Army, a senior U.S. intelligence official told me.

The Shadow Army is active primarily in Pakistan's tribal areas, and in eastern and southern Afghanistan, several U.S. military and intelligence officials said on condition of anonymity. The force is well trained and equipped, and has defeated the Pakistani Army in engagements in North and South Waziristan, Bajaur, Peshawar, Khyber, and Swat. In Afghanistan, the Shadow Army has attacked Coalition and Afghan forces throughout the country.

The Shadow Army has been instrumental in the Taliban's consolidation of power in Pakistan's tribal areas and in the Northwest Frontier Province, a senior U.S. intelligence …