Kabul, Afghanistan – The Taliban, once considered an extremist Islamic movement that reclaimed power in Afghanistan in 2021, now faces a relentless foe in the form of the Islamic State’s affiliate, ISIS-Khorasan.
ISIS-K has been a significant antagonist to the Taliban, carrying out a series of attacks in Afghanistan in recent years. Experts suggest that the group aims to undermine the Taliban’s relationships with regional allies while portraying the government as incapable of providing security in the country.
In the aftermath of the Taliban seizing power, ISIS-K launched daily attacks on Taliban soldiers and targeted neighborhoods housing the Hazara ethnic minority. The group’s bold actions extended beyond Afghanistan’s borders, with attacks in Pakistan, Iran, and now a recent terrorist attack in Moscow.
ISIS-K has threatened to target various embassies in Afghanistan while releasing anti-Russian propaganda. The group’s actions are driven by a desire to outperform rival jihadi groups and establish itself as a leader in the global jihadi movement.
Established in 2015 by disaffected fighters of the Pakistani Taliban, ISIS-K has clashed with the Taliban over ideological differences and territorial control. The Taliban’s efforts to establish diplomatic relations with non-Muslim countries have been sharply criticized by ISIS-K, leading to further tensions between the groups.
Since the U.S.-led war in Afghanistan ended in 2021, ISIS-K’s reach has expanded throughout the country, posing a significant threat to the Taliban’s rule. The Taliban have responded with a rigorous counterterrorism campaign aimed at eradicating ISIS-K from Afghanistan.
Despite the Taliban’s efforts, ISIS-K remains active across Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Iran, carrying out major attacks and spreading propaganda to incite fear and division. The group continues to challenge the Taliban’s authority and sow discord between the Taliban and other major powers in the region.
The recent attack in Moscow has reignited concerns about ISIS-K’s capacity to carry out large-scale attacks and inspire individuals to commit acts of terror. The international community, including regional countries, has been urged to take a united stance against terrorist incidents that threaten regional stability.
In response to the attack, Afghanistan’s Foreign Ministry condemned the act of terrorism, calling for coordinated efforts to combat threats posed by extremist groups like ISIS-K. The evolving dynamics between the Taliban, ISIS-K, and other regional powers underscore the complex challenges facing Afghanistan and its neighbors in the fight against terrorism.