ISKP In Afghanistan A Regional Threat – OpEd

The Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant – Khorasan Province (ISKP) is a militant group that operates in Afghanistan. The group emerged in 2015 and pledged allegiance to the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) in the Middle East. ISKP has been active in Afghanistan, particularly in the eastern provinces of Nangarhar, Kunar, and Laghman, as well as in Kabul.

ISKP has been responsible for numerous attacks on both Afghan civilians and security forces, as well as international forces in the country. However, it’s worth noting that the situation in Afghanistan is fluid and complex, and the presence and activities of various militant groups in the country can change quickly. As of my knowledge cutoff of September 2021, the Taliban had taken control of much of Afghanistan, including areas that were previously under the control of ISKP. It remains to be seen how the Taliban’s return to power will affect the presence and activities of ISKP and other militant groups in the country.

Recently issued US country reports on terrorism claimed that IS and other regionally focused terror groups maintain an active presence in Afghanistan and conducting terrorist activities. Ongoing military operations by General Directorate of Intelligence (GDI) against ISKP in Afghanistan repudiates claims of Afghan Foreign Minister FM Amir Muttaqi about presence of ISKP. In recent weeks, a number of ISKP militants have been arrested and key commanders killed by Afghan Special Forces during raids in Kabul and various cities of Balkh, Nangarhar, Panjshir, Jawzjan and Faryab provinces. Recently, Afghan Taliban sources have claimed that they have found millions of USD at an alleged ISKP hideout in Mazar-e-Sharif, Balkh Province. Killings of ISKP/ Daesh commanders including Qari Fateh and Ijaz Amin Ahangar inside Afghanistan are an undeniable proof of presence of terrorist groups’ operational bases in Afghanistan.

The presence of ISKP and the resurgence of the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) pose serious security challenges not only for Afghanistan but for the entire region. ISKP has been involved in a number of terrorist attacks in Afghanistan, targeting civilians, government officials, and security forces. The group's ideology and tactics have been brutal, and its activities have contributed to the instability of the region. Similarly, the TTP has been responsible for a number of high-profile attacks in Pakistan, including targeting civilians, military personnel, and government officials. The group has also been known to operate in Afghanistan, using the country as a base for attacks in Pakistan. The continued presence and activities of these groups in the region have serious implications for the security and stability of Afghanistan and its neighboring countries. The violence and instability created by these groups can also have a negative impact on the region's economy, as investors and businesses may be hesitant to invest in areas where there is a high risk of violence and instability.

Afghan government's actions against ISKP are a positive development in the ongoing efforts to address security challenges in the region. The Afghan security forces have conducted a number of successful operations against ISKP militants, and the group's presence in the country has been significantly reduced as a result. Similarly, it is important for the Afghan government to take action against the TTP, which has been a major source of instability in Pakistan and has also been known to operate in Afghanistan. The Afghan government's efforts to address the TTP threat can help to promote regional security and stability. However, it is important to note that addressing these security challenges requires a coordinated and sustained effort by both the Afghan government and its international partners. The support and cooperation of neighboring countries, particularly Pakistan, is also essential in addressing the threat posed by militant groups in the region.

In addition to security measures, efforts to address the root causes of extremism and instability in the region, such as poverty, unemployment, and lack of access to education, are also important in promoting long-term stability and peace in the region.

It is important for the international community to work together with regional actors to address these security challenges and promote peace, stability, and development in the region. This may involve a combination of diplomatic efforts, security cooperation, and economic development initiatives to address the root causes of instability and extremism in the region. Likewise, as part of the Doha Agreement, the Afghan government committed to preventing the use of Afghan soil for attacks against other countries. This commitment is important in promoting regional security and stability, and the Afghan government has a responsibility to take steps to prevent any groups operating on its soil from carrying out attacks against other countries. 

However, implementing this commitment can be a complex and challenging task, particularly given the ongoing security challenges in Afghanistan and the presence of a number of militant groups in the country. It will require a sustained effort by the Afghan government and its international partners to ensure that Afghan soil is not used as a base for terrorist activities. In addition to preventing the use of Afghan soil for terrorism, it is also important for the Afghan government to work towards long-term stability and peace in the region by addressing the root causes of extremism and promoting economic development and political reconciliation. Kabul’s cooperation with neighboring states in counter-terrorism efforts is in mutual interest as Afghanistan itself is becoming a hotbed of terrorism. 

The writer is Islamabad based expert of strategic affairs