ISLAMABAD: Following the collapse of Daesh strongholds in Syria, the Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP) has been relocating experienced fighters to Afghanistan, strengthening its ranks and expanding its operational reach across the region.
Kunar, Nangarhar and Helmand provinces of Afghanistan are acting as operational hubs of the ISKP, according to security sources.
On 13 April 2017, the United States dropped the Massive Ordnance Air Blast (MOAB) bomb on an ISKP cave and tunnel complex in the Mamand Valley of Achin district, Nangarhar province, targeting one of the group’s key strongholds.
Following the Taliban’s return to power in Kabul in 2021, some terrorists who failed to secure positions within the Taliban’s ranks have also moved towards ISKP, potentially adding to its manpower.
Over the past three to four years, ISKP has sought to expand its operational footprint into Pakistan.
However, Pakistan’s intelligence-based operations have disrupted these efforts and hindered the terrorist group’s expansion.
According to the security forces, 67 major operations have resulted in the killing of more than 50 terrorists and the arrest of over 100 others. One high-value target was also neutralised, while three additional high-value terrorists were arrested.
In revenge, ISKP has carried out 6 attacks in Pakistan that resulted in 42 martyrdoms and 85 injuries. Notable attacks included a suicide bombing at a Mosque in the Tarlai area of Islamabad, and a targeted attack on a Session Judge in Mastung, Balochistan.
Pakistan has repeatedly accused terrorist groups operating from Afghanistan of carrying out attacks inside its territory, urging Kabul to take decisive action against them.
Islamabad maintains that the cross-border threat extends beyond the movement of terrorists, alleging that these groups also receive training, weapons and operational support from within Afghanistan.
Russia warns of ISKP sanctuaries in Afghanistan threat to central Asia
Earlier this month, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov expressed serious concern over the continued presence of terrorist and extremist groups in Afghanistan, warning that Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP) seeks to undermine the Taliban regime and use Afghan territory as a launching pad for terrorist activities across Central Asia and Russia.
Speaking at a conference on security in Central Asia and Afghanistan on Friday, Lavrov said terrorist groups maintained a significant presence in Afghan regions bordering Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan, including training camps and strongholds.
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He said members of these terrorist organisations attempted to enter Central Asian countries, sometimes disguising themselves as refugees or tourists.
According to Lavrov, the principal threat came from Wilayat Khorasan, also known as Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP), a regional affiliate of the Islamic State group.
“The main threat comes from the fighters of Wilayat Khorasan,” Lavrov said, describing the group as an organisation openly seeking to undermine the Kabul government’s ability to maintain stability in Afghanistan.
He added that the terrorists wanted to use Afghanistan as a “springboard” to extend terrorist activity into Central Asia and the Russian Federation.
