UNITED NATIONS: The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has announced to hold a briefing focused on the 17th biannual strategic-level report from the Secretary-General regarding the escalating threat posed by the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIS) – commonly known as Daesh.
This decision comes in response to mounting concerns raised by member states about the intensified activities of Daesh in both Iraq and Afghanistan.
The statement released by the Security Council underscores that the Daesh factions operating in Afghanistan and Iraq have been collectively identified by member states as the most severe terrorist menace within the region, particularly in Afghanistan. The Secretary-General’s report paints a troubling picture, revealing that Daesh’s branch in the Afghanistan-Pakistan region, referred to as Daesh Khorasan, has significantly augmented its operational capacities within Afghanistan. The group’s strength, which includes fighters and their families, is estimated to range between 4,000 to 6,000 individuals, displaying a consistent rise compared to prior assessments. Additionally, Daesh Khorasan has demonstrated heightened sophistication in its assaults, targeting both the Taliban and international objectives.
The Security Council statement discloses that member states have expressed escalating apprehensions regarding Daesh Khorasan’s potential to extend its threat beyond Afghanistan’s borders. Given these findings, council members are anticipated to emphasize the critical necessity of thwarting Afghanistan’s transformation into a sanctuary for terrorist activities. The Taliban is also expected to be urged to honour its commitments aimed at preventing such developments.
In contrast to these concerns, the Islamic Emirate, represented by the Taliban, has vehemently disputed the purported capabilities of Daesh Khorasan within Afghanistan. The group has affirmed its stance that Afghanistan’s territory will not be exploited for hostile actions against other nations. Zabihullah Mujahid, the spokesperson for the Islamic Emirate, conveyed that some of the released reports concerning this matter were intended to sow unease and were rejected as unfounded. Mujahid emphasized that Afghanistan does not pose any threats and adamantly stated that its soil will not be utilized to target any nation.
Notwithstanding the Taliban’s denial, Salim Paigir, a political analyst, asserts that the evidence of Daesh’s presence in Afghanistan is undeniable. Paigir highlights that the group takes responsibility for various explosive incidents and suicide attacks that have transpired within the country. While acknowledging that Daesh does exist in Afghanistan, Paigir underlines the role of external support from certain countries in the emergence and sustenance of terrorist organizations around the world.
