ISIS-K, an offshoot of the Islamic State, has stepped up its involvement in Afghanistan in 2021 with the withdrawal of US troops. The group, known for its brutality, claimed responsibility for the devastating attack on a rock concert in Moscow that killed more than 140 people.
Ahmed Zia Siraj, the former head of Afghanistan’s National Security Directorate, cited Afghanistan as a stronghold of ISIS, saying the group had become a concern since the departure of US troops. With an estimated membership of 4,000 to 6,000, ISIS has expanded beyond Afghanistan and carried out terrorist attacks in neighboring countries such as Pakistan, Iran, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan.
The conflict of interest and cooperation between Afghanistan, China, and Russia has exacerbated the tension between ISIS and the Taliban. The group’s sophisticated propaganda apparatus, including the Al-Azaim social media platform and the Voice of Khorasan magazine, serve as tools for gathering and spreading extremist ideology.
Leading experts such as retired Lt. General Michael Ngata warned of the unprecedented influence and global reach of ISIS, through al-Qaeda. Ghaffari, who was appointed head of YYD-K, actively recruits from various backgrounds in the region, including students and non-Salafis.
Despite international counter-terrorism efforts, the resilience and adaptability of ISIS pose a threat to stability and security in key geographic regions.
