KABUL: The Khorasan branch of Daesh, also known as ISIS-K, has carried out at least 62 attacks in Afghanistan over the past three years, according to a report from the Afghanistan Security Watch.
These attacks have resulted in the deaths of at least 857 people and injuries to 1,575 others, with civilians being the primary victims.
Despite these alarming figures, the Taliban has consistently downplayed the presence and threat of ISIS-K, insisting that the group does not pose a significant risk to Afghanistan’s security.
The watchdog’s report indicates that ISIS-K has escalated its operations under Taliban rule, with 29 attacks occurring in 2022 alone. Kabul has been the most heavily targeted, suffering 32 attacks. Other provinces affected include Herat, with seven attacks; Balkh, with six; and Nangarhar and Badakhshan, each with four attacks.
While the Taliban continues to deny the existence of terrorist groups within Afghanistan, neighboring countries and regional powers have repeatedly raised concerns about the growing threats from Afghan soil. United Nations reports suggest that more than 20 terrorist groups may be operating in the country.
