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Explainer | Islamic State in Afghanistan: what is Isis-K and why is it an enemy of the Taliban?
- The Isis affiliate, believed to be behind the August 26 blasts at Kabul airport, includes followers from Pakistan, Uzbekistan, Iran and China
- Isis-K embraces Islamic State’s call for a worldwide jihad against non-Muslims, and has been targeted by Taliban insurgents, the US and US-backed Afghan forces
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Global concern has grown over Islamic State Khorasan (Isis-K), the Isis affiliate in Afghanistan, amid reports the group is believed to be behind the August 26 blasts outside Kabul airport.
Despite years of military efforts by the US-led coalition, Isis-K has survived to launch a massive new assault amid the withdrawal from Afghanistan by the US and other Nato partners, and as the Taliban returns to power.
US President Joe Biden cited the threat of Isis in maintaining an August 31 deadline for pulling out American forces from Afghanistan. He blamed the offshoot group for the attacks, which included a suicide bomber who slipped into the crowds of Afghans outside airport gates controlled by US service members.
Here’s a look at the deadly group and the threat it poses internationally.
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At least 60 killed by explosions outside Kabul airport, Afghan health official says
At least 60 killed by explosions outside Kabul airport, Afghan health official says
What is Islamic State Khorasan?
Isis-K, founded in 2015, is the branch of Islamic State in the Khorasan region, which historically covers parts of Iran, Afghanistan and Pakistan.
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