The ongoing violence and terrorist activities in Afghanistan have long been a matter of grave concern for the international community. The country has been plagued by instability and conflict for decades, and despite the efforts of various actors, the situation shows no signs of improving. Recent statements made by the Acting Foreign Minister of Afghanistan, Amir Khan Muttaqi, in an interview with RTA, have only added to the confusion and concern surrounding the issue.
In the interview, Mr. Muttaqi made the startling claim that there are no Daesh or opposition groups operating in Afghanistan, and that instances of violence and terrorism in the country are imported from abroad. Such a statement flies in the face of reality and contradicts the recent US country reports on terrorism, which have claimed that IS and other regionally focused terror groups maintain an active presence in Afghanistan and are conducting terrorist activities.
Moreover, the ongoing military operations by the General Directorate of Intelligence (GDI) against the Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP) in Afghanistan repudiates Mr. Muttaqi’s claims about the absence of terrorist groups in the country. In recent weeks, Afghan Special Forces have arrested a number of ISKP militants and killed key commanders during raids in various provinces. Such operations clearly demonstrate the presence of terrorist groups’ operational bases in Afghanistan.
The recent claim by Afghan Taliban sources that they have found millions of dollars at an alleged ISKP hideout in Mazar-e-Sharif, Balkh Province, further reinforces the idea that such groups are indeed operating within Afghanistan’s borders. The killings of ISKP/Daesh commanders, including Qari Fateh and Ijaz Amin Ahangar, inside Afghanistan are undeniable proof of the presence of such groups.
The presence of ISKP/Daesh and the resurgence of the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) have serious implications not only for Afghanistan but for the entire region’s security, stability, and economy. The activities of these groups have the potential to destabilize the region, create instability, and threaten the progress that has been made in recent years.
The Islamic Alliance against Terrorism (IAG)’s action against ISKP/Daesh is a welcoming development and is expected against the TTP threat as well. The IAG is bound to fulfill its commitment under the Doha deal that Afghan soil will not be allowed to be used for violence and terrorism against any country. The international community must come together to support these efforts and work towards a more stable and secure Afghanistan.
Kabul’s cooperation with bordering states in counter-terrorism efforts is in the mutual interest of all parties. Afghanistan itself is becoming a hotbed of terrorism, and it is imperative that neighboring countries work together to address the issue. The lack of cooperation and coordination between Afghanistan and its neighbors has only worsened the situation, and it is high time that this changes.
In conclusion, the situation in Afghanistan remains deeply concerning, and recent statements made by the Acting Foreign Minister have only added to the confusion and concern surrounding the issue. The presence of terrorist groups like ISKP/Daesh and the TTP has serious implications for the region’s security, stability, and economy, and the international community must come together to support efforts to combat the threat. Kabul’s cooperation with bordering states in counter-terrorism efforts is also crucial, and it is time for all parties to work towards a more stable and secure Afghanistan.
