The Islamic State of Khorasan Province (ISKP) has become a significant actor in Afghanistan’s complex and often volatile political and security landscape. Formed in 2015 as a branch of the Islamic State (IS), ISKP quickly asserted itself through a series of high-profile attacks and its brutal tactics. The emergence and operations of ISKP in Afghanistan have not only affected the internal dynamics of the country but also had profound implications for the broader region.
ISKP’s emergence in Afghanistan can be traced back to disillusioned members of the Taliban and other militant groups who sought a more extreme ideology and operational approach. Unlike the Taliban, whose goals are primarily nationalistic, aiming to establish an Islamic state within Afghanistan, ISKP aligns with the global jihadist vision of the Islamic State. This vision involves the creation of a broader caliphate that transcends national borders, encompassing regions of Central and South Asia, including Afghanistan, Pakistan, and parts of Iran and the Central Asian republics. ISKP’s ideological rigidity and brutality, including targeting civilians and using suicide bombings, distinguish it from other insurgent groups in the region. Its tactics aim to instil fear and garner attention, aligning with the broader IS strategy of using extreme violence to achieve its goals. The group’s initial foothold was established in the eastern provinces of Nangarhar and Kunar, leveraging these areas’ rugged terrain and porous borders to facilitate movement and recruitment.
The presence of ISKP in Afghanistan has exacerbated the already dire security situation in the country. Its attacks have primarily targeted civilian populations, government officials, and international entities, including humanitarian organizations. These assaults have not only resulted in significant loss of life but also disrupted the provision of essential services and aid, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis. The rivalry between ISKP and the Taliban has further complicated Afghanistan’s security landscape. While the Taliban have traditionally been the dominant insurgent force, ISKP’s emergence introduced a new dimension to the conflict. This rivalry has manifested in violent clashes between the two groups, adding another layer of violence to the ongoing conflict in the country. The Taliban, now the de facto rulers of Afghanistan following the U.S. withdrawal in 2021, face the dual challenge of governing and countering the ISKP threat.
ISKP’s activities in Afghanistan have significant ramifications for the broader region. The group’s transnational ambitions and ability to recruit from neighbouring countries pose a direct threat to regional stability. The porous borders and the presence of sympathizers and potential recruits in countries like Pakistan, Iran, and the Central Asian republics create a conducive environment for ISKP’s expansion. Pakistan, with its history of militant activity and complex relationship with various insurgent groups, faces a direct threat from ISKP. The group’s ability to recruit from within Pakistan and carry out cross-border attacks has heightened security concerns. Moreover, ISKP’s presence complicates Pakistan’s already challenging internal security dynamics, particularly in its tribal regions and urban centres.
The Central Asian republics, particularly Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan, are also on high alert due to ISKP’s potential to destabilize the region. These countries share porous borders with Afghanistan, and their relatively weak security infrastructures make them vulnerable to infiltration and recruitment by ISKP. The group’s ideology, which appeals to disenfranchised and radicalized individuals, poses a long-term security challenge for these nations.
Iran views ISKP as a significant threat due to its anti-Shia ideology and its ability to carry out attacks near the Iranian border. The group’s presence in Afghanistan’s eastern provinces, close to Iran, has prompted Tehran to bolster its border security and engage with various Afghan factions to counter the ISKP threat. However, Iran’s involvement in Afghanistan’s internal affairs also risks further complicating the regional power dynamics.
India, too, is concerned about ISKP’s presence in Afghanistan, particularly due to its potential to influence militant groups in Kashmir. ISKP’s attacks on Indian interests, such as the 2018 assault on the Indian consulate in Jalalabad, underscore the group’s capability and intent to target Indian nationals and assets in the region.
Beyond the immediate region, ISKP’s presence in Afghanistan has broader implications for global security. The group’s affiliation with IS and its ability to attract foreign fighters raise concerns about the export of terrorism beyond South and Central Asia. The potential for ISKP to inspire or coordinate attacks internationally remains a significant concern for counterterrorism agencies worldwide. Moreover, the humanitarian impact of ISKP’s activities, including the displacement of populations and disruption of aid efforts, has garnered international attention. The need for a coordinated global response to address the root causes of radicalization and support counterterrorism efforts in Afghanistan is increasingly evident.
The presence and activities of ISKP in Afghanistan have profoundly impacted the country and its neighbours. As a brutal and ideologically extreme offshoot of the Islamic State, ISKP has added another layer of complexity to Afghanistan’s already multifaceted conflict. Its regional ambitions and ability to destabilize neighbouring countries underscore the need for a coordinated and comprehensive approach to counter the threat posed by ISKP. Addressing this challenge requires not only military and security measures but also efforts to address the underlying socio-economic and political factors that facilitate radicalization and recruitment.
