KABUL, Afghanistan — Daesh’s Khorasan branch, ISIS-K, has carried out at least 62 attacks in Afghanistan over the past three years, according to a report by the Afghanistan Security Watch.
The attacks have resulted in the deaths of at least 857 people and left 1,575 others wounded, with civilians bearing the brunt of the violence.
Despite these figures, the Taliban has consistently downplayed the presence and threat of ISIS-K in Afghanistan, asserting that the group does not pose a significant risk to the country’s security.
The watchdog’s report highlights that ISIS-K has intensified its operations under Taliban rule, with 29 attacks occurring in 2022 alone. Kabul has been the hardest hit, with a record 32 attacks taking place in the capital. Other provinces affected include Herat, with seven attacks; Balkh, with six; and Nangarhar and Badakhshan, each experiencing four attacks.
While the Taliban continues to deny the existence of terrorist groups within Afghanistan, neighboring countries and regional powers have repeatedly expressed concerns about the growing threats emanating from Afghan soil. According to United Nations reports, more than 20 terrorist groups are believed to be operating in the country.
