The United States is prepared to launch strikes against ISIS-K if the group poses “imminent threats,” according to Pentagon spokesperson Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder.
“If we see imminent threats against the United States or our interests, we reserve the right to take appropriate action, including conducting over-the-horizon strikes,” the spokesperson said in response to questions about potential threats from ISIS-K, the Daesh affiliate in Afghanistan.
Ryder also highlighted the importance of cooperation between Iraqi security forces and the Peshmerga in reducing the ISIS threat in Iraq, particularly in disputed regions like Kirkuk.
“Iraqi security forces, including the Peshmerga, have played a vital role in reducing the threat that ISIS poses,” he said, adding that the U.S. will continue to support these efforts to prevent ISIS from regaining strength.
These remarks come after reports from The Guardian indicated that newly recruited ISIS members, particularly from Central Asian countries, are being trained in Afghanistan under Taliban control. Although the Taliban have repeatedly denied the presence of ISIS-K in Afghanistan and claimed to have suppressed the group, ISIS recently claimed responsibility for an August 11 explosion in western Kabul that killed and injured over 10 people.
The attack targeted the Hazara community, and ISIS claimed in a Telegram message that it had killed and injured 13 individuals. Independent sources confirmed that the blast resulted in the death of a 70-year-old man and injuries to 13 others, including four women and a 13-year-old child.
Earlier this month, Vladimir Voronkov, the United Nations Under-Secretary-General, warned the U.N. Security Council that ISIS-K had been increasing its recruitment efforts and improving its financial and logistical capabilities over the past six months. “ISIS has strengthened its financial and logistical capabilities by leveraging support from the Afghan and Central Asian diaspora and has intensified its recruitment efforts,” Voronkov reported.
