Amid escalating tensions between Afghanistan and Iran, the Taliban has firmly rejected claims made by Iran’s foreign minister, Hossein Amirabdollahian, that leaders of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) had been sent to Afghanistan. The Afghan foreign ministry’s spokesperson, Abdul Qahar Balkhi, called on Iran to share any credible intelligence it possessed on the matter. He further emphasized the Taliban’s unwavering commitment to maintaining Afghanistan’s security and safeguarding its territory against any potential threats. Meanwhile, the Islamic State in Khorasan Province (ISKP), an ISIL affiliate, has posed a formidable challenge to the Taliban, claiming responsibility for multiple attacks, including those targeting Afghan administration officials and minority communities.
Afghanistan Seeks Cooperation and Intelligence Sharing
In response to the Iranian foreign minister’s claims, Abdul Qahar Balkhi urged Iran to adopt a more constructive stance by cooperating on economic, political, and social issues. The Afghan government expressed a keen interest in any intelligence that Iran might possess regarding the alleged presence of ISIL leaders in the country. The collaborative sharing of information could significantly aid the Afghan security forces in taking necessary preemptive measures to thwart potential threats to the nation’s stability.
ISIS-K Poses Pervasive Threats to Taliban Rule
ISIS-K, a notorious Islamic State affiliate operating in Khorasan Province, has emerged as a potent adversary to the Taliban’s rule in Afghanistan. The group has orchestrated numerous deadly attacks, causing hundreds of casualties among civilians, including foreigners and members of the vulnerable Hazara community. Moreover, the assassination of key Taliban administration officials, such as the governor of Balkh province and the acting governor of Badakhshan province, has escalated the tension between the two factions.
Taliban’s Struggle for Security: Cracking Down on ISIS-K Hideouts
Faced with a formidable challenge from ISIS-K, the Taliban administration has launched a relentless crackdown on the terrorist organization’s members and hideouts across various provinces. The goal is to neutralize the group’s capabilities and undermine its capacity to orchestrate further attacks. The intense efforts by the Taliban underscore their commitment to establishing stability and asserting their authority in Afghanistan.
