Dr. Mahmut Cengiz, an assistant professor at George Mason University in an analytical report claims that ISIS is rapidly growing, and will take the lead in conducting terror attacks in Afghanistan.
Dr. Changis believes that the Islamic Emirate has not been successful in establishing a strong government and the Daesh (ISIS) is trying to fill the vacuum.
He has written on the ‘Home Security Today’ website that prior to the Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan, ISIS presence was not tangible in Kabul – they were mainly based in Kunar and Nangarhar provinces. With the return of the Taliban to power, ISIS expanded its domain to Kabul and has been behind many brutal attacks in 2022.
Cengis believes ISIS appeared stronger in 2022, as the terrorist group conducted brutal attacks in Mali, Kango, Niger, Nigeria, Yemen, Philippines, Somalia, and Burkina Faso.
However, the terror group’s dominance in Afghanistan has been substantial in the past year. Although Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), and Al-Qaida have also gotten momentum with the return of the Taliban to power, they do not pose threats to the Taliban-run administration, because they have deep ties with the Afghan Taliban.
The author strongly believes that IS-Khorasan will fill the vacuum left by the Taliban in conducting terror attacks. IS-K has the potential and capability the conduct complicated attacks, including motor-bombing, suicide attacks, and placing explosives, as the group employs all the techniques the Taliban fighter used to apply while fighting the US-backed Kabul regime.
He warns that the terror group will intensify their attacks in the coming future in Afghanistan. he further adds that IS-K targeted different groups including the Taliban’s Haqqani branch last year.
IS-K also targeted Hazaras and Shias, Sufis, and the diplomatic mission in Kabul. The terrorist fighters have killed Hazaras in scores in mosques, entertainment venues, schools, and other places.
