After the withdrawal of the US forces in August 2021, Islamic State (Daesh) has a greater presence in Afghanistan than the previous year, according to the senior US general for the Middle East on Thursday.
“ISIS is stronger today in Afghanistan,” said Gen. Michael Kurilla, commander of US Central Command (CENTCOM), while speaking to the House Armed Services Committee.
Earlier, Kurilla also warned that the Islamic State-Khorasan would be able to strike Western interests in Europe and Asia within six months.
Amid the US troop’s withdrawal from Afghanistan on August 2021, suicide bombers attacked Kabul airport, killing at least 60 Afghans and 12 US soldiers, according to media reports.
Recently, the group has intensified their attack on diplomatic missions, including the Pakistani embassy, Russian and Chinese visitors in Kabul and the Afghan foreign ministry building.
Earlier this month, the Islamic State-Khorasan claimed responsibility for Balkh’s attacks. The governor of Taliban-ruled Afghanistan was killed in a blast at his office a day after Tebyan Cultural killed a dozen Afghan journalists.
In the meantime, the British Foreign Office recently issued a statement warning its people from travelling to Afghanistan at any cost.
According to the statement, there is a significant risk of terrorist attacks throughout Afghanistan, notably near the Kabul airport, at religious places, and during religious festivals, particularly during Ramadan.
Since the Taliban retook control of the country, the security situation has deteriorated, and the Islamic State has claimed responsibility for several deadly attacks.
