MOSCOW, Russia – Following a devastating terrorist attack in Moscow, Russia, perpetrated by the Islamic State-Khorasan, the Afghan Taliban faces a relentless foe in its affiliate, ISIS-K. While the Taliban regained power in Afghanistan in 2021, much of the West considers them an extremist Islamic movement. However, ISIS-K has criticized the Taliban government for not enforcing Sharia law more strictly, leading to clashes between the two groups.
ISIS-K has been a significant antagonist to the Taliban in Afghanistan, carrying out numerous deadly attacks across the country. These attacks aim to undermine the Taliban’s credibility, especially in providing security and maintaining relationships with regional allies. The group’s violent tactics have drawn attention from global authorities, with recent attacks in Pakistan, Iran, and now Russia, highlighting the reach and impact of ISIS-K.
Since its establishment in 2015 by disaffected fighters of the Pakistani Taliban, ISIS-K has sought to establish itself as a dominant force in Afghanistan by outperforming rival jihadist groups. The group’s ideology aligns with Salafi Muslims in eastern Afghanistan and Pakistan, setting them apart from the Hanafi followers of the Taliban. This ideological divide, coupled with ISIS-K’s rejection of the Taliban government’s diplomatic relations with non-Muslim countries, has fueled tensions between the two groups.
Despite the Taliban’s efforts to contain ISIS-K through a relentless counterterrorism campaign, the group has remained active across Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Iran. This resilience has raised concerns about the group’s ability to inspire attacks beyond its direct members, posing a threat to stability in the region. Additionally, ISIS-K’s propaganda aims to alienate the Taliban from major powers that have shown tentative support, such as Russia and China.
In response to the attack in Moscow, Afghanistan’s Foreign Ministry condemned the act and called for regional cooperation to combat terrorism effectively. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by the Taliban in combating ISIS-K and maintaining security in the region. As the Taliban navigates diplomatic relations with the international community, the threat of ISIS-K remains a significant concern for regional stability.
Overall, the clash between the Taliban and ISIS-K underscores the complex dynamics at play in Afghanistan and the broader Middle East region. The ongoing struggle for power and influence highlights the challenges of establishing lasting peace and security in a volatile environment plagued by extremist groups. As authorities work to address the growing threat posed by ISIS-K, the importance of international cooperation and coordinated efforts to combat terrorism becomes increasingly apparent.