Ignoring ISIS-K's surge could lead to renewed crisis in Afghanistan, Afghans warn

KABUL -- Failing to confront the Khorasan branch of "Islamic State of Iraq and Syria" (ISIS-K) in Afghanistan could cause more insecurity and instability, Afghans warn.

A September 2 suicide attack claimed by ISIS-K in Kabul has spurred Afghan dread of the group's growing presence.

At least six civilians, including a woman, were killed, and 13 others were injured.

The ISIS-K peril must be taken seriously, Mohammad Naim Ghayur, a military analyst based in Italy, told Salaam Times.

Afghan authorities' unwillingness to do so "has allowed ISIS-K to ... strengthen itself," he said.

"A real fight to suppress this group must take place," Ghayur said.

ISIS-K has carried out 63 deadly attacks in Afghanistan over the past three years, Afghanistan Security Watch said in a report before ISIS-K's September 2 attack in Kabul.

The United Nations has repeatedly warned during the past three years about ISIS-K.

Global concerns about ISIS-K's resurgence are rising, while officials in Kabul repeatedly deny its presence and growth in Afghanistan.

Growing threat

Over the past three years, terrorist groups like ISIS-K, al-Qaeda and others have flourished nationwide, according to some Afghan analysts.

These groups, particularly ISIS-K and al-Qaeda, made Afghanistan their own safe haven, said Hamza Baloch, a military analyst based in Nimroz province.

"Terrorism from Afghanistan endangers the entire world. ... [T]his could lead to a global security crisis," he said.

The Afghan authorities lack the "advanced air power and military capabilities" to destroy terrorist hideouts in the mountains, he said. "The terrorists are taking full advantage of this."

Defeating the terrorists requires regional and global cooperation, Baloch said.

On August 27, the US Department of Defense said that it was actively monitoring the situation in Afghanistan and working with international partners to counter terrorist threats from the country.

Civilian casualties

ISIS-K terrorists in Afghanistan, Iran and Russia the past three years primarily kill civilians.

In Afghanistan, Shia Muslims have been ISIS-K's main targets.

In the 63 recent Afghan attacks by ISIS-K, primarily in Kabul, Herat and Balkh provinces, most of the victims have been Shia civilians.

ISIS-K is public enemy no. 1, said Abbas Hosseini, 28, a college student in Herat.

"In the years I remember, ISIS-K has targeted only the innocent. This group has massacred worshippers in mosques, patients in hospitals and travelers in vehicles," he said.

"It is the duty of the current [authorities] to fight ISIS-K, and if they lack the capability, they should seek international assistance. We, the people ... just want to survive, and the government must ensure our security," he added.

A Salaam Times survey conducted in June revealed that over 65% of Afghans are concerned about ISIS-K attacks and activities in the country.