Afghans fear ISIS-K's growing reach, Salaam Times poll reveals

KABUL – Two thirds of Afghans who took part in an online poll conducted by Salaam Times expressed deep concern about the "Islamic State of Iraq and Syria" Khorasan branch (ISIS-K) expanding in their communities.

A full 65% of respondents worried about ISIS-K's presence. Another 14% remained uncertain, while 20% expressed no concern.

The survey drew 6,500 responses between October 31 and November 1, from nearly all provinces in Afghanistan. To see the poll results or to vote, click here.

Civilian victims

ISIS-K's escalating attacks have heightened public anxiety, with a November 21 attack at a shrine in Baghlan province's Nahrin district killing 10 Sufi worshippers.

Two months earlier, the extremists massacred 14 civilians in Daikundi province.

"The increase in ISIS-K's terrorist activities is serious and worrying," Daikundi resident Jafar Najafi, 26, told Salaam Times.

"Previously, ISIS-K didn't have much presence in our province, and we felt more secure," he said. "After the massacre of civilians almost two months ago, we no longer feel safe."

"In recent months, we have witnessed several ISIS-K attacks in various provinces," he added. "This indicates the group's expanding influence and operational scope in Afghanistan."

"Unfortunately, in all these terrorist attacks, only innocent civilians have been the victims," he noted, warning of another looming crisis as ISIS-K regains strength.

Herat city resident Mehdi Faazyez, 35, pointed to the group's widening reach.

"This year, we have witnessed multiple ISIS-K attacks in various provinces, from Kabul to Balkh, Kandahar, Herat, Daikundi, Bamiyan and Baghlan," he said. "These attacks show that ISIS Khorasan now has a presence almost nationwide."

"ISIS is a dangerous terrorist group, and I am deeply worried about its activities in many provinces," he added. "I hope this group is eradicated so that Afghans no longer have to suffer such bloodshed and violence."

Escalating threat

A July United Nations report identified ISIS-K as an escalating threat regionally and beyond.

Afghanistan's Security Watch documented 62 ISIS-K attacks over three years, killing 857 and wounding 1,575 – mostly civilian Shia Muslims.

"Previously, this terrorist group's presence was not apparent in central areas such as Bamiyan, Daikundi and Ghor," Italy-based Afghan military analyst Mohammad Naim Ghayur told Salaam Times.

"But the recent shootings of Hazara civilians in Daikundi and attacks on tourists in Bamiyan indicate an increase in ISIS's activities," he said, also pointing to the group's expansion over a broader geographic area.

"While these attacks may display power, they unfortunately come at the expense of civilian lives," he said.