According to regional member states of the United Nations, there have been reports indicating that NATO-caliber weaponry previously under the possession of the Afghanistan Defense and Security Forces has been transferred to ISIL-K (Daesh) through groups affiliated with the Taliban and al-Qaeda. Among these groups are Tehreek-e Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and the Eastern Turkistan Islamic Movement.
The 17th report of the UN Secretary-General regarding the threat posed by Daesh to global peace and security highlighted that, following the Taliban’s takeover in Afghanistan, concerns arose among member states regarding the widespread proliferation of significant quantities of weapons and military equipment within Afghanistan and spilling into neighboring nations.
The report emphasized that, although Daesh’s ability to conduct external operations has been notably diminished and constrained, the intention to reestablish itself is evident. However, the report noted that “the situation in Afghanistan has grown more intricate, with member states expressing increased apprehension about the capacity of Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant-Khorasan (ISIL-K) to pose a threat both regionally and beyond.”
The document observed that within the primary conflict area, Daesh has reportedly shifted toward producing fewer, simpler, and smaller improvised explosive devices, resorting to suicide vests as a last resort to prevent the loss of operatives. “Reports suggest that Daesh has formed an Industry Committee within its framework to explore novel pathways for advancements in weaponry, including improvised explosive devices and augmented drone payloads,” the report outlined.
Nevertheless, member states assessed Daesh as the most prominent terrorist menace in Afghanistan and the broader region. The group’s operational strength within Afghanistan is reportedly growing, with an estimated 4,000 to 6,000 fighters and family members.
The UN further noted that while there were reports of the death of ISIL-K leader Sanaullah Ghafari in Afghanistan in June, this remains unverified. Nonetheless, some member states perceive Ghafari as the most ambitious leader of ISIL-K.
“ISIL-K is increasingly employing sophisticated tactics in attacks against both the Taliban and international targets. The group appears to be focusing on a strategy of high-profile assaults aimed at undermining the Taliban’s capacity to ensure security,” the report detailed.
Furthermore, Daesh has displayed adept operational capabilities involving reconnaissance, coordination, communication, planning, and execution. Some member states indicated that recent attacks against prominent Taliban figures in provinces such as Balkh, Badakhshan, and Baghlan have bolstered Daesh’s morale and facilitated recruitment.
This report emerges several weeks after Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian stated in a televised interview that Daesh leaders had been transferred to Afghanistan from Iraq, Syria, and Libya in recent months. “This presents one of the challenges confronting the Taliban,” he noted at that time.
The Taliban, however, rejected this claim and urged Iran to share any intelligence it possesses about the transfer of Daesh members to Afghanistan so that appropriate measures can be taken by Afghan security forces.
Source: United Nations