Afghanistan’s Border Areas; A New Haven for ISIS with Pakistan’s Support

The increasing presence of ISIS fighters in Afghanistan’s border areas, along with financial and logistical support from Pakistan, has heightened concerns about potentially severe attacks against the Taliban in the upcoming spring. Limited local cooperation and restricted intelligence access have made it difficult for the Taliban to identify and counter ISIS threats.

ISIS Fighters Entering from Pakistan

Reports indicate that many ISIS-Khorasan fighters have entered eastern Afghanistan from Pakistan under the guise of “Afghan refugees”. These militants have settled in border villages and remote areas of Kunar and Nangarhar provinces. This development raises concerns about an increase in ISIS attacks against both civilians and Taliban officials after the winter season ends.

Challenges Facing the Taliban

The Taliban are facing multiple challenges in these regions:

Limited intelligence access in eastern and northern Afghanistan has made it harder to track ISIS fighters.

Local populations are hesitant to cooperate with the Taliban due to fears of ISIS retaliation.

Pakistan’s Support; A New Threat for the Taliban?

Moreover, reports suggest that Pakistan is providing financial and logistical support to ISIS in these regions, increasing Taliban officials’ concerns. This support raises the likelihood of intensified ISIS attacks on the Taliban government in the coming months.