ISIS still seeking safe refuge in Afghanistan

ISIS Khurasan Province finds itself in an intricate position after the rise to power by the Afghan Taliban movement.

The branch of the Taliban in neighboring Pakistan tries, meanwhile, to follow in the footsteps of the mother organization, namely by trying to take over in the neighboring country.

ISIS knows for sure that its dream of having a safe haven in Afghanistan is evaporating bit by bit.

This is a new blow to the organization since the downfall of its caliphate in Iraq and Syria in the past few years.

Early attempts

The Taliban pledged to rein in armed groups operating in Afghanistan, including ISIS.

In doing this, the Afghan movement seems to have largely overlooked the dreams of ISIS in Afghanistan.

On the eve of the Taliban's takeover in August last year, ISIS carried out one of its largest operations in the capital, Kabul.

It targeted the capital’s airport, which led to the death of dozens of civilians and military personnel, including more than ten US troops.

This operation sent a double message, including one to the Taliban and another to the international community.

ISIS wanted to say that the Taliban's takeover of power in Afghanistan would not go uncontested.

It wanted to invite attention to the presence of other powers in Afghanistan that the international community has to take notice of.

ISIS also wanted to tell the international community that it should not have overlooked other powers on the ground in Afghanistan, especially after this community negotiated with the Taliban alone.

It sought to deliver the message that other powers can change the course of events on the ground in Afghanistan.

ISIS also wanted to deliver a message about its strength in Afghanistan.