Uzbekistan Urges Joint Action Against Afghanistan’s ISIS-Khorasan Terrorists
The presence of terrorist groups in Afghanistan continues to pose a significant threat to regional security, according to experts in the field. Professor Anvar Yuldoshev has identified over 20 terrorist groups operating in the country, with the largest being “ISIS-Khorasan,” boasting nearly 6,000 fighters. Another group of concern is “Tawhid and Jihad,” led primarily by individuals from Uzbekistan.
Despite the Taliban’s control over Afghanistan since August 15, 2021, and their claims to prevent the country from becoming a terrorism hub, the ISIS-Khorasan branch remains active and poses a tangible threat. The group, established in 2015, includes subgroups like “Imam al-Bukhari” and “Jabhat al-Nusra” under its umbrella.
Afghan expert Suhrob Buronov confirms the continued activity of ISIS-Khorasan in Afghanistan, with the organization carrying out various terrorist attacks in the region. While the group may operate covertly, its limited resources and capabilities prevent it from posing a substantial threat to the area.
Political analyst Kamoliddin Rabbimov echoes this sentiment, emphasizing that the Taliban’s control over the state limits ISIS-Khorasan’s ability to exert real power. Despite this, efforts to combat terrorism and extremism in the region remain vital, as highlighted during recent conferences held by the Shanghai Cooperation Organization’s Regional Anti-Terrorism Structure and the CIS.
During the conferences, Uzbekistan’s State Security Service Chairman Abdusalom Azizov highlighted the importance of supporting Afghanistan in combating groups like “Khorasan Province” to maintain regional security. He emphasized the need for joint efforts to weaken countermeasures and prevent the strengthening of terrorist organizations in the area.
As the fight against terrorism in Afghanistan continues, cooperation among international partners and regional stakeholders remains crucial to safeguarding peace and stability in the region.
