Taliban Government Denies Iranian Claim of ISIL Leaders in Afghanistan

Image Credit: Google, Al-Jazeera

Taliban has Rejected Iranian Claim of ISIL Leaders in Afghanistan

 

The Taliban has refuted a recent claim made by Iran's foreign minister, Hossein Amirabdollahian, suggesting that the leaders of the ISIL (ISIS) armed group have been sent to Afghanistan from Iraq, Syria, and Libya. 

In response to the assertion, Abdul Qahar Balkhi, a spokesperson for the Afghan Foreign Ministry, called on Iran to share any intelligence they have on Daesh members being transferred to Afghanistan. 

He expressed hope that such information would aid Afghan security forces in taking necessary steps to address any potential security threats within the country. 

Balkhi emphasized that the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan has diligently and consistently combated against Daesh both during and after the end of foreign occupation. 

This statement highlights the Taliban's commitment to countering the presence and activities of the extremist group within the nation's borders.

Call for Constructive Approach

In addition to addressing the specific claim regarding ISIL's presence in Afghanistan, Balkhi urged Iranian authorities to adopt a constructive approach towards economic, political, and social issues. 

This call for cooperation and dialogue signals the importance of regional collaboration in promoting stability and addressing security challenges. 

Asserting the Taliban's firm stance on safeguarding the nation's security, Balkhi reiterated that the government will not tolerate any threats to the country's stability. 

He made it clear that Afghanistan's territory should not be utilized as a base for aggression against other nations. 

This statement underscores the Taliban's determination to protect the sovereignty and integrity of Afghanistan.

ISKP as a Security Concern 

On the ground, the affiliate of ISIL known as Islamic State in Khorasan Province, or ISIS-K (ISKP), has emerged as a significant security concern, posing the most substantial threat to the Taliban's authority. 

ISKP has claimed responsibility for several attacks in Afghanistan, leading to loss of life and injuries, including targeted killings of foreigners and members of the minority Hazara community. 

These attacks are seen as attempts to undermine the newly established Taliban government. 

Among the victims of ISKP's violence are Taliban administration officials, with high-profile attacks resulting in the deaths of the governor of the northern Balkh province in March and the acting governor of the northeastern Badakhshan province in recent times. 

These incidents have intensified the Taliban's resolve to confront and neutralize the ISKP threat. 

Crackdown on the Extremist Groups

In response to the escalating violence and security concerns posed by ISKP, the Taliban administration has initiated a crackdown on the extremist group. 

Security forces have been conducting raids on ISKP hideouts in various provinces, aiming to disrupt the group's activities and prevent further attacks. 

While the situation remains complex and challenging, the Taliban's rejection of Iran's claim, along with their commitment to combatting Daesh and protecting Afghanistan's security, demonstrates the government's intent to tackle extremism and maintain stability in the country. 

Regional cooperation and constructive engagement among neighboring nations will likely play a vital role in addressing the broader security issues in the region.

(Courtesy: Al-Jazeera)