The Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP) is a radical Islamist group that has been operating in Afghanistan for the past nine years. While it is not formally recognized by any government due to its oppressive restrictions on female education, ISKP considers even the Taliban regime to be too moderate. ISKP propagandists criticize the Taliban for their interactions with non-Islamic diplomats and allowing aid from unbelievers.
However, ISKP’s global ambitions became apparent on March 22nd when gunmen attacked a concert in Moscow, killing 139 people. The group has been blamed by American officials for the attack, with suspects from Tajikistan later being arrested by Russia. ISKP has been carrying out attacks beyond Afghanistan, targeting countries like Turkey and Iran. Russia is also a target of ISKP due to its presence in Kabul and relationship with the Taliban. The group also targets countries supplying aid to Syria, where its parent organization was dismantled by Bashar al-Assad’s regime.
Though estimates of ISKP’s strength vary, it is believed to have around 2,000 to 5,000 members. Its ability to connect with disaffected individuals is considered its strength, with its current leader being Shahab al-Muhajir, a 29-year-old of Arab descent. Despite limited information about its leader, ISKP is now under global scrutiny as it continues to pose a threat to international security.
