The Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP) is a radical offshoot of the Islamic State group that poses a significant threat to Afghanistan and beyond. Although no government officially recognizes the Taliban regime in Afghanistan, ISKP is even more extreme in its restrictions on female education. The group criticizes the Taliban for what they see as appeasement to the West, including meeting with non-Islamic diplomats and accepting aid from unbelievers.
In its nine-year existence, ISKP has primarily targeted Afghans but has expanded its reach beyond the country through attacks in Moscow, Turkey, and Iran. Estimates of its strength range from fewer than 2,000 to 5,000 members. Its current leader, Shahab al-Muhajir, is of Arab descent and rarely heard from. Despite setbacks in Afghanistan, ISKP’s ability to connect with disaffected individuals makes it a significant threat to global security.
