The ISIS affiliate known as ISIS-K has been identified by American officials as the group behind the deadly attack in Moscow. This branch of ISIS has been a significant antagonist to the Taliban government in Afghanistan, carrying out repeated attacks in the region.
ISIS-K has positioned itself as the primary rival to the Taliban, criticizing the government for not implementing true Shariah law since coming into power in 2021. The group has targeted the Russian and Pakistani embassies in Kabul, as well as a hotel housing Chinese nationals. It has also threatened attacks on the Chinese, Indian, and Iranian embassies in Afghanistan, releasing anti-Russian propaganda in the process.
In addition to attacks within Afghanistan, ISIS-K has struck outside the country, including twin bombings in Iran that killed and wounded many during a memorial service for Iran’s former top general, Qassim Suleimani.
Despite the Taliban’s efforts to eliminate ISIS-K, the group has remained active and resilient, carrying out attacks across Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Iran. Just before the Moscow attack, ISIS-K conducted a suicide bombing in Kandahar, sending a message that even Taliban soldiers in their heartland were not safe.
Following the attack in Moscow, Afghanistan’s foreign ministry condemned the act as a violation of human standards and called for regional countries to take a united stand against such incidents aimed at destabilizing the region.
The ongoing conflict between ISIS-K and the Taliban, as well as their relationships with regional allies, continues to shape the security landscape in Afghanistan and beyond.
