− Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP) has evolved from a local insurgent group into a formidable transnational terror organization with ambitions to establish a caliphate across the historical Khorasan region.
− ISKP has significantly broadened its operational footprint beyond its initial base in Eastern Afghanistan, executing high-profile attacks in diverse locations including Afghanistan, Pakistan, Russia, and Iran. This geographical and tactical expansion highlights a shift from local insurgency to global jihadism, employing a mix of conventional and asymmetric warfare strategies.
− Looking forward, ISKP is expected to increase its focus on external attacks, especially against Russian and Western interests, to enhance its global jihadist stature and attract further support. This strategic pivot underscores an ongoing evolution designed to maintain relevance and operational capability amidst international counterterrorism pressures.
Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP) emerged in late 2014, initially as a splinter faction of the Taliban, disillusioned by the latter's political engagements. Comprising defectors from various jihadist groups, including the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and others from the Afghan insurgency landscape, ISKP aligned itself with the broader Islamic State ideology. This alignment was marked by a brutal campaign against both governmental structures and non-compliant civilian populations, underpinned by a harsh interpretation of Sharia law. ISKP aims to establish a caliphate across the historical expanse of Khorasan, a region encompassing parts of modern-day Iran, Central Asia, and Afghanistan.
Initially confined to the eastern provinces of Afghanistan, ISKP's operational reach has expanded significantly. The group has demonstrated capabilities to conduct orchestrated attacks across Afghanistan, Pakistan, and even as far afield as Russia and Iran. Noteworthy attacks include the 2021 Kabul airport bombing, which resulted in significant international casualties, and more recently, the 2024 assault on a concert hall in Russia, marking its deadliest attack on foreign soil. These operations reflect not only the group's extended reach but also a strategic evolution from localized insurgency to transnational terrorism, leveraging both conventional military tactics and asymmetric warfare.
ISKP has been particularly effective in recruiting from populations experiencing socio-economic and political disenfranchisement. Central Asians, particularly Tajiks and Uzbeks living in precarious conditions in Russia, form a significant part of its cadre. The group's propaganda, adeptly translated into multiple languages, underscores its call for a broader Islamic revival, appealing to a sense of religious duty and injustice amongst potential recruits.
Graphic: Showing the locations of ISKP attacks and the approximate area of the Greater Khorasan Region.
Going forward, ISKP is likely to intensify its focus on external attacks, particularly targeting Russia and Western interests. This strategic pivot aims not only to bolster its credentials within the global jihadist panorama but also to attract recruits and funding. Enhanced by the symbolic impact of its attacks and the publicity they generate, ISKP will continue to pose a significant security threat both regionally and internationally.
ISKP remains a potent force within the global jihadist landscape, driven by ideological fervour and a strategic command structure capable of executing high-profile attacks far from its operational bases. Its ability to exploit local grievances and regional conflicts allows it to maintain relevance and operational capability despite significant counterterrorism efforts. As it continues to adapt and evolve, the international community must remain vigilant and proactive in curbing its spread and influence.