The Afghan branch of ISIS is gaining strength due to the support of the Central Asian diaspora, which allows the terrorist group, banned in many countries, to carry out attacks outside of Afghanistan, said Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations and head of the Counter-Terrorism Directorate Vladimir Voronkov.

Increased terrorist activity in Eurasia

Speaking at the UN Security Council, Voronkov noted the increased activity of ISIS in Africa and noted that the Afghan group ISIS-Khorasan Province has become a terrorist threat to Europe and is currently increasing its recruitment efforts and building up its capabilities.

Vladimir Voronkov said that over the past six months, the terrorist group ISIS-Khorasan Province (ISKP), associated with the banned organization Islamic State (IS), has significantly strengthened its positions, creating a serious threat to the security of Eurasia. 

ISKP’s growing financial and logistical power

According to him, the group has improved its financial and logistical capabilities over the past six months, including due to the support from the Afghan and Central Asian diasporas.

“However, Afghanistan has dismissed such concerns, claiming that ISIL had been suppressed and there was no armed group in the country,” Ariana News reports. 

 

In this regard, Voronkov called on all UN member states to unite and prevent Afghanistan from becoming a terrorist base again.

“ISKP has increased its financial and logistical capabilities over the past six months, including through infiltrating diasporas in Afghanistan and Central Asia to gain support. The group has also intensified its recruitment efforts,” he said at a UN Security Council meeting on threats from terrorist organizations.

Spokesman of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan Zabihullah Mujahid said the Emirate’s authorities were fighting ISIL, and now countries in the region must also contribute to this.

"The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan will not allow anyone to use the land of Afghanistan to the detriment of the security of any country or threaten any country from Afghanistan," Mujahid stressed, adding, "The security forces of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan have fought ISIS in Afghanistan with full committment and dealt them a serious blow."

Concerns over the situation in Afghanistan

Voronkov also expressed concern over the increased activity of the Islamic State and other terrorist groups in Afghanistan.

"We need to join forces to prevent Afghanistan from becoming a hotbed of terrorism again," he added, calling on the international community to coordinate efforts to combat the growing threats.