AFGHANISTAN – TERRORISM’S STRONGHOLD IMPERILING GLOBAL SAFETY

Hanzala Khan

Publishing date: 26 May 2024

Published in: Political Prism

Since the Taliban’s rise to power, Afghanistan has descended into a hotbed of terrorism, with dangerous groups such as the Islamic State of Khorasan (ISK) finding sanctuary and flourishing. This transformation has transformed the country into a focal point of extremist activity, posing a significant threat both locally and globally. The alarming expansion of ISK’s operations has rendered Afghanistan increasingly unsafe, particularly for foreign tourists.

On May 18, 2024, a tragic incident underscored this precarious situation when three Spanish tourists visiting the historical sites in Bamiyan were brutally murdered by ISK terrorists. This heinous act also claimed the life of an Afghan citizen and left four other foreigners and three Afghans severely injured. This event marks the most severe attack on foreigners since the Taliban took control, highlighting the dire security challenges in the region.

ISK’s operations, initially confined to South and Central Asia, have now extended their reach to Iran, Turkey, and Europe. A stark example of their expanded reach occurred on March 22, 2024, when a terrorist attack at the Crocus City Hall in Moscow resulted in 140 deaths and over 500 injuries. A senior Russian security official has confirm that the terrorist assault on the Crocus City Hall in Moscow on March 22 was executed by the Daesh terrorist organization. Prior to this, on January 3, 2024, twin suicide bombings at the mausoleum of Qassem Soleimani in Kerman, Iran, led to over 100 fatalities. Similarly in December 2022, the aforementioned extremist organization targeted a hotel owned by Chinese nationals in Kabul, the capital of Afghanistan, leading to the fatalities of three individuals and causing injuries to 15 more

Investigations into these attacks have revealed that the weapons used were funded from within Afghanistan, underscoring the country’s role as a central player in ISK’s operations. This local financial support has enabled ISK to sustain its terrorist activities and expand its influence beyond Afghanistan’s borders.

The year 2024 has witnessed a disturbing increase in terrorist attacks across Afghanistan. On May 8, a bomb blast in Badakhshan killed three Taliban members and injured six others. On April 30, a terrorist attack on a mosque in Herat resulted in six fatalities. On March 21, a suicide bombing outside a bank in Kandahar killed 21 people and injured over 50. Additionally, on January 6, a bus bombing in the predominantly Hazara neighborhood of Dasht-e-Barchi in Kabul resulted in five deaths and 14 injuries.

ISK has claimed responsibility for all major terrorist attacks in Afghanistan over the past four years. These attacks not only target the local population but also pose significant risks to foreign visitors, indicating the group’s growing audacity and operational capabilities. The persistent escalation in terrorist activities presents a profound threat to global peace and stability.

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There is an urgent need for coordinated international action against the rising tide of ISK’s terrorism. The global community must work collectively to combat this menace. The Taliban government, despite its controversial standing, needs to take decisive action against terrorist organizations and implement measures to cut off their financial support. The international community must remain vigilant and offer comprehensive support to the Afghan government in its fight against terrorism.

The safety of foreign tourists in Afghanistan has become a critical issue. The Bamiyan attack has raised serious concerns about the protection of international visitors. It is imperative for the Afghan government to implement robust measures to ensure the safety of tourists. This includes enhancing security at tourist sites and developing effective strategies to mitigate the risks of terrorist attacks.

The surge in terrorist activities following the Taliban’s rise to power poses a severe threat not only to the local population but also to foreign tourists. Groups like ISK have exploited the current situation, establishing Afghanistan as their stronghold and extending their terror operations globally. It is crucial that the international community takes immediate and effective steps to combat terrorism, ensuring peace and stability both in Afghanistan and worldwide. The Afghan government must also act swiftly to protect foreign tourists, preventing future tragedies and fostering a safer environment for all.

The need for immediate and decisive action cannot be overstated, as the consequences of inaction are dire and far-reaching. Only through concerted global efforts can the tide of terrorism be turned, securing a future of peace and stability for Afghanistan and the world at large.