Six Islamic State members said to be involved in two major attacks that had killed 60 and left many wounded, were killed by the Taliban security forces in an overnight operation in Kabul, a spokesman for the ruling group's administration said on Saturday, while adding that a Taliban security personnel also died in the operation. 
 
The Islamic State members killed in the raid on their hideout were involved in two major attacks in recent weeks, one on a city mosque and the other on a tutoring institute in which dozens of female students were killed, said the spokesman, Qari Yusuf Ahmadi.&nbsp;

"They were the attackers of the Wazir Akbar Khan mosque and also ... of Kaaj Institute," said Ahmadi, who said one Taliban security force member was killed in the operation. 
 
No group had claimed the responsibility for either attack, reported Reuters. 
 
ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-ban-use-of-pakistani-currency-in-afghanistan-522627">Taliban ban use of Pakistani currency in Afghanistan, transactions over 500,000 rupees</a> 
 
The blast at the female section of the Kaaj Institute education centre in the Afghan capital on Sept. 30 had killed 53 people, most of them girls and young women. &nbsp; 
 
On Sept. 23, at least seven people were killed and more than 40 wounded in a blast after the Friday prayers near a mosque in Wazir Akbar Khan, a heavily fortified neighbourhood once home to a "Green Zone" of embassies and foreign force bases.&nbsp; 
 
The Taliban claim that they have focused on securing the country after decades of war. 
However, a series of blasts have rocked the capital and other urban areas in recent months and the United Nations has said that the security situation in Afghanistan is deteriorating. 
 
ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/malala-yousafzai-visits-pakistan-10-years-after-taliban-assassination-attempt-524469">Malala Yousafzai visits Pakistan 10 years after Taliban assassination attempt</a> 
 
The Afghan affiliate of Islamic State, known as Islamic State Khorasan, after an old name of the region, are enemies of the Taliban. 
 
Fighters loyal to Islamic State first appeared in eastern Afghanistan in 2014, and later made inroads in other areas. 
 
(With inputs from agencies) 
 
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Six Islamic State members said to be involved in two major attacks that had killed 60 and left many wounded, were killed by the Taliban security forces in an overnight operation in Kabul, a spokesman for the ruling group's administration said on Saturday, while adding that a Taliban security personnel also died in the operation.

Six Islamic State members said to be involved in two major attacks that had killed 60 and left many wounded, were killed by the Taliban security forces in an overnight operation in Kabul, a spokesman for the ruling group's administration said on Saturday, while adding that a Taliban security personnel also died in the operation. The Islamic State members killed in the raid on their hideout were involved in two major attacks in recent weeks, one on a city mosque and the other on a tutoring institute in which dozens of female students were killed, said the spokesman, Qari Yusuf Ahmadi. "They were the attackers of the Wazir Akbar Khan mosque and also ... of Kaaj Institute," said Ahmadi, who said one Taliban security force member was killed in the operation. No group had claimed the responsibility for either attack, reported Reuters. ALSO READ | Taliban ban use of Pakistani currency in Afghanistan, transactions over 500,000 rupees The blast at the female section of the Kaaj Institute education centre in the Afghan capital on Sept. 30 had killed 53 people, most of them girls and young women. On Sept. 23, at least seven people were killed and more than 40 wounded in a blast after the Friday prayers near a mosque in Wazir Akbar Khan, a heavily fortified neighbourhood once home to a "Green Zone" of embassies and foreign force bases. The Taliban claim that they have focused on securing the country after decades of war. However, a series of blasts have rocked the capital and other urban areas in recent months and the United Nations has said that the security situation in Afghanistan is deteriorating. ALSO READ | Malala Yousafzai visits Pakistan 10 years after Taliban assassination attempt The Afghan affiliate of Islamic State, known as Islamic State Khorasan, after an old name of the region, are enemies of the Taliban. Fighters loyal to Islamic State first appeared in eastern Afghanistan in 2014, and later made inroads in other areas. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Taliban forces kill six Islamic State members involved in deadly twin blasts in Afghan capital

The Islamic State-Khorasan Province (ISKP) has claimed the attack outside the Russian embassy in Kabul that took place earlier on Monday.

The terror outfit has identified the suicide bomber as Waqas al Muhajir, the group announced on its channel on Telegram.

Two members of the embassy staff and an Afghan civilian were killed in the Monday suicide blast near the entrance of the embassy in Kabul. While at least 10 people were injured.

According to the local police, the attacker was shot dead by armed guards while approaching the gate, in one of the first such attacks since the Taliban took power last year.

"The suicide attacker before reaching the target, was recognised and shot by Russian embassy (Taliban) guards ... there is no information about casualties yet," Mawlawi Sabir, the head of the police district where the attack took place, told Reuters.

In a statement, the Russian Foreign Ministry said that an unknown militant set off an explosive device near the entrance to the consular section of the embassy around at 10.50 a.m. Kabul time

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, meanwhile, has condemned the “terrorist act”, saying that it was “absolutely unacceptable”.

In his daily press conference, Peskov said that "now the main thing that needs to be done is to get information from the ground about what happened to our diplomatic representatives".

Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has said that security has been intensified at the embassy following the attack and added that "additional forces of the Taliban&nbsp;authorities" have been deployed.

"Let's hope that the organisers of this terrorist act and its perpetrators will be punished," Lavrov said.

Though it does recognise the Taliban government, Russia is one of the few countries that have maintained an embassy in Kabul after the militant organisation took over the country a year ago.

Moreover, Moscow has been in talks with Taliban officials over an agreement to supply gasoline and other commodities.

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The Islamic State-Khorasan Province (ISKP) has claimed the attack outside the Russian embassy in Kabul that took place earlier on Monday. The terror outfit has identified the suicide bomber as Waqas al Muhajir, the group announced on its channel on Telegram.

The Islamic State-Khorasan Province (ISKP) has claimed the attack outside the Russian embassy in Kabul that took place earlier on Monday. The terror outfit has identified the suicide bomber as Waqas al Muhajir, the group announced on its channel on Telegram. Two members of the embassy staff and an Afghan civilian were killed in the Monday suicide blast near the entrance of the embassy in Kabul. While at least 10 people were injured. According to the local police, the attacker was shot dead by armed guards while approaching the gate, in one of the first such attacks since the Taliban took power last year. "The suicide attacker before reaching the target, was recognised and shot by Russian embassy (Taliban) guards ... there is no information about casualties yet," Mawlawi Sabir, the head of the police district where the attack took place, told Reuters. In a statement, the Russian Foreign Ministry said that an unknown militant set off an explosive device near the entrance to the consular section of the embassy around at 10.50 a.m. Kabul time Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, meanwhile, has condemned the “terrorist act”, saying that it was “absolutely unacceptable”. In his daily press conference, Peskov said that "now the main thing that needs to be done is to get information from the ground about what happened to our diplomatic representatives". Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has said that security has been intensified at the embassy following the attack and added that "additional forces of the Taliban authorities" have been deployed. "Let's hope that the organisers of this terrorist act and its perpetrators will be punished," Lavrov said. Though it does recognise the Taliban government, Russia is one of the few countries that have maintained an embassy in Kabul after the militant organisation took over the country a year ago. Moreover, Moscow has been in talks with Taliban officials over an agreement to supply gasoline and other commodities. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Islamic State-Khorasan claims responsibility for Russian embassy suicide attack in Kabul

The recent devastating suicide bombing, targeted at a Shia Muslim mosque in Peshawar has marked the re-emergence of the dreaded Islamic State-Khorasan (IS-K) terror group in Pakistan. 
 
The IS-K claimed responsibility for the attack in which a suicide bomber blew himself up after entering into the mosque during Friday prayers, claiming lives of at least 63 and injuring over 200. 
 
It also claimed the terror attack just outside Kabul airport during the evacuation process of foreign forces was underway after the Taliban takeover, as well as many others on mosques and other places in Afghanistan, becoming the biggest opposition to the incumbent regime.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/islamic-state-claims-responsibility-for-peshawar-mosque-suicide-blast-that-killed-57-459183" hreflang="en">Islamic State claims responsibility for Peshawar mosque suicide blast</a>

Pakistan had been on consultation with the Afghan Taliban and working towards a joint strategy to counter terror threats from organisations operating along the two countries'&nbsp;border. 
 
The attack in Peshawar comes at a time when the country's Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) killed an IS-K commander named Bilal Khan, during a police encounter on January 19 this year. 
 
It is believed that the commander's killing activated many sleeper cells, associated with the terror group, who planned to respond with a major suicide attacks. 
 
It is believed that Bilal Khan, who was a member of the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), joined the IS in 2015, pledging allegiance to Abu Bakar Al-Baghdadi, the group's slain leader. 
 
Experts believe that intelligence-based operations by Pakistani security agencies against terror elements, including the IS-K, have not only increased targeted attacks, but supporters of the Afghan Taliban have also come under deadly attacks in Peshawar.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-release-its-most-secretive-leader-sirajuddin-haqqanis-photos-for-the-first-time-459582">Taliban release its most secretive leader Sirajuddin Haqqani's photos for the first time</a> 
 
The emergence of the IS-K in the heart of Peshawar raises major concerns and a new set of challenges for the Pakistani authorities, as neighbouring Afghanistan conducts search operations in various parts, looking to neutralise the militants. 
 
Some reports also indicate that many IS-K militants have already fled Afghanistan and entered Pakistan, while sleeper cells of the group have also been activated. 
 
It is because of this reason that a major surge of terror attacks is being witnessed in Pakistan. 
 
According to data from Pakistan Institute of Peace Studies (PIPS), there were at least 207 incidents of terrorism in Pakistan in 2021, a 45 per cent increase over 2020. 
 
The TTP has also been carrying out targeted attacks in various parts of the country, adding on to the challenges Pakistani security forces are confronted with. 
 
Pakistan's Interior Minister Sheikh Rasheed said that a fresh wave of terrorism has hit the country where the TTP is targeting policemen in major cities with an aim to breach and break the first line of defense.

Watch |&nbsp;Conference on Afghanistan: How can extremism be countered?

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While the threat of terrorism looms, many believe that the IS-K can be a much bigger problem than the TTP. 
 
While negotiations with the TTP remains on the agenda of the Pakistani government, it is feared that disagreements among the TTP militants, as well as a deal with Islamabad, may push them towards joining the IS-K.

&nbsp;

The recent devastating suicide bombing, targeted at a Shia Muslim mosque in Peshawar has marked the re-emergence of the dreaded Islamic State-Khorasan (IS-K) terror group in Pakistan.

The recent devastating suicide bombing, targeted at a Shia Muslim mosque in Peshawar has marked the re-emergence of the dreaded Islamic State-Khorasan (IS-K) terror group in Pakistan. The IS-K claimed responsibility for the attack in which a suicide bomber blew himself up after entering into the mosque during Friday prayers, claiming lives of at least 63 and injuring over 200. It also claimed the terror attack just outside Kabul airport during the evacuation process of foreign forces was underway after the Taliban takeover, as well as many others on mosques and other places in Afghanistan, becoming the biggest opposition to the incumbent regime. Also read | Islamic State claims responsibility for Peshawar mosque suicide blast Pakistan had been on consultation with the Afghan Taliban and working towards a joint strategy to counter terror threats from organisations operating along the two countries' border. The attack in Peshawar comes at a time when the country's Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) killed an IS-K commander named Bilal Khan, during a police encounter on January 19 this year. It is believed that the commander's killing activated many sleeper cells, associated with the terror group, who planned to respond with a major suicide attacks. It is believed that Bilal Khan, who was a member of the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), joined the IS in 2015, pledging allegiance to Abu Bakar Al-Baghdadi, the group's slain leader. Experts believe that intelligence-based operations by Pakistani security agencies against terror elements, including the IS-K, have not only increased targeted attacks, but supporters of the Afghan Taliban have also come under deadly attacks in Peshawar. Also read | Taliban release its most secretive leader Sirajuddin Haqqani's photos for the first time The emergence of the IS-K in the heart of Peshawar raises major concerns and a new set of challenges for the Pakistani authorities, as neighbouring Afghanistan conducts search operations in various parts, looking to neutralise the militants. Some reports also indicate that many IS-K militants have already fled Afghanistan and entered Pakistan, while sleeper cells of the group have also been activated. It is because of this reason that a major surge of terror attacks is being witnessed in Pakistan. According to data from Pakistan Institute of Peace Studies (PIPS), there were at least 207 incidents of terrorism in Pakistan in 2021, a 45 per cent increase over 2020. The TTP has also been carrying out targeted attacks in various parts of the country, adding on to the challenges Pakistani security forces are confronted with. Pakistan's Interior Minister Sheikh Rasheed said that a fresh wave of terrorism has hit the country where the TTP is targeting policemen in major cities with an aim to breach and break the first line of defense. Watch | Conference on Afghanistan: How can extremism be countered? While the threat of terrorism looms, many believe that the IS-K can be a much bigger problem than the TTP. While negotiations with the TTP remains on the agenda of the Pakistani government, it is feared that disagreements among the TTP militants, as well as a deal with Islamabad, may push them towards joining the IS-K.

After Afghanistan, Islamic State-Khorasan set foot in Pakistan

A blast took place in Afghanistan's capital Kabul on Saturday, according to local news media reports.

The eyewitness said that the blast occurred on Kabul's Fifth Taimani Street, Tolo News reported.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BREAKING?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BREAKING</a> An Explosion occured in the Taimani 5th street. 
 
It was caused by a magnetic mine at a Land Cruiser of Taliban.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BreakingNews?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BreakingNews</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Kabul?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Kabul</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Kabulblast?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Kabulblast</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Afghanistan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Afghanistan</a> <a href="https://t.co/2e700rAIHJ">pic.twitter.com/2e700rAIHJ</a>
— The HbK (@The5HbK) <a href="https://twitter.com/The5HbK/status/1467118040059842560?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 4, 2021</a></blockquote>
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So far, no casualties have been reported and it is not clear how the blast took place.

Further details are awaited.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/in-afghanistan-who-has-the-guns-gets-the-land-434095">In Afghanistan, ‘who has the guns gets the land’</a>

The latest explosion comes two weeks after the Islamic State-Khorasan (ISIS-K) carried out two bomb blasts that left around dozen civilians dead and scores wounded in Kabul.

The first explosion was a car bomb blast that took place in Dasht-e Barchi, a heavily Shi’ite Muslim area of western Kabul.

A second explosion was also reported in the nearby Karte 3 area, local residents said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-and-911-families-fight-for-billions-in-frozen-afghan-funds-432862">Taliban and 9/11 families fight for billions in frozen Afghan funds</a>

The terror group has intensified bombings and other attacks since the Taliban seized power in mid-August.

For months, US military officials have been warning that ISIS-K and al-Qaida are regrouping and re-emerging in strife-torn Afghanistan.

ISIS-K, which has been mostly antagonistic toward the Taliban, recently denounced the militant group's takeover of Afghanistan, saying that the group’s version of Islamic rule was insufficiently hard line.

According to a report from the Washington-based think tank, Center for Strategic and International Studies, ISIS-K “disregards international borders and envisions its territory transcending nation-states like Afghanistan and Pakistan.”

The Islamic State announced its expansion to the Khorasan region in 2015, which historically encompasses parts of modern-day Iran, Central Asia, Afghanistan, and Pakistan.

(With inputs from agencies)

A blast took place in Afghanistan's capital Kabul on Saturday, according to local news media reports. The eyewitness said that the blast occurred on Kabul's Fifth Taimani Street, Tolo News reported.

A blast took place in Afghanistan's capital Kabul on Saturday, according to local news media reports. The eyewitness said that the blast occurred on Kabul's Fifth Taimani Street, Tolo News reported. #BREAKING An Explosion occured in the Taimani 5th street. It was caused by a magnetic mine at a Land Cruiser of Taliban.#BreakingNews #Kabul #Kabulblast #Afghanistan pic.twitter.com/2e700rAIHJ — The HbK (@The5HbK) December 4, 2021 × So far, no casualties have been reported and it is not clear how the blast took place. Further details are awaited. Also read | In Afghanistan, ‘who has the guns gets the land’ The latest explosion comes two weeks after the Islamic State-Khorasan (ISIS-K) carried out two bomb blasts that left around dozen civilians dead and scores wounded in Kabul. The first explosion was a car bomb blast that took place in Dasht-e Barchi, a heavily Shi’ite Muslim area of western Kabul. A second explosion was also reported in the nearby Karte 3 area, local residents said. Also read | Taliban and 9/11 families fight for billions in frozen Afghan funds The terror group has intensified bombings and other attacks since the Taliban seized power in mid-August. For months, US military officials have been warning that ISIS-K and al-Qaida are regrouping and re-emerging in strife-torn Afghanistan. ISIS-K, which has been mostly antagonistic toward the Taliban, recently denounced the militant group's takeover of Afghanistan, saying that the group’s version of Islamic rule was insufficiently hard line. According to a report from the Washington-based think tank, Center for Strategic and International Studies, ISIS-K “disregards international borders and envisions its territory transcending nation-states like Afghanistan and Pakistan.” The Islamic State announced its expansion to the Khorasan region in 2015, which historically encompasses parts of modern-day Iran, Central Asia, Afghanistan, and Pakistan. (With inputs from agencies)

Blast rocks Afghanistan’s Kabul, no casualties reported

In the two months since the Taliban took control of Afghanistan, the Islamic State Khorasan or ISIS-K has stepped up attacks across the country. The attacks have been aimed mostly at Taliban units.

How will Taliban deal with ISIS-K threat?

Just days after the deadly blast at <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-killed-two-high-profile-isis-targets-in-afghanistan-drone-strike-pentagon-409060">Kabul </a>airport, US President Joe Biden said the threat of terrorist attacks on the airport "remains high".

"The situation on the ground continues to be extremely dangerous, our commanders informed me that an attack is highly likely in the next 24-36 hours," the US president said.

Watch:

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Several Afghans were killed including 13 US servicemen on Thursday around Kabul airport. The US said on Saturday it had killed "high profile" targets which included&nbsp;a drone strike in eastern Afghanistan in retaliation against the suicide attack on Thursday.

The bombing was claimed by the Islamic State-Khorasan group.

Pentagon spokesman John Kirby said: "The fact that two of these individuals are no longer walking on the face of the Earth, that's a good thing."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/heart-wrenching-details-of-some-of-the-13-us-troops-killed-in-afghan-bombings-409001">Also Read:&nbsp;Heart wrenching details of some of the 13 US troops killed in Afghan bombings</a>

President Biden reiterated that the US will "continue to hunt down any person involved in that heinous attack" as the US continued its evacuation operation with the August 31 deadline just two days away.

Meanwhile, the US embassy in Kabul warned its citizens of a "credible threat" and asked them to leave the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/kabul-airport-blasts-taliban-condemn-us-drone-attack-on-is-k-militant-409070">airport</a> vicinity "immediately".

The embassy said there is a threat to "the South (Airport Circle) gate, the new ministry of the Interior, and the gate near the near the Panjshir petrol station on the northwest side of the airport."

The US authorities said 1,400 people at the airport were "screened" on Saturday and put on flights with 112,000 people being flown out of Afghanistan since August 14.

Kirby said the bodies of &nbsp;13 US soldiers who were killed in the Kabul airport attack were flown back home on Saturday.

(With inputs from Agencies) 
&nbsp;&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Just days after the deadly blast at Kabul airport, US President Joe Biden said the threat of terrorist attacks on the airport "remains high". "The situation on the ground continues to be extremely dangerous, our commanders informed me that an attack is highly likely in the next 24-36 hours," the US president said.

Just days after the deadly blast at Kabul airport, US President Joe Biden said the threat of terrorist attacks on the airport "remains high". "The situation on the ground continues to be extremely dangerous, our commanders informed me that an attack is highly likely in the next 24-36 hours," the US president said. Watch: Several Afghans were killed including 13 US servicemen on Thursday around Kabul airport. The US said on Saturday it had killed "high profile" targets which included a drone strike in eastern Afghanistan in retaliation against the suicide attack on Thursday. The bombing was claimed by the Islamic State-Khorasan group. Pentagon spokesman John Kirby said: "The fact that two of these individuals are no longer walking on the face of the Earth, that's a good thing." Also Read: Heart wrenching details of some of the 13 US troops killed in Afghan bombings President Biden reiterated that the US will "continue to hunt down any person involved in that heinous attack" as the US continued its evacuation operation with the August 31 deadline just two days away. Meanwhile, the US embassy in Kabul warned its citizens of a "credible threat" and asked them to leave the airport vicinity "immediately". The embassy said there is a threat to "the South (Airport Circle) gate, the new ministry of the Interior, and the gate near the near the Panjshir petrol station on the northwest side of the airport." The US authorities said 1,400 people at the airport were "screened" on Saturday and put on flights with 112,000 people being flown out of Afghanistan since August 14. Kirby said the bodies of 13 US soldiers who were killed in the Kabul airport attack were flown back home on Saturday. (With inputs from Agencies)

Attack highly likely in next 24-36 hours, says Biden on Kabul airport

More than a week after the Taliban took control of Afghanistan, a deadly blast outside the Kabul Airport has brought back horrifying memories for the country.

The Kabul International Airport has been a heated place in Afghanistan for the past few weeks as several locals and other national citizens have been trying to leave the country. Afghans have been spotted crowding the walls and gates of the airport in the hope of getting a chance to leave the country and flee from the control of the Taliban.

<h2><a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/live-terror-strikes-kabul-international-airport-13-killed-in-twin-blasts-408582" hreflang="en">LIVE: Terror strikes Kabul international airport, 60&nbsp;killed in twin blasts</a></h2>

However, to add to their existing deadly problems various intelligence agencies reported that there is a growing risk of a possible terrorist attack at the airport, even though the US troops have been trying to secure the area.

Recently, the US&nbsp;President Joe Biden said there is "an acute and growing risk" of an attack at the airport by the group's regional chapter, called Islamic State-Khorasan or ISIS-K.

Following the warning, the US and UK asked their citizens in Kabul to stay away from the airport. However, many did not heed to the advise and twin deadly blasts rocked the area, killing at least 13 people and injuring several others.

<h2>What is Islamic State-Khorasan?</h2>

ISIS-K is an independent and self-proclaimed branch of&nbsp;Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant. This terrorist group includes breakaway fighters from the Pakistani Taliban group who joined the militants of Afghanistan and announced their own rule in Syria and Iraq in 2014.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/suicide-bomb-attack-at-kabuls-hamid-karzai-international-airport-408617">WATCH |</a>

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However, it gained support and acknowledgment from the central Islamic State leadership a year after its formation. The support came after the leadership was satisfied with the effect and the roots the group had established in the northeastern Afghanistan, especially in&nbsp;Kunar, Nangarhar and Nuristan provinces.

<h2>Islamic State-Khorasan's relationship with&nbsp;the Taliban?</h2>

IS-Khorasan and the Taliban are both rigid Sunni Islamist militants who claim to be the true flag bearers of jihad.&nbsp;

The two groups have not looked eye to eye on several matters and that has often led to a bloody fight between the two, in which the Taliban has usually been declared victorious.

Reportedly,&nbsp;Islamic State-Khorasan was also not very happy with the Taliban's takeover in Afghanistan.

<h2>Is the Kabul Airport blast by&nbsp;Islamic State-Khorasan?</h2>

There is a possibility that the Thursday twin bomb attack on the Kabul Airport was carried out by members of Islamic State-Khorasan.

The&nbsp;Islamic State-Khorasan has been responsible for some of the deadliest attacks in the recent years . Their members have not left any place untouched and have massacred people in mosques, shrines, public spaces, hospitals, public squares.

One of the deadliest attacks carried out by this group was last year when a gunman from this terrorist group open-fired in&nbsp;a maternity ward in a predominantly Shiite neighbourhood of Kabul, killing 16 mothers and mothers-to-be.

The US also believes that this attack on Kabul Airport have been carried out by members of&nbsp;Islamic State-Khorasan. Officials of US government have told local media that the&nbsp;airport attack has "all the hallmarks" of an ISIS-K attack.

More than a week after the Taliban took control of Afghanistan, a deadly blast outside the Kabul Airport has brought back horrifying memories for the country. The Kabul International Airport has been a heated place in Afghanistan for the past few weeks as several locals and other national citizens have been trying to leave the country.

More than a week after the Taliban took control of Afghanistan, a deadly blast outside the Kabul Airport has brought back horrifying memories for the country. The Kabul International Airport has been a heated place in Afghanistan for the past few weeks as several locals and other national citizens have been trying to leave the country. Afghans have been spotted crowding the walls and gates of the airport in the hope of getting a chance to leave the country and flee from the control of the Taliban. LIVE: Terror strikes Kabul international airport, 60 killed in twin blasts However, to add to their existing deadly problems various intelligence agencies reported that there is a growing risk of a possible terrorist attack at the airport, even though the US troops have been trying to secure the area. Recently, the US President Joe Biden said there is "an acute and growing risk" of an attack at the airport by the group's regional chapter, called Islamic State-Khorasan or ISIS-K. Following the warning, the US and UK asked their citizens in Kabul to stay away from the airport. However, many did not heed to the advise and twin deadly blasts rocked the area, killing at least 13 people and injuring several others. What is Islamic State-Khorasan? ISIS-K is an independent and self-proclaimed branch of Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant. This terrorist group includes breakaway fighters from the Pakistani Taliban group who joined the militants of Afghanistan and announced their own rule in Syria and Iraq in 2014. WATCH | However, it gained support and acknowledgment from the central Islamic State leadership a year after its formation. The support came after the leadership was satisfied with the effect and the roots the group had established in the northeastern Afghanistan, especially in Kunar, Nangarhar and Nuristan provinces. Islamic State-Khorasan's relationship with the Taliban? IS-Khorasan and the Taliban are both rigid Sunni Islamist militants who claim to be the true flag bearers of jihad. The two groups have not looked eye to eye on several matters and that has often led to a bloody fight between the two, in which the Taliban has usually been declared victorious. Reportedly, Islamic State-Khorasan was also not very happy with the Taliban's takeover in Afghanistan. Is the Kabul Airport blast by Islamic State-Khorasan? There is a possibility that the Thursday twin bomb attack on the Kabul Airport was carried out by members of Islamic State-Khorasan. The Islamic State-Khorasan has been responsible for some of the deadliest attacks in the recent years . Their members have not left any place untouched and have massacred people in mosques, shrines, public spaces, hospitals, public squares. One of the deadliest attacks carried out by this group was last year when a gunman from this terrorist group open-fired in a maternity ward in a predominantly Shiite neighbourhood of Kabul, killing 16 mothers and mothers-to-be. The US also believes that this attack on Kabul Airport have been carried out by members of Islamic State-Khorasan. Officials of US government have told local media that the airport attack has "all the hallmarks" of an ISIS-K attack.

ISIS- Khorasan: What you should know

Days after Kabul Gurudwara terror attack for which Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP) claimed responsibility, its chief, a Pakistani national, Aslam Farooqui has been arrested.

The Afghan intelligence agency National Directorate of Security (NDS) in a statement confirmed his arrest and said he has been arrested along with 20 other members of the ISKP.

Aslam's original name is Abdullah Urakzai and is from the tribal area of Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.

In the release, NDS said Aslam Farooq had links with Pakistan based terror networks like Lashkar-e-Taiba and Haqqani network.&nbsp;

Afghanistan will share his confessions soon.

ISKp carried out the attack on Kabul's Gurdwara Har Rai Sahib on March 25th killing more than 25 people, 24 Afghan Sikhs and a lone Indian national.

India's National Investigation Agency (NIA) registered a case in the attack in which one Indian national Tian Singh of Greater Kailash of Delhi died.

This is the first time that NIA registered a case in an attack which took place outside India. According to recent amendments in NIA Act, NIA has the power to investigate terror cases which are committed at "any place outside India against the Indian Citizens or affecting the interest of India", said a government release. 
&nbsp;

Days after Kabul Gurudwara terror attack for which Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP) claimed responsibility, its chief, a Pakistani national, Aslam Farooqui has been arrested.

Days after Kabul Gurudwara terror attack for which Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP) claimed responsibility, its chief, a Pakistani national, Aslam Farooqui has been arrested. The Afghan intelligence agency National Directorate of Security (NDS) in a statement confirmed his arrest and said he has been arrested along with 20 other members of the ISKP. Aslam's original name is Abdullah Urakzai and is from the tribal area of Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. In the release, NDS said Aslam Farooq had links with Pakistan based terror networks like Lashkar-e-Taiba and Haqqani network. Afghanistan will share his confessions soon. ISKp carried out the attack on Kabul's Gurdwara Har Rai Sahib on March 25th killing more than 25 people, 24 Afghan Sikhs and a lone Indian national. India's National Investigation Agency (NIA) registered a case in the attack in which one Indian national Tian Singh of Greater Kailash of Delhi died. This is the first time that NIA registered a case in an attack which took place outside India. According to recent amendments in NIA Act, NIA has the power to investigate terror cases which are committed at "any place outside India against the Indian Citizens or affecting the interest of India", said a government release.

Pakistani national and Islamic State Khorasan chief arrested days after Kabul terror attack 

The Islamic State (IS) group on Sunday claimed responsibility for the attack that killed at least 10 people in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/attack-at-government-office-building-kills-11-in-kabul-212189">Afghanistan's capital Kabul on Saturday</a>, news agency AFP reported.

The attack on the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology (MCIT) started at around mid-day and ended after a five-hour exchange of gunfire and explosions on Saturday, news agency Reuters reported. &nbsp;

Four IS jihadists detonated explosives near the ministry, then entered and "battled Afghan security forces with machine guns and hand grenades for numerous hours", the group said in a statement on its social media channels.

Seven civilians and three members of the security forces died in the attack, the interior ministry said.

Around 2,000 people were rescued from inside the communications ministry.

The Afghan affiliate of Islamic State, sometimes known as Islamic State Khorasan (ISIS-K) after an old name for the region that includes Afghanistan, has been active in the country since 2015, fighting the Taliban as well as Afghan and US forces.

The Islamic State (IS) group on Sunday claimed responsibility for the attack that killed at least 10 people in Afghanistan's capital Kabul on Saturday, news agency AFP reported.

The Islamic State (IS) group on Sunday claimed responsibility for the attack that killed at least 10 people in Afghanistan's capital Kabul on Saturday, news agency AFP reported. The attack on the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology (MCIT) started at around mid-day and ended after a five-hour exchange of gunfire and explosions on Saturday, news agency Reuters reported. Four IS jihadists detonated explosives near the ministry, then entered and "battled Afghan security forces with machine guns and hand grenades for numerous hours", the group said in a statement on its social media channels. Seven civilians and three members of the security forces died in the attack, the interior ministry said. Around 2,000 people were rescued from inside the communications ministry. The Afghan affiliate of Islamic State, sometimes known as Islamic State Khorasan (ISIS-K) after an old name for the region that includes Afghanistan, has been active in the country since 2015, fighting the Taliban as well as Afghan and US forces.

Islamic State claims responsibility for attack on Afghan ministry

A senior media member of Islamic State-Khorasan (IS-K), the Afghanistan branch of the Middle East-nased Islamist organisation, has been killed, the US military said.

The Hill reported that a June 3 air strike in Achin, Nangarhar province, killed Jawad Khan, the senior director of ISIS-K media production, and destroyed a major media production hub for the group.&nbsp;

This comes close on the heels of Russia claiming to have killed Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi in a May 28 air strike.

The US military statement said Khan&#39;s killing was an important breakthrough as the Islamic State would be &quot;deprived&quot; of an &quot;experienced media production director and skilled propagandist&quot;.

Commander General&nbsp;John Nicholson stated that the death &quot;will disrupt the ISIS-K network, degrade their recruitment process and hinder their attempts to conduct international operations.

There is no safe haven for ISIS-K in Afghanistan. With our Afghan partners we will continue to aggressively target IS-K and defeat them.&quot;

The statement also confirmed that there were no civilian casualties associated with the strike.

IS has been fighting to get a foothold in Afghanistan.&nbsp;

The US estimates that there are 600 to 3,000 IS fighters in Afghanistan, with most of them operating in Nangarhar province.

Although the now-dormant Al Qaeda has no direct links with Islamic State, it is believed that IS&#39; branch in Afghanistan was primarily launched by disgruntled Al Qaeda members.&nbsp;

Islamic State-Khorasan recently chased the Taliban away from Tora Bora, a one-time Osama bin Laden hideout.&nbsp;

The US military said Jawad Khan's death would be a telling blow for the fledgling Islamic State operation in Afghanistan

A senior media member of Islamic State-Khorasan (IS-K), the Afghanistan branch of the Middle East-nased Islamist organisation, has been killed, the US military said. The Hill reported that a June 3 air strike in Achin, Nangarhar province, killed Jawad Khan, the senior director of ISIS-K media production, and destroyed a major media production hub for the group. This comes close on the heels of Russia claiming to have killed Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi in a May 28 air strike. The US military statement said Khan's killing was an important breakthrough as the Islamic State would be "deprived" of an "experienced media production director and skilled propagandist". Commander General John Nicholson stated that the death "will disrupt the ISIS-K network, degrade their recruitment process and hinder their attempts to conduct international operations. There is no safe haven for ISIS-K in Afghanistan. With our Afghan partners we will continue to aggressively target IS-K and defeat them." The statement also confirmed that there were no civilian casualties associated with the strike. IS has been fighting to get a foothold in Afghanistan. The US estimates that there are 600 to 3,000 IS fighters in Afghanistan, with most of them operating in Nangarhar province. Although the now-dormant Al Qaeda has no direct links with Islamic State, it is believed that IS' branch in Afghanistan was primarily launched by disgruntled Al Qaeda members. Islamic State-Khorasan recently chased the Taliban away from Tora Bora, a one-time Osama bin Laden hideout.

Senior IS-Khorasan media member killed in air strike: US

Two US troops were killed and one was wounded while fighting an Islamic State group affiliate in Afghanistan, the US military said Thursday, near where Washington this month dropped the &quot;Mother of All Bombs&quot;.

US Forces-Afghanistan said the troops &quot;came under attack during a raid against insurgents in Nangarhar province&quot; late Wednesday.

The troops were working with partnered Afghan soldiers in the raid against IS Khorasan, a local offshoot of the jihadist group based in Iraq and Syria.

&quot;The fight against ISIS-K is important for the world, but sadly, it is not without sacrifice,&quot; said US Forces-Afghanistan chief General John Nicholson, using the military&#39;s name for IS Khorasan.

In mid-April, the US military earlier dropped the largest non-nuclear bomb it has ever used in combat, hitting IS positions in Nangarhar.&nbsp;

The deployment of the so-called Mother Of All Bombs (MOAB) killed at least 95 jihadists, according to the Afghan defence ministry, but fighting in the area has continued.&nbsp;

&quot;Last night US forces along with some Afghan forces, conducted a night time operation in a village next to Assadkhail village (site of the MOAB),&quot; the governor of Achin district, where the fighting took place, Ismail Shinwari, told AFP.

&quot;They used helicopters to deploy forces and the sound of heavy fighting could be heard from the site. We don&#39;t know anything about possible American casualties, but as per our information, up to 40 IS fighters were killed in the operation,&quot; he added.

On Thursday evening the Islamic State group claimed on its website to have repelled an attack conducted by American and Afghan forces and to have caused US casualties.&nbsp;

US Forces-Afghanistan did not immediately provide additional information ahead of notification of the dead troops&#39; next of kin.&nbsp;

An American special forces soldier was killed while conducting operations against IS in Nangarhar on April 8.

America has about 8,400 troops in Afghanistan. Most are part of a NATO mission to train and advise Afghan partner forces.&nbsp;

But about 2,150 of these troops work in a counterterrorism role and are more likely to be engaged in actual combat.

IS, notorious for its reign of terror in Syria and Iraq, has made inroads into Afghanistan in recent years, attracting disaffected members of the Pakistani and Afghan Taliban as well as Uzbek Islamists.

But the group has steadily lost ground in the face of heavy pressure both from US air strikes and a ground offensive led by Afghan forces.

This week Afghan authorities arrested 35 soldiers who served on an army base in northern Afghanistan where the Taliban staged a deadly attack last week as fears grew they had inside help.

The brutal assault in which 135 recruits were killed is believed to be the deadliest-ever Taliban attack on a military installation.

Afghan forces, already beset by killings and desertions, have been struggling to beat back insurgents since US-led NATO troops ended their combat mission in December 2014.

(AFP)

US Forces-Afghanistan said the troops 'came under attack' during an operation in an area not very far from where the 'Mother of All Bombs' was dropped

Two US troops were killed and one was wounded while fighting an Islamic State group affiliate in Afghanistan, the US military said Thursday, near where Washington this month dropped the "Mother of All Bombs". US Forces-Afghanistan said the troops "came under attack during a raid against insurgents in Nangarhar province" late Wednesday. The troops were working with partnered Afghan soldiers in the raid against IS Khorasan, a local offshoot of the jihadist group based in Iraq and Syria. "The fight against ISIS-K is important for the world, but sadly, it is not without sacrifice," said US Forces-Afghanistan chief General John Nicholson, using the military's name for IS Khorasan. In mid-April, the US military earlier dropped the largest non-nuclear bomb it has ever used in combat, hitting IS positions in Nangarhar. The deployment of the so-called Mother Of All Bombs (MOAB) killed at least 95 jihadists, according to the Afghan defence ministry, but fighting in the area has continued. "Last night US forces along with some Afghan forces, conducted a night time operation in a village next to Assadkhail village (site of the MOAB)," the governor of Achin district, where the fighting took place, Ismail Shinwari, told AFP. "They used helicopters to deploy forces and the sound of heavy fighting could be heard from the site. We don't know anything about possible American casualties, but as per our information, up to 40 IS fighters were killed in the operation," he added. On Thursday evening the Islamic State group claimed on its website to have repelled an attack conducted by American and Afghan forces and to have caused US casualties. US Forces-Afghanistan did not immediately provide additional information ahead of notification of the dead troops' next of kin. An American special forces soldier was killed while conducting operations against IS in Nangarhar on April 8. America has about 8,400 troops in Afghanistan. Most are part of a NATO mission to train and advise Afghan partner forces. But about 2,150 of these troops work in a counterterrorism role and are more likely to be engaged in actual combat. IS, notorious for its reign of terror in Syria and Iraq, has made inroads into Afghanistan in recent years, attracting disaffected members of the Pakistani and Afghan Taliban as well as Uzbek Islamists. But the group has steadily lost ground in the face of heavy pressure both from US air strikes and a ground offensive led by Afghan forces. This week Afghan authorities arrested 35 soldiers who served on an army base in northern Afghanistan where the Taliban staged a deadly attack last week as fears grew they had inside help. The brutal assault in which 135 recruits were killed is believed to be the deadliest-ever Taliban attack on a military installation. Afghan forces, already beset by killings and desertions, have been struggling to beat back insurgents since US-led NATO troops ended their combat mission in December 2014. (AFP)

Two US troops killed, one hurt during raid against IS in Afghanistan

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