Taliban raid Islamic State

The Taliban have captured key members of the Islamic State group (IS-K) responsible for recent attacks in Afghanistan, blaming Pakistan for harboring these insurgents. Despite improved security since the Taliban's return to power in 2021, IS-K has emerged as a significant threat, carrying out multiple shootings and bombings this summer. Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid noted that a suicide bomber, who killed six in Kabul, infiltrated from a Pakistani training camp, highlighting a pattern of recent arrests linked to Pakistan. This crackdown has reportedly driven IS-K out of Afghanistan, but Mujahid claims they have established new operational bases in Pakistan. Tensions between the Taliban and Pakistan are escalating, with both sides accusing each other of failing to control insurgent groups crossing their borders. A joint statement from Pakistan, China, Iran, and Russia recently expressed deep concern regarding the security situation in Afghanistan, further complicating regional relations.