A resident of Kerala arrested by Taliban over alleged links to the Islamic State in Afghanistan.The individual, identified as Sanaul Islam, was apprehended in Kandahar, and his connection to ISKP raises concerns.Reports suggest that he entered Afghanistan from Tajikistan.
Kabul
The Taliban, currently in control of Afghanistan, continues to grapple with the menace of the Islamic State, known as ISKP. This terrorist organization has been responsible for ongoing attacks in Afghanistan. Recently, the Taliban arrested an individual associated with ISKP, hailing from Kerala, India. Sanaul Islam was taken into custody by the Taliban police in Kandahar. During interrogation, he provided vague information when questioned about the purpose of his arrival in Kandahar.
Reports indicate that Sanaul Islam is a resident of Kerala, and his entry into Afghanistan through Tajikistan raises suspicions of his association with the Islamic State. The General Directorate of Intelligence (GDI) of the interim Afghan government questioned him further, but he remained uncooperative in divulging the reason for his presence in Kandahar.
It has been noted in reports that at least 11 Indian citizens, primarily from Kerala, have either been killed or captured in Afghanistan since 2014 due to their alleged connections with ISKP. This revelation underscores the rising concerns of security agencies in India, particularly the National Investigation Agency (NIA), which has been actively addressing ISIS modules in Kerala.
Growing Threat in the Region
The association of a Kerala resident with the Islamic State, a terrorist organization active in Afghanistan, not only poses a threat to the security of Afghanistan but raises concerns for the entire region. India has been grappling with various instances of individuals being arrested for plotting conspiracies against the country. Additionally, with the rise of ISKP in Afghanistan, the threat extends beyond the borders of the war-torn nation.
ISKP vs. Taliban
While the Taliban once fought against the United States, the present scenario sees them combating not only ISKP but also dealing with challenges posed by other jihadist groups. ISKP continues to carry out attacks in Afghanistan, complicating the security landscape. Pakistan is reportedly supporting these factions against the Taliban, creating a complex dynamic in the region. In December, the Taliban targeted several IS locations, indicating an ongoing struggle between the two groups.
As Afghanistan navigates through these intricate security challenges, it remains to be seen how the Taliban will effectively counter the dual threats posed by ISKP and internal conspiracies against India.