Afghan Witness Archives - Centre for Information Resilience

Pakistan Terrorism Violence Security Taliban ISKP

Dec 20

Taliban Minister Khalil Haqqani killed in ISKP-claimed suicide attack

Taliban blames “foreign countries” for aiding ISKP amid rumours of internal tensions.

Social Media Security Threats Terrorism Information environment Media ISKP Propaganda

Dec 9

ISKP calls for “lone wolf” attacks in Khorasan

First calls for attacks in the territory marks a strategic shift for the group

Terrorism Security Religious Freedom Civilian deaths ISKP

Dec 9

ISKP-claimed attack against Sufis in Baghlan

Ten worshippers killed in evening assault on Sufi shrine by multiple attackers

Security Terrorism Violence Shia ISKP

Sep 24

ISKP massacres group of Hazara in Central Afghanistan

ISKP’s third attack in the region since August 2021 kills at least 14 men.

Security Violence Terrorism Religion Shia ISKP

Aug 31

ISKP attack against civilian minibus in Dasht-e Barchi highlights lack of security

The attack on 11 August 2024 targeted a civilian minibus in Kabul’s Dasht-e Barchi area, on the same road as six previous attacks.

Manipulation Caliphate Taliban ISKP Propaganda Children Women

Aug 16

Women and children in Taliban and ISKP propaganda

How the Taliban and ISKP strategically use imagery of children and women to manipulate public perception

Information environment Media ISKP

Jun 19

ISKP: Use of Generative AI presenters to create newscasts

The recent usage of AI-generated videos to claim ISKP attacks has stirred controversy within pro-IS communities over the religious permissibility of AI technology. Despite increased accessibility to AI tools for propaganda, the isolated efforts and mixed reception suggest AI use in extremist content may remain limited.

Security Violence Terrorism Taliban ISKP

Jun 19

ISKP: attacks against Taliban officials in Ghor and expansion of area of operations

ISKP has stepped up its attacks on Taliban officials, recently killing Mullah Hassan in Ghor province and expanding its operations across Afghanistan. The group's increasing activity from Kabul to Herat and Kandahar highlights a growing challenge for the Taliban's efforts to control them.

Security Violence Terrorism Taliban ISKP

May 24

Security: Tourists shot by gunmen in Bamyan attack claimed by ISKP

An armed attack took place in Bamyan city, confirmed by Taliban officials, which killed three Spanish tourists and three Afghans, and injured seven others. It was claimed by ISKP as targeting Christian coalition citizens and their Shiite companions.

Security Violence Taliban ISKP

May 9

ISKP: Group re-emerges after two-month gap in activity

After a two-month hiatus in ISKP activity, the group resumed attacks in Kandahar, Kunar, Kabul, and Herat, targeting critical infrastructure and Shia communities, highlighting the group’s ongoing presence and capabilities in Afghanistan.