Pentagon Reaffirms ISIS-K as a Persistent Threat Following Kabul Suicide Attack
In response to the recent ISIS suicide bombing in Kabul, the Pentagon has reaffirmed that ISIS-K (the Khorasan branch of ISIS) continues to pose a significant threat.
In response to the recent ISIS suicide bombing in Kabul, the Pentagon has reaffirmed that ISIS-K (the Khorasan branch of ISIS) continues to pose a significant threat.
General Patrick Ryder, the Pentagon spokesperson, told Afghanistan International that Washington will take appropriate measures to counter this threat.
On Tuesday, ISIS claimed responsibility for the deadly suicide attack targeting employees of the Directorate of Monitoring and Enforcement of Taliban Decrees (formerly the Attorney General's Office) in Kabul. ISIS claimed that more than 45 people were killed and injured in the attack.
According to the Taliban's Ministry of Interior, at least six people, including one woman, were killed, and 13 others were wounded in the incident.
ISIS stated that its suicide bomber waited for employees to exit through the main gate before detonating his explosive vest.
In a press conference in Washington, the Pentagon spokesperson emphasised that ISIS remains a threat, “whether it’s ISIS-K or its other branches”. He further added that the United States, in collaboration with its allies and partners, will take the necessary actions to address this threat.
Earlier, a spokesperson for the US Department of Defence had stated that the US would strike ISIS-K if it perceives an "imminent threat" from the group.
General Ryder also noted that if pressure on ISIS is reduced, they could regain strength. He also commented on the situation in Syria and Iraq, saying that although ISIS is not as powerful as it was ten years ago, the threat posed by the group must be taken seriously.
