British Official: Taliban Partially Contains Daesh in Afghanistan, Yet Threat Remains
A senior British official has stated that the Taliban’s interim government in Afghanistan has made progress in curbing Daesh, but the group continues to pose a significant threat.
Speaking at a conference in Islamabad, Matt Cannell, the British High Commissioner to Pakistan, acknowledged that the Taliban’s efforts have restrained Daesh’s Khorasan branch to some extent.
However, he cautioned that the group has not been fully eradicated. “Daesh Khorasan has been scattered but not eliminated,” Cannell noted.
“They have reorganized and retain the capacity to launch attacks within Afghanistan and beyond its borders.”Cannell expressed concern over Daesh’s activities in the region, urging enhanced cooperation among regional nations to counter terrorism.
“Understanding the impact of Taliban pressure on Daesh Khorasan and sharing intelligence to disrupt their operations is critical,” he said. “Collaboration with regional partners through international platforms is essential for success.”The Islamic Emirate has consistently maintained that Daesh has been neutralized in Afghanistan and poses no threat.
Contrarily, international stakeholders, including Britain, remain wary of the group’s lingering presence. In a recent meeting with Mawlavi Abdul Kabir, Acting Minister of Refugees and Repatriation, the British Chargé d’Affaires for Afghanistan announced that the UN is developing a plan to be shared with the Taliban, focusing on bolstering Afghanistan’s security and fostering stronger ties.
As global demands for decisive action against terrorist groups intensify, coordinated regional and international efforts, particularly in intelligence sharing, are vital to address Daesh’s threat.
Disparities between the Islamic Emirate’s claims and international assessments continue to complicate efforts to devise a cohesive strategy against terrorism in Afghanistan.