Islamic State strikes Kabul airport in deadly terror attack - What next

Signs of trouble emerge from Afghanistan, as terror attacks shatter the Talibani claim of situation under control.

 Islamic State strikes Kabul airport in deadly terror attack - What next

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• The story: While hurried evacuations were being done at the Kabul airport, two explosions outside caused a huge number of casualties and deaths just as the final deadline of American departure neared (31st August, 2021). The IS-K (Islamic State - Khorasan) took responsibility for the same.
• Biden's response: Hours after the Islamic State launched the suicide bomb attack among the desperate crowds, U.S. President Joe Biden vowed to continue evacuations—and to retaliate against the perpetrators. “Know this: We will not forgive, we will not forget,” he said.
• The damage: The attack killed more than 70 Afghan civilians and 13 U.S. troops in at least two blasts, leaving the area around the airport in chaos.

1. Members of the Islamic State group’s local branch, known as Islamic State-Khorasan, detonated suicide vests at the airport’s Abbey Gate and outside the nearby Baron Hotel.
2. Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid condemned the attack, showing the security challenges the group faces as it formally establishes a government in Kabul.
3. Biden had deployed 5,800 troops to assist with the evacuation effort, but he had expressed hesitancy to keep them at the airport past Aug. 31 due to the potential for terrorist attacks.
4. It was unclear whether a military response to the bombings is already being undertaken, and if the United States has adequate capacity on the ground to carry it out.

• Who bears responsibility: While the Islamic State-Khorasan has claimed responsibility for the attack, the Taliban faction partially in control of security at the airport, the Haqqani network, is also responsible. The attack ultimately benefits the Haqqani network by speeding up foreign departures and evacuations. The seemingly clear split between Islamic State-Khorasan and the Taliban may not be that black and white.
• Can evacuations continue: President Biden and his military leadership promised to continue evacuation flights of U.S. citizens and others, but Department of Defense said the military would prioritize flying out U.S. troops and equipment in the final days of the mission. British PM Boris Johnson said the United Kingdom would also continue evacuations despite the attack. Canada had already ended evacuations from the airport.
• European message: After the explosion, European military officials sent a message to citizens in the country saying, “Get away from the airport. Very, very, very dangerous situation. Go now!” American and Nato allies had warned their citizens against traveling to the airport because of the credible and imminent risk of attacks.
• Summary: The Taliban may not find it easy to govern the Afghan state, as competing interests and direct enemies (like the IS-K) will challenge it continuously. Only a coalition, national government and supportive West may finally work out.
• EXAM QUESTIONS: (1) What is the likely nature of the emerging Afghan state, post Taliban takeover? Explain. (2) In what ways can the West help Taliban stabilise the Afghan state, if at all? (3) Why are terror groups at loggerheads with each other inside Afghanistan? Explain the historical roots.
  

#Terrorism #ISIS #IslamicStateKhorasan #Taliban #Afghanistan

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