The growth of the Islamic State in Afghanistan had a surprising beginning and then the size of the group quickly diminished. ISIS had a lot of opponents – including the United States (SOF, air attacks, and drones), the Afghan security forces, and . . . the Taliban. ISIS started up armed groups in Farah province, Zabul province, and Nangarhar province. It was only successful in Nangarhar and even there it has seen its territorial control significantly diminished.
Currently (January 2017), ISIS is probably about 1,000 strong with forces in Nangarhar and Kunar provinces (eastern Afghanistan). At the start of 2016 ISIS controlled – across the country – about 11 districts (398 in the country) but now are active in only three. The group is also known as the Islamic State in Khorasan Province or ISKP.
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Read more in “Resolute Support Warns of Intensified War Next Year”, Tolo News, December 30, 2016.
See also Islamic State in Khorasan Province by Afghan War News.
