Conflict Trends Update

AFGHANISTAN

A series of improvised explosive attacks and shootings targeted Taliban security forces and vehicles in Nangarhar, Baghlan and Kunduz provinces as well as the capital Kabul in the past week. Crisis Group expert Ibraheem Bahiss says having already claimed multiple attacks, it appears likely that the Islamic State’s Afghan affiliate (ISKP) is primarily responsible for the wave of violence. Taliban forces are stepping up their crackdown on suspected ISKP-linked individuals and have closed several Salafi madrassas. There is a real risk that the string of attacks could morph into a more widespread and potent ISKP insurgency challenging Taliban rule.