Russia to Offer Assistance to Taliban in Afghanistan Against Islamic State
Russia readies to lend a hand to Taliban against Islamic State in Afghanistan
Stepping up its game in Afghanistan, Russia has pledged to aid the Taliban authorities in their battle against the Afghan branch of Islamic State, colloquially known as ISIS-K. Zamir Kabulov, a former Russian ambassador to Afghanistan, referred to ISIS-K as a common foe of Moscow and Kabul.
In a recent interview with the RIA state news agency, Kabulov said, "We see and appreciate the efforts that the Taliban are making in the fight against the Afghan wing of ISIS. We will provide our best assistance to the authorities of Afghanistan through specialized structures."
The Taliban has been aggressively working to eradicate ISIS-K's presence within their borders. The group's efforts have yielded some success, with the Taliban claiming the elimination of several senior ISIS-K leaders and engaging in security agreements with neighboring countries like Pakistan.
Historically, no nation has recognized the Taliban government that took power in August 2021, coinciding with the U.S.-led forces' chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan after 20 years of conflict. However, Russia made a significant move towards recognition last month by formally removing the Taliban from its list of terrorist organizations, a designation it had received in 2003.
This shift in relations signifies a dramatic rapprochement between Moscow and Kabul, with President Vladimir Putin declaring last year that Russia now considers Afghanistan an ally in combating terrorism. The strengthening bonds between the two nations are also reflected in Russia's aspiration to intensify trade, business, and investment ties with the Taliban-led regime in Afghanistan.
The strategic position of Afghanistan serves as a potential launching pad for future energy and infrastructure projects, making it an attractive prospect for Russia. Economic activities between the two nations are expected to be discussed at a Russia-Afghan business forum slated to take place in the Russian city of Kazan later this month.
Notably, Russia has been grappling with multiple ISIS-linked attacks, including the shooting of 145 people at a concert hall outside Moscow in March 2024, which ISIS claimed responsibility for. The Taliban's ongoing efforts to wipe out ISIS-K's presence in Afghanistan may offer Russia a welcome opportunity to strengthen its security measures against the extremist group.
As ties between Moscow and Kabul continue to blossom, the possibility of Russia playing an increasingly active role in Afghanistan's fight against extremist groups like ISIS-K cannot be overlooked. While concrete evidence of joint operations or strategic planning specifically targeting ISIS-K is not immediately available, Russia's renewed interest in Afghanistan indicates a shift towards countering shared threats to regional stability.
- Russia will provide its best assistance to the Taliban authorities in Afghanistan through specialized structures, as they strive to eradicate ISIS-K, a common foe of Moscow and Kabul.
- The Taliban has made impressive strides in their battle against ISIS-K, with the elimination of several senior ISIS-K leaders and security agreements with neighboring countries like Pakistan.
- In a dramatic rapprochement, Russia has removed the Taliban from its list of terrorist organizations, a designation it received in 2003, signifying a strengthening bond between the two nations.
- Economic activities between Russia and Afghanistan are expected to be discussed at a Russia-Afghan business forum, as Russia eyes potential energy and infrastructure projects in Afghanistan's strategic position.
- Russia, grappling with ISIS-linked attacks at home, may find a welcome opportunity to strengthen its security measures against the extremist group through the Taliban's ongoing efforts in Afghanistan against ISIS-K.
