The Heat: Islamic State Khorasan

The Heat

Featured Video Play Icon

Global warnings over a new terror group. Who are they and what do they want?

The emergence of a new militant organization is raising alarm throughout Afghanistan. The Islamic State Khorasan or IS-K has taken responsibility for several deadly attacks across the country since the Taliban took over two years ago. 

Security analysts say it’s an ISIL affiliate, and it’s targeting Afghan government officials, religious leaders and others. IS-K carried out the Kabul airport suicide bombing during the U.S. withdrawal in 2021. 

There are now concerns the group could expand into South and Central Asia and even potentially the U.S. and other nations.

Joining the discussion: 

  • Marvin Weinbaum is the Director of Afghanistan and Pakistan Studies at the Middle East Institute.
  • Saeed Khan is a Lecturer in Near East and Asian Studies at Wayne State University.
  • Colin Clarke is the Director of Research at The Soufan Group.
  • Omar Samad is the former Afghan Ambassador to France and Canada and a Nonresident Senior Fellow at the Atlantic Council’s South Asia Center.