TORKHAM, Pakistan -- As it tries to consolidate its interim government in Kabul, the Taliban is facing security threats from ISIS-K, Islamic State's regional affiliate, which has been leveraging the withdrawal deal with Washington to position itself as Afghanistan's last remaining jihadi movement.
ISIS-K represents Islamic State in Afghanistan and Pakistan, and has been applying a multi-faceted strategy to discredit the Taliban. By carrying out violent attacks, the militant group wants to distinguish its brand from the Taliban's, and challenge the new rulers' ability to govern the country. As part of a recruitment drive, ISIS-K has attempted to tarnish the Taliban by depicting them as 'U.S. collaborators.'
