Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP)

Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP) is an affiliate of the Islamic State (IS) operating primarily in Afghanistan and surrounding regions, including parts of Pakistan. Formed in 2015, it aims to establish a fundamentalist Islamic state governed by its interpretation of Sharia law. ISKP has gained notoriety for its violent attacks, targeting Afghan civilians, security forces, and rival groups, particularly the Taliban. The name "Khorasan" refers to a historical region that included parts of present-day Afghanistan and Pakistan, signifying their aspiration to revive a caliphate in this area. ISKP poses significant security challenges within the broader context of regional instability.