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United News of India

UK acknowledges partial success by Afghan Taliban in curbing ISKP terrorists

London/Kabul, July 5 (UNI) The United Kingdom acknowledged that Afghanistan's Taliban-led interim government has made partial gains in curbing the Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP), though the Islamic terror group continues to pose a serious threat both within the country and beyond its borders. Speaking at a security conference in Islamabad, British High Commissioner to Pakistan Matt Cannell noted that while Taliban efforts have disrupted ISKP operations since 2022, the group has not been dismantled, reports Tolo News. 'What we've seen is a dispersal rather than eradication of ISKP,' he said. 'They have obviously regrouped and are now promoting attacks in neighbouring countries and across the border as well.' ISKP, the regional affiliate of the Islamic State, has remained active despite ongoing crackdowns by the Taliban, which so far has successfully curbed the terrorist group's numbers in the country. The group has been responsible for a series of deadly attacks targeting civilians, minorities, government authorities, infrastructure, and even foreign officials across Afghanistan and the wider region. While the Taliban has claimed that the group has been defeated, Western officials and analysts continue to express concern about its shifting tactics and potential for resurgence. Cannell emphasised the need for sustained regional cooperation to counter the evolving threat. 'We understand how Taliban pressure has continued to affect ISKP,' he said. 'Sharing insights with our partners is essential to continue disrupting future activity.' In a separate meeting, the British chargé d'affaires to Afghanistan told Mawlawi Abdul Kabir, the Taliban's acting Minister for Refugees and Repatriation, that the United Nations has drafted a plan for Afghanistan focused on strengthening engagement with the interim government and supporting national stability in the country. UNI ANV GNK 1839