Taliban criticized arrest of IS leader linked to attacks

The Afghan Taliban have expressed criticism over the arrest of Sharifullah, also known as Jafar, a leader of the Islamic State Khorasan (IS-K). Sharifullah is linked to the deadly 2021 Kabul airport attack that killed 13 American soldiers and many Afghan civilians. This arrest has prompted discussions about increased cooperation between the United States and Pakistan in counterterrorism efforts. In a surprising reaction, Afghanistan's General Directorate of Intelligence dismissed Sharifullah as a "low-level operative." They also alleged that IS-K has safe havens in Pakistan, hinting that the operation to arrest Sharifullah was aimed at strengthening relations between the U.S. and Pakistan. However, they neglected to mention that Sharifullah is an Afghan national who was previously held by the former Afghan government before being released by the Taliban. Following remarks from former President Donald Trump about Pakistan's role in capturing Sharifullah, the Taliban seemed worried. Their reaction suggests anxiety about possible U.S. repercussions for allegedly harboring IS-K and Al Qaeda. Notably, the killing of Al Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri in Kabul shortly after the U.S. withdrawal has raised questions about the Taliban's control over the country. Afghanistan has struggled with conflict for over four decades, and the Taliban have also faced challenges in maintaining authority amid ongoing violence against minorities. They have been criticized for their failure to address the rise of terrorist groups in the country. Under international law, particularly U.N. Security Council resolutions, the Taliban must take responsibility for combating terrorism within their borders. The Taliban’s refusal to acknowledge the presence of IS-K and Al Qaeda indicates a desire to maintain their narrative of victory. However, recent attacks attributed to IS-K demonstrate the actual situation. Moreover, the Taliban have obligations under various international agreements to prevent their territory from being used for terrorist activities. To move forward, the Taliban must adopt a comprehensive counterterrorism strategy. This includes creating a dedicated task force to combat terrorist networks, enhancing intelligence-sharing with other nations, and ensuring border security to control the movement of terrorists. They need to conduct targeted operations against terrorist bases and limit support for groups like IS-K. Ultimately, the Taliban must confront the realities of terrorism within Afghanistan. By fulfilling international obligations and cooperating with global partners, they could work towards improving their legitimacy while addressing the terrorism concerns that affect both their governance and international relations.