The Taliban has vehemently rejected the latest report by the U.S. Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR), which raises alarming concerns about the continuing presence of terrorist groups, particularly ISIS-Khorasan, within Afghanistan. On January 31, 2025, the Taliban's deputy spokesperson, Hamdullah Fitrat, labeled the SIGAR report as misleading, arguing through audio statements to various media outlets, "The reported ISIS threat is nothing but a campaign and an exaggeration."
This dismissal from the Taliban is noteworthy, especially following recent events when ISIS-K claimed responsibility for a deadly attack on the Taliban-controlled Ministry of Refugees, resulting in the death of Khalil Rahman Haqqani, who was the Taliban’s minister, alongside three others. The report from SIGAR, now its 66th quarterly edition, describes ISIS-K as one of the principal threats to Afghanistan, indicating the group has ramped up its attacks by around 40% compared to the previous year. According to data collected by the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project, the group was responsible for 60 attacks across multiple countries, including Afghanistan, Iran, Russia, Pakistan, and Turkey.
Despite these alarming statistics, Fitrat claimed the Taliban has effectively suppressed the activities of the ISIS-K group. He flatly rejected SIGAR’s assertions, stating, "Labeling ISIS as a major threat to Afghanistan and indirectly amplifying its significance is part of a campaign nobody should promote. No foreign groups operate here; we categorically reject this report."
Further buttressing the Taliban's stance, SIGAR's findings indicate not just the increase of ISIS-K activity but also the potential tolerance of other groups, such as the Haqqani Network and Al-Qaeda, under the Taliban's interim rule. John Sopko, the US Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction, echoed these sentiments by noting the Taliban's complicated relationships with these groups. Nonetheless, key international stakeholders remain cautious, fearing Afghanistan may again become fertile ground for extremist organizations.
Interestingly, the report also highlighted the bleak humanitarian and human rights situation within Afghanistan. Notably, SIGAR pointed out the Taliban's ban on female education within medical institutions, warning about dire consequences on maternal health. The United Nations Women's report forecasts maternal mortality rates could surge by 50% by the year 2026 should these bans continue.
While SIGAR remains resolute about the situations facing Afghanistan, they also noted the lack of official international recognition for the Taliban's government. Yet, various countries continue to engage with its officials. The SIGAR report suggested, "According to court proceedings, the Taliban will be granted the chance to resolve the human rights issues raised, pending political pressure on nations considering normalization with the Islamic Emirate."
Political analyst Aziz Maraj asserted, "If the officials of the Islamic Emirate wish to establish and expand relations with the international community, they must adhere to all global principles, regulations, and charters." His comments underline the significant challenge the Taliban faces, balancing internal governance perceptions with external relations.
Overall, the situation is complex. The SIGAR report paints a grim picture of potential backslides toward extremism, with grave concerns underlining Taliban governance. Fitrat's dismissal of the findings, juxtaposed with rising violence attributed to ISIS-K, suggests Afghanistan remains at a crossroads. The outcomes of the Taliban's internal policies and their international relations could prove pivotal not only for Afghanistan's immediate future but also for stability across much of Central and South Asia.