UK Officials Acknowledge Taliban’s Partial Success in Countering ISIS in Afghanistan

British officials have recognized Afghanistan’s interim government in limiting the influence of ISIS within the country. Speaking at a conference in Islamabad on July 4, 2025, the British High Commissioner to Pakistan, Matt Cannell, noted that since 2022, actions by the Taliban have disrupted ISIS operations. However, he cautioned that the group, specifically its regional branch known as ISKP, has not been fully eliminated. Instead, ISIS has dispersed and continues to pose a threat, capable of launching attacks both within Afghanistan and in neighboring regions.

Cannell emphasized the need for regional cooperation to address the persistent danger of ISIS, highlighting that the group’s ability to regroup remains a concern. The acknowledgment comes amid ongoing discussions about Afghanistan’s security landscape, with the interim government asserting that ISIS has been significantly weakened. Despite this, the broader challenge of ensuring stability in the region persists, as terrorist networks adapt to countermeasures.

This development reflects a complex situation where the Taliban’s efforts against ISIS are noted, but the threat of terrorism continues to demand coordinated international action. Southasiandesk.com will continue to monitor updates on this issue as regional stakeholders work to address security challenges.

Published in SouthAsianDesk, July 4th, 2025

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