The Islamic State’s Afghan branch, ISIS-K, emerged in eastern Afghanistan in late 2014. It gained notoriety for extreme brutality and has been one of the most active regional affiliates of the Islamic State. Despite facing setbacks and declining membership since its peak in 2018, ISIS-K has carried out numerous deadly attacks, both within Afghanistan and internationally. These attacks have targeted mosques, embassies, and international airports, resulting in significant casualties. The group has also claimed responsibility for attacks in Iran and against U.S. troops during the chaotic evacuation from Afghanistan in 2021. ISIS-K’s recent attack on Russia, which claimed at least 80 lives, has raised questions about its motives and objectives.
ISIS-K’s opposition to Russian President Vladimir Putin has been evident in its propaganda over the past two years. The group sees Russia as complicit in activities that oppress Muslims and includes Central Asian militants with grievances against Moscow among its members. Experts believe that ISIS-K’s attack on Russia is motivated by its longstanding animosity towards Putin’s regime and its perception of Russia’s policies in Muslim-majority regions.