Islamic State reaches for Afghanistan, Pakistan

CAMP SHORABAK, AFGHANISTAN – Afghanistan and Pakistan, home to al-Qaida and Taliban militants and the focus of the longest war in U.S. history, now face a new, emerging threat from the Islamic State group, officials have told reporters.

Disenchanted extremists from the Taliban and other organizations, impressed by the Islamic State group’s territorial gains and slick online propaganda, have begun raising its black flag in extremist-dominated areas of both countries.

In Pakistan, an online video purportedly shows militants beheading a man while pledging their allegiance to the Islamic State group. In Afghanistan, there have even been reports of militant rivalries, with clashes erupting between Taliban fighters and Islamic State militants.

Analysts and officials say the number of Islamic State supporters in the Afghanistan-Pakistan region remains small and that the group faces resistance from militants with strong tribal links. However, the rise of even a small Islamic State affiliate could further destabilize the region and complicate U.S. and NATO efforts to wind down the 13-year war in Afghanistan.  Reat More at Japantimes

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