THE RESURGENCE OF ISLAMIC STATE KHORASAN PROVINCE: EXPLOTIATING A COUNTERTERROSM GAP

This paper examines the emergence, rise, and resurgence of the Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP) from 2015 to the present. Initially expanding rapidly by leveraging regional Salafisation and exploiting divisions among existing jihadist groups, ISKP faced a decline due to significant counter-terrorism efforts by the Pakistani military, US forces, and the Afghan Taliban. However, from 2020 onwards, under new leadership, ISKP initiated a resurgence characterised by high-impact attacks and strategic adaptability. This resurgence was facilitated by gaps in counter terrorism efforts, both in the core territory of Afghanistan, regionally and globally. The paper analyses the counterterrorism gaps‟ role in ISKP‟s resurgence that has bolstered violence and discusses the potential of cooperation. Policy recommendations emphasise the need for enhanced regional cooperation and a nuanced approach to counter-terrorism to address the growing threat posed by ISKP.