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Afghanistan

Medium intensity · Insurgency under Taliban rule · Taliban vs ISKP and others · Reviewed 23 Aug 2026

Conflict map

Approximate theatre focus. Not a control-line map.

Current status

Medium intensity: Taliban authorities control most of the country, but ISKP and other actors continue attacks. Economic and humanitarian stress is severe. Desk focuses on major multi-source incidents, not routine policing claims.

Key parties

  • Taliban de facto authorities
  • ISKP (Islamic State Khorasan Province)
  • Other opposition and residual armed actors (limited)

Selected timeline

Aug 2021
Taliban takeover of Kabul
2021–22
ISKP attacks rise in profile
2023–24
Periodic mass-casualty bombings
2025
Taliban–ISKP contest continues
2026
Medium intensity; watch major attacks only
IntensityDesk assessment: Medium — episodic high-impact attacks
HumanitarianUN agencies report deep economic and aid crises; separate from combat stats
Desk noteISKP and Taliban claims often conflict — cite both when relevant
Developing

Attack claim under review

When a major bombing or raid is claimed, desk waits for hospital, local or international corroboration before Confirmed.

OSINT

Confirmed

ISKP threat remains live

UN and regional monitoring continue to identify ISKP as a significant threat actor inside Afghanistan and for regional plots.

UN / official