“The fight against ISIS-K is important for the world, but sadly, it is not without sacrifice,” said Gen. John Nicholson, the commander of U.S. troops in Afghanistan, referring to the Islamic State branch in Afghanistan, known as Islamic State-Khorasan Province. At the same time, local forces are struggling to contain an array of militant groups along the country’s border with Pakistan, including the Islamic State. Nicholson has called for thousands of extra service members to help train and support the Afghan military. The Afghan branch of the Islamic State, mainly composed of militants pulled from other groups, has emerged as an increasing counterterrorism focus for United States in Afghanistan. Read more:While the U.S. wasn’t looking, Russia and Iran began carving out a bigger role in AfghanistanThe Islamic State has tunnels everywhere.

Source: Washington Post April 27, 2017 14:38 UTC