The Taliban’s security forces in Afghanistan have conducted operations targeting foreign militants, particularly Tajik and Pakistani nationals. Mohammad Yaqoob Mujahid, the Taliban’s defense minister, reported that dozens of Tajiks and over 20 Pakistanis were killed in these operations during the past year. Additionally, scores of Tajiks and hundreds of Pakistanis were arrested for their involvement in various incidents, including attacks on religious clerics, the general public, and mosques.

This crackdown comes amidst heightened tensions between Kabul and Islamabad, following a significant exodus of Afghans from Pakistan. Pakistani authorities initiated stringent measures against foreigners they deemed to be in the country illegally, leading to widespread checks of migrants’ documentation.

Furthermore, Mujahid noted a significant decrease in attacks by an affiliate of the Islamic State (IS) group. Over the past year, there has been a 90% reduction in such incidents. The IS group, a major adversary of the Taliban, has historically conducted severe assaults on schools, hospitals, and mosques, particularly targeting Shiite areas.

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