Pakistan Claims to Have Arrested Two Suicide Bombers Linked to 'ISIS Khorasan'

Pakistani officials claim to have arrested two potential suicide bombers linked to 'ISIS Khorasan'. On Friday, January 12, the Pakistani Counter-Terrorism officials announced in a statement that they apprehended the two men near Peshawar, the capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, which borders Afghanistan. The statement indicated that these 'suspected bombers' are members of the 'ISIS Khorasan' group and had completed their training at 'a training center for suicide bombers' in the Paktia province of eastern Afghanistan. The statement also noted that during the operation, two suicide vests, several hand grenades, and a pistol were discovered, and the suspects intended to target politicians in this region of Pakistan. ISIS typically carries out attacks in Afghanistan and Pakistan, claiming responsibility and targeting civilians and security forces. The U.S. considers 'ISIS Khorasan' a significant threat to regional and global security. The U.S. Special Representative for Afghanistan expressed concerns about this group again on Thursday, January 11. Thomas West, during a congressional hearing in Washington, stated that ISIS Khorasan is a 'terrorist group' whose capabilities and objectives further concern the U.S. regarding the situation in Afghanistan. West added, 'ISIS Khorasan has a clear objective to conduct foreign attacks, and we are closely monitoring their capabilities and plans.' Since the Taliban regained control of Afghanistan, 'ISIS Khorasan' has intensified its violent attacks in Afghanistan, killing hundreds over the past two years. The Taliban claims that its security forces have significantly weakened 'ISIS Khorasan' and that the group is no longer a threat in Afghanistan or beyond. Earlier, several U.S. intelligence sources had told Reuters that information and evidence collected by the United States indicate that 'ISIS Khorasan' based in Afghanistan is responsible for two recent deadly explosions in Iran. These explosions occurred on Wednesday, January 3, during a ceremony commemorating Qassem Soleimani, the former commander of the Quds Force who was killed by the U.S. in 2020. ISIS claimed responsibility for these deadly explosions after the incident. This was one of several operations that this Islamist group has carried out in Iran in recent years, despite Qassem Soleimani having previously informed Ali Khamenei of the 'end' of ISIS in a letter several years ago. The Islamic Republic has claimed that its security forces have arrested 11 suspects involved in this attack. The UK has warned about the genocide of the Hazara people in Afghanistan by the Taliban and ISIS Khorasan. In Kerman explosions, the 'main planner' has 'left the country', and 35 people have been arrested. Conflicting reports have emerged; a judicial official reported the discovery of 64 other bombs, while the Kerman IRGC denied the existence of 'other bombs'. Reuters, citing U.S. sources, stated that 'ISIS Khorasan' is responsible for the deadly explosions in Kerman. A UN report highlights the growth of terrorist groups in Afghanistan; U.S. officials have stated they do not confirm this.