Zarb e Hazb Has Forced IS, Al-Qaeda And IMU To Move Into Afghanistan

Operation conducted by Pakistan military has forced Islamic State, Al-Qaeda and Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan (IMU) to move into Afghanistan. At least 400 IMU and Al-Qaeda affiiated families have crossed into Afghanistan, who now live in the houses of locals in the lawless parts of the country. Haji Abdul Azizi from Sangin district of Helmand province hosted a family for one night who spoke Arabic and claimed to be Is loyalist. This family consisted of six men, seven women and two children some of whom spoke Pashto. The women were armed and took turn to keep watch on each other during the night. Te local people say they try to enforce their own brand of Islam which clashes woth the local traditions. The armed outsiders, travelling with families have settled in Ghazni, Zabul and Farah. They have occupied previously vacant houses with the help of local Taliban. While, international forces have no firsthand knowledge of their activities. The groups oved to Farah district are wealthy, who have re branded themselves under the banner of IS and have set up training centres in the locality 'Khak e Sufaid'(White Land) district. They have not fought yet against government or Taliban but they are actively busy in training. US military maintains a limited presence in Afghanistan and have limited visibility into the activity of militants in the country's hinterland after the withdrawal of combat forces.