The deputy minister of information and culture, Zabiullah Mujahid, downplayed the threat of Daesh, saying that the group would soon be suppressed.  

“We don’t call Daesh a threat, but we call it a headache,” Mujahid said. “It creates headaches in some places but is immediately taken out in every incident; (they) have been chased out and their sanctuaries found.”  

According to Mujahid, Daesh does not have the people’s support in Afghanistan.  

However, political experts say Daesh is a serious problem for Afghanistan, warning that if tremendous efforts are not made to counter the group, it will extend its activities. 

Tamim Bahis, a political analyst, said: “Daesh doesn’t have international and regional support, and without support Daesh will not be able to fight for a long time. However, fighting with Daesh will create problems for the Taliban.”  

Pakistani journalist Tahir Khan said: “The Taliban themselves said that they have launched operations against Daesh in Kabul and other places. It means (Daesh) exists but it doesn’t exist like before when it controlled some areas in Nangarhar. Its strategy has changed, which means they now pay attention to the cities” 

The Islamic Emirate recently arrested four Daesh-affiliated members in Paghman district of Kabul. Two Daesh fighters were detained in the eastern province of Nangarhar.  

This comes as the international community continues to voice concerns over the possible presence of Daesh in Afghanistan.