VOA: Islamic State Inroads in Afghanistan Concern US
NEW YORK—A senior State Department official said Saturday that the U.S. was concerned about the Islamic State group’s efforts to try to establish a stronghold in Afghanistan.
“It is a newly emerging threat,” the official said in a background briefing on Afghanistan. “It is unpredictable as yet how it might evolve. It is something that we are taking seriously.”
The official commented a day after the United Nations released a report that indicated the militant group was gaining influence in the country.
Update #1: Islamic State gaining ground in Afghanistan: UN -- AFP
Update #2: Now ISIS declares war on the TALIBAN in Afghanistan -- Express
WNU Editor: There are only about 70 ISIS members in Afghanistan .... Some 70 ISIS militants from Iraq, Syria forming the group’s branch in Afghanistan (Khaama Press) .... in a country that has a population of about 30 million people. So it is a bit of a stretch to say that the Islamic State is "gaining ground". If they have 700 members .... 7,0000 members .... that is when it becomes a serious problem.
The number 70 is insignificant but the words "gaining ground" suggests the number is minimized for strategic purposes. As there are US troops in Afghanistan I imagine they are chomping at the bit to test the ISIS guys out.
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