Summary of The United States report on terrorism and Afghanistan-Pakistan’s place in it

Introduction: The U.S. Department of State published its report on terrorism in 2022 on November 30. The statistical information in the report details the activity of terrorist groups globally, covering all countries. Notably, the report highlights ISIS (Islamic State) as a leading terrorist group, with concerns regarding its ISIS-Khorasan branch operating in Afghanistan and the region. This prompts an interest in understanding the general position of Afghanistan and Pakistan based on the report’s data.

About the report: About the 2022 Annex of Statistical Information Title 22, Section 2656f, of the United States Code requires the U.S. Department of State to present in its annual report on terrorism “to the extent practicable, complete statistical information on the number of individuals, including United States citizens and dual nationals, killed, wounded, or kidnapped by each terrorist group during the preceding calendar year.”

Defining Terrorism “For the annual Annex of Statistical Information, an incident is deemed a terrorist act if it conforms with Title 22, Section 2656f, of the U.S. Code. It is therefore defined as a violent act carried out by nonstate actors that meets the following inclusion criteria”:

1. The violent act aims to attain a political, economic, religious, or social goal.
2. The violent act includes evidence of an intention to coerce, intimidate, or convey some other message to an audience (or audiences) larger than the immediate victims.
3. The violent act occurred outside the precepts of international humanitarian law, as far as it targeted non-combatants.

In 2022, terrorist incidents resulted in 21,943 deaths, 12,470 injuries, and 4,508 kidnappings, reflecting a 7% decrease in deaths, 27% in injuries, and 20% in kidnappings. These incidents occurred in 73 countries, with 84.9% concentrated in South Asia, East Asia, and Sub-Saharan Africa. The countries experiencing the highest number of terrorist incidents were the Democratic Republic of Congo, Syria, Nigeria, Pakistan, India, Iraq, Yemen, Burma, Burkina Faso, and Somalia. Notably, Pakistan ranked fourth in the countries with the most terrorist incidents, while Afghanistan did not appear on that list according to the report.

In 2021, ISIS-Core and affiliated groups were responsible for numerous incidents globally, including Afghanistan and Pakistan. ISIS-Khorasan (ISIS-K) carried out 54 attacks in these regions, resulting in 443 fatalities.

In 2022, Al-Qaeda networks continued operations mainly in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa. Following ISIS, Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) is considered the largest terrorist group in the region, responsible for most attacks in Pakistan and some in Afghanistan. TTP executed 34 attacks, resulting in 134 casualties.

This year’s report includes, for the first time, figures for unknown or unidentifiable criminals. The data reveals that 67.6% of these criminals in 2022 were “religious-jihadi,” and 33.2% were “separatist nationalists.” Worldwide, including Pakistan, 369 incidents involving unidentified criminals were documented.

Geographic trend of terrorism: In the list of the most global terrorist incidents for 2022, showcasing the highest number of incidents and casualties, Afghanistan surprisingly does not appear a departure from previous years. The top five countries with the most terrorist incidents are the Democratic Republic of Congo, Syria, Nigeria, Pakistan, and India. Pakistan secures the fourth position among the 10 countries with the most terrorist incidents.

However, when considering the list of 10 countries with the most casualties in 2022, the order is as follows: the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Nigeria, Burma, Syria, Mali, Burkina Faso, Somalia, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Yemen. In the 2022 report, Pakistan ranks eighth, while Afghanistan is ninth. Notably, in the 2021 report, Afghanistan held the top position for the most casualties. These figures indicate a striking 88% decrease in casualties for Afghanistan, contrasted with a 90% increase in casualties for Pakistan.

Afghanistan: In the overview section of the report, it’s noted that the United States does not recognize the Taliban or any other entity as the government of Afghanistan. The Taliban provided shelter to al-Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri before his death in a US airstrike on July 30. The Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) officially ended their ceasefire in November.

The report highlights the Taliban’s conflict with ISIS-Khorasan (ISIS-K), considering it the main threat. The United States has urged the Taliban to fulfill their commitments in fighting terrorism based on the 2020 Doha Agreement. The Taliban, referred to as the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan in the agreement, made commitments to prevent any group or individual in Afghanistan from threatening the security of the United States and its allies. Despite these commitments, terrorist groups remained active in Afghanistan in 2022, carrying out attacks against Iran, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Pakistan.

In 2022, Afghanistan experienced several significant terrorist incidents:

• On April 22, a suicide bombing during a religious gathering at a mosque and school in Kunduz resulted in at least 33 deaths and 43 injuries.
• On April 29, an explosion during a religious gathering in a mosque in Kabul led to at least 10 deaths and 30 injuries.
• On August 17, an unidentified bombing in a Kabul mosque killed at least 21 people, including a prominent cleric, and injured at least 33 others.
• On September 5, a suicide bombing claimed by ISIS-Khorasan (ISIS-K) at the Russian embassy in Kabul resulted in at least six deaths, including a Russian diplomat, and wounded at least 10 others.
• On September 30, a suicide bombing at an educational center in Kabul left 54 dead and 114 injured, predominantly Hazara Shia women and girls.

The fight against ISIS-Khorasan (ISIS-K): According to the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project (ACLED), the Taliban conducted 40 operations against ISIS-Khorasan (ISIS-K) during the reporting period. The Taliban publicly announced arrests or killings of ISIS-Khorasan members, including those responsible for attacks. However, in July, Human Rights Watch reported cases of alleged Taliban summary executions and forced disappearances of ISIS-Khorasan members. It remains unclear whether the Taliban have the capability to completely dismantle secret terrorist networks in urban areas.

Notably, there have been no changes related to countering terrorism financing, extremism, or international and regional cooperation since 2021.

South and Central Asia: In the overview of South and Central Asia for 2022, it is noted that terrorist activities will persist in Afghanistan and Pakistan, along with insurgent attacks against security forces and terrorist incidents in the Indian Union of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K). There are also ongoing ISIS-Khorasan (ISIS-K) threats against Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. Al Qaeda and its regional branch, Al Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS), appear unchanged according to the Taliban’s mandate.

ISIS-Khorasan, Al-Qaeda elements, including Al-Qaeda, and groups targeting Pakistan like Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), continue to utilize Afghan soil near the Pakistani border as a safe haven.

Central Asian countries express concerns about violent extremist elements from Afghanistan crossing borders, launching cross-border rocket attacks, and the potential threat of returning citizens who fought in Iraq or Syria. In Tajikistan, U.S. assistance focuses on building capacity to secure the 843-mile border with Afghanistan, with expectations of continued support in 2023. The region also receives security assistance from Russia, the People’s Republic of China, and other nations.

Pakistan: In the overview section, it is reported that in 2022, Pakistan implemented measures to counter terrorism financing and address certain groups with a focus on India. Notably, Sajid Mir, the FBI’s most wanted criminal and a senior leader of Lashkar-e-Taiba, was successfully prosecuted in May, resulting in a 15-year prison sentence.

In September, Pakistan deported three American citizens to the United States after they completed prison terms in Pakistan, facing prosecution for terrorism-related crimes. While Pakistan has taken steps to restrict the activities of terrorist groups, it has yet to fully fulfill its commitment to eliminate all terrorist organizations promptly and without discrimination.

Pakistan experienced an increase in terrorist threats in 2022, with a higher number of attacks and casualties compared to 2021. Separatist militant groups conducted terrorist attacks in Balochistan, Punjab, and Sindh. Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) posed a significant threat to Pakistan’s police, army, and security services in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Terrorists employed various tactics, including improvised explosive devices, suicide bombs, and targeted assassinations, in attacking diverse targets.

Terrorist incidents in 2022: In 2022, Pakistan faced an increase in terrorist attacks, leading to a “high” or “critical” threat rating. Religious minority groups were particularly targeted by violent extremist organizations. Notable incidents include attacks by the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) on militia bases, a suicide bombing at a Shiite mosque in Peshawar claimed by ISIS-Khorasan (ISIS-K), a BLA suicide bombing outside the Confucius Institute in Karachi, a Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP)

attack on a police convoy, and a TTP suicide bombing in the suburbs of Islamabad.

The Government of Pakistan continued implementing counter-terrorism measures, including the Counter-Terrorism Act of 1997, the National Counter-Terrorism Agency Act (NACTA), and amendments to the Anti-Terrorism Act in 2014 and 2020. Pakistani military and security forces conducted operations against anti-government fighters, establishing specialized courts for terrorism cases. The country also enforced international border security measures, collected biometric information at land crossings, and managed dual-use chemicals to prevent diversion for improvised explosive devices.

• February 2: Militants attacked two Pakistani militia bases in Baluchistan. The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) claimed responsibility, using small arms and rocket-propelled grenades, resulting in at least four soldiers killed and over 20 wounded.
• March 4: A suicide attack on a Shiite mosque in Peshawar during Friday prayers claimed over 60 lives and injured more than 100. ISIS-Khorasan (ISIS-K) claimed responsibility.
• April 26: BLA suicide bomber targeted the Confucius Institute in Karachi, killing five institute employees and two Pakistani nationals. This marked the first instance of a female suicide bomber from the BLA.
• November 15: Six police officers were killed in an attack on a police convoy in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP). Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) claimed responsibility.
• December 23: A suicide bomber, affiliated with Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), killed a police officer and injured several others by exploding a hand grenade in the suburbs of Islamabad.

The Government of Pakistan continued implementing counter-terrorism measures, including the Counter-Terrorism Act of 1997, the National Counter-Terrorism Agency Act (NACTA), the Investigation for Fair Trial Act of 2014, and major amendments to the Anti-Terrorism Act in 2014 and 2020, providing additional powers to law enforcement, judiciary, and the Attorney General in terrorism cases.

In 2022, Pakistani military and security forces conducted nationwide operations against anti-government fighters and established specialized courts to address terrorism cases. Pakistan enhanced border security by collecting biometric information at land crossings and enforced anti-money laundering and foreign exchange regulations at major airports in coordination with other agencies. Customs managed the entry of dual-use chemicals for legal purposes through end-use verification, aiming to prevent their diversion for use in improvised explosive devices.

Combating the financing of terrorism:

Pakistan is a member of the Asia/Pacific Group on Money Laundering and FIU is the Financial Supervision Unit of Pakistan. FATF removed Pakistan from its gray list in October. Pakistan continued to face significant risks of money laundering and terrorist financing. In 2022, several terrorist organizations, including UN-listed groups, operated in the country and raised funds through various means such as direct sponsorship, public fundraising, exploitation of non-profit organizations and criminal activities.

Funds are transferred through official and unofficial channels (hawala) and through mass smuggling of cash. Pakistan’s geographical landscape and borders increase its vulnerability and risk to terrorist financing.