ISAS Special Reports

Violence and extremism in South Asia, including potential threats posed by the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), remain a concern for many regional and international observers.1 Three South Asian countries-Afghanistan, Pakistan, and India-are among those with the highest reported incidents of terrorism. 2 Reports of foreign fighters from South Asia have prompted concerns that ongoing conflicts in Iraq and Syria and the establishment of the self-proclaimed caliphate by ISIL serve as a compelling narrative for potential recruits.3 Even senior Taliban commanders and members in Pakistan and Afghanistan have reportedly pledged allegiance to ISIL and formed a new faction, Wilayat Khorasan, named after a historic region spanning Afghanistan and Pakistan, as well as portions of India and other neighboring countries.4 Al-Qaida, which views ISIL as its primary competitor, established an affiliate organization in South Asia, presumably in an effort to remain relevant in the region.