Afghanistan Now 100% Free of ISIS, Claims FM Amir Khan Muttaqi — Hints at Direct Amritsar-Kabul Flights Soon
Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi declares Afghanistan 100% free of ISIS, signaling a new era of stability. He also hints at resuming direct Amritsar-Kabul flights, strengthening India-Afghanistan ties and regional connectivity
Afghanistan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi on Monday declared that the terror group ISIS has been completely wiped out from Afghan soil, asserting that the Islamic Emirate had restored full control and security across the country after the Taliban’s takeover in 2021.
“When America and NATO had their presence, there were major ISIS centres across various provinces. Even then, we faced clashes and conflicts. But after the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan took full control of the country, a strong operation was carried out, and now, thankfully, there isn’t an inch of Afghan soil where ISIS or any other group operates,” Muttaqi said, addressing mediapersons in New Delhi.
Muttaqi, who was attending an interaction organised by industry body FICCI, also spoke about recent border tensions with Pakistan, saying Afghanistan had “achieved its objectives” in responding to Pakistani aggression before halting its operations at the request of “friendly Gulf countries”.
“During the operation, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the UAE requested that the war should stop, and we agreed,” he said, adding that there has been no major incident since.
“We believe war is not a solution to any problem. Dialogue and diplomacy are needed to resolve issues. This will be our policy in the future as well. We want people in the region to live in peace and prosper,” said Muttaqi.
Further in a significant announcement aimed at improving regional connectivity, Muttaqi said direct flights between Amritsar and Kabul and Kandahar would commence soon, describing it as a step to boost trade and people-to-people ties.
Calling the move a “historic step”, Dr Vikramjit Singh Sahney, Rajya Sabha MP and member of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Commerce and the Consultative Committee of External Affairs, said the new routes would create “a faster and more secure air bridge” between India and Afghanistan, particularly benefiting farmers, traders and MSMEs involved in agri-products, dry fruits, fresh fruits, handicrafts and pharmaceuticals.
“Amritsar’s strategic location and proximity to border trade corridors make it a natural hub for India-Afghanistan commerce,” he said.
Meanwhile, a delegation of Afghan Hindus and Sikhs under the aegis of the Afghan Minorities Council, in coordination with the Indian World Forum, called on the visiting Afghan Foreign Minister at the Afghan Embassy in New Delhi.
The meeting, described as a courtesy call, included 13 representatives, seven of them senior community leaders.
The council, which oversees the affairs of Afghan-origin Hindus and Sikhs and manages historic gurdwaras and mandirs in Afghanistan, serves as the supreme decision-making body for Afghan minorities and maintains an active office in Kabul.
In a significant announcement with regional implications, Afghanistan’s Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi has declared that the country is now completely free of ISIS. Speaking at a press briefing in Kabul on Monday, Muttaqi emphasized that the Afghan government has successfully neutralized the extremist group’s presence, marking a major milestone in the nation’s fight against terrorism. In the same address, he also hinted at the possibility of resuming direct flights between Amritsar and Kabul, signaling a potential boost to India-Afghanistan connectivity and trade relations.
According to Muttaqi, security forces and local intelligence agencies have coordinated extensive operations across provinces that were previously considered hotspots for ISIS activities, including Nangarhar, Kunar, and Helmand. “Through persistent intelligence-led operations and community support, Afghanistan has eradicated the last cells of ISIS from our territory,” Muttaqi said.
The announcement is being seen as a major achievement for the Afghan government, which has been grappling with multiple insurgent groups since the Taliban regained control in 2021. While ISIS-K (Islamic State Khorasan Province) had remained a persistent threat in eastern Afghanistan, recent coordinated operations have reportedly dismantled key operational networks, captured or neutralized leaders, and destroyed weapons caches.
Experts note that while the announcement is a positive development, vigilance remains crucial. “ISIS may have been largely eliminated from operational zones, but complete eradication requires continued monitoring and intelligence efforts,” said security analyst Dr. Khalid Rahimi.
In a move that could enhance regional trade and people-to-people links, Muttaqi suggested that direct flights between Amritsar and Kabul are under consideration. These flights, if operationalized, would significantly reduce travel time and strengthen economic and cultural ties between the two countries.
Amritsar, located in India’s Punjab region, is home to a large Afghan diaspora, including students and business communities. A direct air link would also facilitate tourism and religious travel, particularly for Afghan pilgrims visiting the Golden Temple.
“This initiative reflects our commitment to strengthen bilateral relations with India while ensuring safe and reliable connectivity for Afghan citizens abroad,” Muttaqi stated. Officials indicated that discussions are ongoing with Indian authorities to finalize airline operators, flight frequency, and regulatory approvals.
The eradication of ISIS in Afghanistan has implications beyond national borders. Neighboring countries, including India, Pakistan, Iran, and Central Asian states, have long been concerned about ISIS-linked extremism spilling over. Muttaqi’s announcement is expected to alleviate some security concerns, potentially paving the way for increased foreign investment and humanitarian aid.
For India, the potential resumption of Amritsar-Kabul flights represents both a diplomatic victory and practical benefit. Direct air connectivity could enhance trade in goods such as textiles, saffron, and dried fruits, while also supporting Afghan students and professionals traveling to India for education and business.
Despite this achievement, challenges remain. Analysts caution that Afghanistan’s stability is fragile, with other groups such as the Tehreek-e-Taliban splinter factions continuing to operate in some regions. Ensuring security for international flights and maintaining peace across the country will require sustained efforts from Afghan authorities and international partners.
Furthermore, while air connectivity promises economic growth, it will require investment in airport infrastructure, safety protocols, and bilateral agreements to ensure smooth operations. Both countries are expected to engage in detailed planning and regulatory clearance before flights are officially launched.
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