The Taliban has claimed responsibility for a counter terrorism raid in Kabul’s 15th security district, targeting what it described as a hideout of the Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP), in an operation that reportedly left two militants dead. However, questions have emerged over the credibility of the Taliban’s claims, with allegations suggesting the raid may have been staged.
Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid stated on Tuesday that the operation was conducted and led to the killing of two alleged ISIS members. He added that Taliban forces seized a cache of weapons and ammunition during the raid.
According to sources within the Taliban who spoke to Afghanistan International, the operation lasted several hours and was marked by intense gunfire. Footage circulated on social media captured the sound of heavy shooting during the incident. The Taliban-affiliated media outlet Al-Mirsad also confirmed the deaths of two individuals, citing unnamed sources.
Despite these claims, skepticism surrounds the nature of the raid. Sarah Adams, a former CIA officer, has previously alleged that a compound in Kabul’s 15th district similar to the one targeted in Monday’s operation—is in fact linked to the Taliban’s own intelligence apparatus. She has described such raids as potentially orchestrated events designed to portray the Taliban as engaged in counter terrorism efforts in order to gain international legitimacy.
The Taliban has not addressed these allegations. As of now, there is no independent verification of the identities of those killed or confirmation of the circumstances surrounding the raid.
The incident highlights ongoing tensions between the Taliban’s public narrative and growing international concerns over transparency and accountability in its counter terrorism operations.
