An Afghan general and governor both confirmed that the Islamic State is now in-country, flying its black flags and recruiting fighters — and that one of the group’s main recruiters is Mullah Abdul Rauf, a former U.S. captive sent to Guantanamo Bay but released in 2007.
He was released and sent to Afghanistan for overseeing by that government in 2007, but soon after took up duties as a Taliban “shadow governor” in the southern part of the nation, The Washington Post reported.
He subsequently switched his allegiance to the Islamic State, Newsmax said.
And now — he’s recruiting Islamic State terrorists in Afghanistan, said Gen. Mahmood Khan, deputy commander of the Afghan army’s 215 Corps, The Associated Press reported.
“A number of tribal leaders, jihadi commanders and some ulema [religious council members] and other people have contacted me to tell me that Mullah Rauf had contacted them and invited them to join him,” Gen. Khan said, AP reported.
The Taliban, meanwhile, have issued warnings to keep away from Mr. Rauf, AP reported.
“People are saying that he has raised black flags and even has tried to bring down white Taliban flags in some areas,” said Saifullah Sanginwal, a tribal leader in Sangin district, AP reported. “There are reports that 19 or 20 people have been killed” in fights between Taliban and Islamic State members, he said.
State Department spokeswoman Marie Harf said the United States is keeping a close eye on the communications from the Islamic State to monitor growth in Afghanistan.
“We continue to watch for signs that these statements could amount to something more than just rhetorical support,” she said, AP reported. “That doesn’t mean it’s unimportant.”
• Cheryl K. Chumley can be reached at cchumley@washingtontimes.com.
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