Feb 8, 2022: According to an AFP report, the US on Monday offered a $10-million reward for information leading to the “identification or location” of the leader of the Afghanistan regional chapter of the Islamic State group.

The State Department’s reward for information also applied to information leading to the capture or conviction of those responsible for the August 26 “terrorist attack on Kabul airport” which was claimed by the Islamic State-Khorasan (IS-K).

The attack, which resulted in the deaths of a 100 people, including 13 American soldiers, was launched as the US planned to evacuate Afghanistan amid chaotic exit following the Taliban takeover.

According to Washington, Sanaullah Ghaffari – also known as Shehab al-Muhajir – was appointed head of IS-K by the Islamic State group in June 2020. “Ghafari is responsible for approving all ISIS-K operations throughout Afghanistan and arranging funding to conduct operations,” the State Department said in a statement.

IS-K is the Afghan branch of IS, which originated in Iraq and Syria.

Ghafari is rumored to have been an Al-Qaeda commander or a former member of the Haqqani network, one of the most powerful and feared factions in the Taliban.

IS-K has been responsible for some of the deadliest attacks in the region in recent years, massacring civilians in Afghanistan and Pakistan, at mosques, shrines, public squares and hospitals.

It was hit hard by both the Taliban and US-led forces and was losing influence but its attacks have ramped up since their rival Islamists took power in August.

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