Pentagon Report to Congress states Afghanistan-Pakistan region has the highest concentration of extremist and terrorist groups in the world.
Pakistan-Afghanistan region has the highest concentration of terrorist groups: Pentagon
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Afghanistan faces a continuing threat from as many as 20 insurgent and terrorist networks present or operating in the Afghanistan-Pakistan region, including the Taliban, the Haqqani Network, Daesh and al-Qaeda - in what is the highest concentration of extremist and terrorist groups in the world, a Pentagon report has found.
The report, "Enhancing Security and Stability in Afghanistan," also stated Afghanistan is "at a critical point" in its battle against multiple insurgencies and terrorist groups.
The Pentagon said that as of February 2017, the Taliban exercised influence or control over 11 percent of the Afghan population, the government could claim 65 percent, and the rest was “contested.”
In its semi-annual report to Congress, the Pentagon states that despite the convergence of these groups in Afghanistan, the Afghan National Defense and Security Forces (ANDSF) retained control of all major population centers during the period December 1, 2016 to May 31 of this year.
“Taliban capabilities and operations varied significantly by region. The group continued to exploit its limited successes and tout them as strategic victories through the proficient use of social media and propaganda campaigns,” the report stated.
“The combination of U.S counterterrorism operations, ANDSF operations, pressure from the Taliban, and a lack of support from the local populace have diminished ISIS-K’s (Daesh) influence and caused it to decline in size, capability, and ability to hold territory.