The Islamic State’s (IS) province in Af-Pak has ramped up its criticisms and threats toward Central Asian governments in recent months. Additionally, it has increased its recruitment and fundraising efforts targeting sympathizers in Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.

IS Khurasan Province (ISKP) has also been vocal in denouncing the Taliban’s relations with Uzbekistan and Tajikistan while accusing the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA) of being a proxy of Central Asian and other foreign states in their fight against ISKP.

This briefing will provide background and highlight imagery and messaging/narratives from ISKP propaganda criticizing Uzbekistan and Tajikistan in recent weeks.