Pakistan Confirms Capture of IS-K Leader Sultan Aziz Azam

Pakistan has confirmed the capture of Sultan Aziz Azam, a senior figure in the Islamic State Khorasan group. He was detained in May during a covert operation. The arrest was revealed this week by Pakistan after a UN monitoring report noted his capture.

Officials say the arrest mattered because Azam was a top IS-K leader. He also served as the group’s spokesman in the region. His detention was kept quiet to protect active counterterror missions.

Pakistan Moves Against IS-K After UN Report

According to AFP, Azam was taken into custody on May 16. The UN sanctions monitoring group informed the Security Council about the arrest in November. Pakistani intelligence later confirmed the report.

Officials say Azam was not a minor figure. They say he shaped media messaging and strategy for IS-K. They also say he had deep links to fighters across Afghanistan and Pakistan.

IS-K has claimed many deadly attacks in recent years. It staged a major assault in Moscow in March 2024 that killed more than 140 people. It has also hit targets in Kabul and several parts of Pakistan since the Taliban’s return to power.

Pakistan and the Taliban both say they target IS-K. But mistrust between the two sides has grown. Pakistan says militants cross from Afghanistan to launch attacks. Border clashes in recent months have raised tensions.

Pakistan has carried out airstrikes along the frontier. Security officials say these strikes target militant hideouts, including positions held by the Pakistani Taliban. The UN report says pressure from both countries has weakened IS-K.

IS-K Remains a Threat as Regional Tensions Rise

The UN report says IS-K’s strength has dropped. It estimates the group has around 2,000 fighters left. It also says the group has lost key routes and bases.

But the report warns IS-K is still active. It says the group is building sleeper cells. It also says IS-K wants to boost its ability to attack outside Afghanistan.

Experts say Azam’s arrest may slow IS-K’s regional messaging. The Jamestown Foundation says Azam is from Nangarhar province. The area borders Pakistan and is seen as an IS-K core base. He joined the group in 2015 after posting poems and writings online.

Regional analysts believe the arrest may help Pakistan and the Taliban identify new IS-K networks. But they caution the group remains resilient and may try to rebuild.

The capture of Sultan Aziz Azam marks a key moment in Pakistan’s fight against IS-K. The arrest offers rare insight into the group’s media arm and internal chain of command. Pakistan says more operations linked to the main keyword IS-K are underway.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: Who is Sultan Aziz Azam?

He is a senior IS-K leader. He also served as the group’s spokesman. Pakistani officials say he had major influence inside the group.

Q2: When was Sultan Aziz Azam arrested?

He was arrested on May 16. The UN made the arrest public in November. Pakistan confirmed it this week.

Q3: Why is the arrest important?

Azam was a key media and strategy figure for IS-K. His capture helps Pakistan and the Taliban target new cells. It also disrupts IS-K’s regional plans.

Q4: How strong is IS-K now?

The UN says IS-K has about 2,000 fighters. It also says the group has lost ground but can still strike. Sleeper cells remain a concern.

Q5: What is causing tension between Pakistan and the Taliban?

Pakistan says militants cross from Afghanistan to attack its forces. The Taliban deny the claim. Border clashes have increased strain.