In the 7th issue of Islamic State Khorasan Arabic language magazine Sawt Khorasan, most articles revolve around sectarian contents rather than political ones, in contrast to previous issues which featured a mix of both.
Imitating previous messages by ISKP, the editorial attacks the Taliban for their recent operation in Herat, which led to the death of a woman from Baghlan affiliated with the group. ISKP continues to exploit this incident in order to capitalize on the sentiments of hatred and indignation towards the Taliban, urging Muslims in Kunar, Nangarhar, Badakhshan, Kabul, Herat, and Balkh to resist.
A central piece is dedicated to providing several suggestions on how to assist ISKP in its fight. The group argues that it is drawing the battlelines in Central and South Asia and mobilizing in Khorasan, Bukhara, India, Sindh, and Transoxiana to counter the influence of ISKP main enemies. Among these, China is accused of occupying Uyghur lands; India of occupying Kashmir; Russia and its allies of occupying Central Asia; Iran of threatening Sunnis; and Pakistan of occupying Punjab and Waziristan. The text then provides a dozen of pieces of advice on how to assist ISKP in this struggle, such as joining the field; providing financial assistance for attacks; providing financial assistance to families; taking care of wounded; spreading propaganda in favor of ISKP.
A series of articles, then, focuses on religious topics, using derogatory language to describe ISKP enemies. The first one is a message for the Muslims of Iran, particularly Sunnis. The article echoes a previous one featured in the first issue of Sawt Khorasan, published in December 2022. Referring to the October 2022 attack in Shiraz, the article is an attempt by the group to exacerbate religious grievances.
Similarly, the issue features an interview with ISKP ideologue Abu Fateh Khorasani, making his 4th appearance in ISKP propaganda. Abu Fateh’s interview is a long tirade against the Shiaism, Sufis, and the Taliban in Afghanistan. Previously, Abu Fateh had been featured in Sawt Khorasan issues 4 and 6, where he discussed about the Muslim Brotherhood and Pakistan’s political parties and movements respectively, and in an audio from Al-Azaim on the rulings of jihad.
Other articles provide a translation of Khorasan Ghag article from the 19th issue on Jamiat Markazi Ahle Hadees in Pakistan; a discussion on Saudi Arabia and its foreign relations; anti-Christian narratives; and the latest number of the series on shrines in Afghanistan by Enayatullah Parwani