Web Desk: Pakistan’s Intelligence agency has arrested Sultan Aziz Azzam, the chief spokesman of Islamic State Khorasan (ISIS-K), dealing a significant setback to the group’s propaganda and recruitment operations, officials said.
Key ISIS-K media figure detained
Authorities said Azzam, who also founded the group’s official media wing, the Al-Azzam Foundation, was taken into custody in a targeted intelligence operation. Meanwhile, the foundation is widely regarded as a central platform for ISIS-K’s messaging, recruitment drives, and ideological outreach.
Following his arrest, ISIS-K’s media activities have largely fallen silent, officials added.
UN report highlights impact of Pakistan’s actions
Meanwhile, Pakistan’s recent counterterrorism efforts have drawn international attention. The United Nations Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team, in its 16th report, said Pakistan’s operations had weakened ISIS-K’s organizational structure at a global level.
The report noted that several planned attacks were thwarted, the group’s fighter strength declined, and key commanders and ideological leaders were neutralized.
High-profile arrests weaken operations
The UN report specifically cited the arrest of Sultan Aziz Azzam on May 16, 2025, along with the detention of senior ISIS-K leader Abu Yasser al-Turki, as turning points that significantly reduced the group’s operational capacity.
As a result, major propaganda outlets linked to the group, including platforms such as “Voice of Khorasan,” were suspended, further limiting ISIS-K’s ability to spread its messaging.
Background and regional role
Before emerging as ISIS-K’s spokesman, Azzam had served as an adviser to the Nangarhar Provincial Council, officials said, underscoring his influence within militant and local networks.
Pakistani authorities said the recent arrests reflect an intensified campaign against ISIS-K, as security agencies continue to dismantle militant networks and disrupt their ability to operate, recruit and plan attacks both domestically and beyond the region.
Read more: Major blow to ISIS-K as spokesman arrested
