Top UN envoy claims IS has established 'foothold' in Afghanistan

A top United Nations envoy has reportedly gone on record to say that there was "clear evidence" that the Islamic State (IS) has established a foothold in Afghanistan, a view that was echoed by Russia which urged the Security Council to stop the group's advance.

Nicholas Haysom said that experts had although assured that the IS had not managed to develop "firm roots" in the country but added that there was a concern that the group might inspire other disparate splinter groups, reported The Independent.

Russia's deputy UN Ambassador, Vladimir Safronkov, had earlier raised concerns over the rising terror threat in Afghanistan and the broadening of IS' geographical activities. He warned against turning Afghanistan into "yet another safe haven for fighters and extremists."

There has been increasing concerns about the expansion of IS in Afghanistan since last autumn. Reports have suggested that the group now controls areas that were previously held by the Taliban as well as Afghan government forces. The presence of the group has sparked protests against it.