Since its inception in 1976, Hezb-e-Islami Gulbuddin (HIG), founded by former Afghan prime minister Gulbuddin Hekmatyar, has remained a formidable force in Afghanistan’s tumultuous landscape. With a vision rooted in the establishment of an Islamic state governed by sharia law, HIG has consistently posed a challenge to the Western-backed Afghan government and Coalition forces.
HIG’s ideology aligns closely with that of the Taliban, sharing a commitment to overthrowing the existing government and replacing it with an Islamic regime. Despite occasional ideological differences, HIG insurgents have collaborated with the Taliban in various parts of Afghanistan, showcasing a pragmatic approach to achieving their shared goals.
The group’s activities have been marked by a series of attacks targeting Coalition forces, Afghan government installations, and Western interests within the country. These assaults have included suicide bombings, insider attacks, and coordinated assaults, often resulting in significant casualties among both military personnel and civilians.
One of the most notable incidents attributed to HIG occurred on July 7, 2015, when a suicide vehicle-borne improvised explosive device (VBIED) targeted a NATO convoy in Kabul. This brazen attack, claimed by HIG spokesman Haroon Zarghoon, underscored the group’s continued ability to strike at the heart of Afghanistan’s capital despite intensified security measures.
HIG’s resurgence in Afghanistan following the US-led intervention in 2001 has been facilitated by its utilization of Pakistan’s Federally Administered Tribal Areas and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province as safe havens for logistical support, fundraising, and recruitment. The Shamshatu refugee camp near Peshawar has particularly served as a crucial hub for the group’s operations.
Despite occasional engagements in negotiations with the Afghan government, spearheaded by figures like Ghairat Baheer and Qutbuddin Hilal, HIG remains steadfast in its opposition to the NATO mission and the Western-backed administration. This stance has been reinforced through the issuance of strongly-worded editorials denouncing foreign intervention and advocating for the establishment of an Islamic order.
The group’s enduring influence and capacity for violence were starkly demonstrated in various high-profile attacks, including the deadly suicide VBIED incident in Kabul in May 2013, which claimed the lives of multiple US personnel and Afghan civilians. Such incidents serve as a grim reminder of HIG’s resilience and determination to challenge the security apparatus in Afghanistan.
As Afghanistan navigates a complex landscape marked by political uncertainty and ongoing security challenges, the presence of groups like HIG poses a significant obstacle to efforts aimed at achieving stability and peace. Addressing the root causes of extremism, fostering inclusive governance, and promoting dialogue remain imperative in countering the enduring threat posed by HIG and similar insurgent factions.
