By Muhammad Qasem | 2025-01-23

KABUL -- The United States is offering up to $10 million for information leading to the elimination of "Islamic State of Iraq and Syria" Khorasan branch (ISIS-K) leaders or disruption of the group’s financial mechanisms.

The reward is part of the US State Department's Rewards for Justice (RFJ) program, which aims to identify and neutralize terrorist threats, particularly in countries such as Afghanistan, Iraq and Syria.

Since its establishment in 1984, the program has proven highly effective, distributing more than $250 million to over 125 people whose information helped prevent attacks or dismantle terrorist networks.

Understanding how ISIS-K operates and generates funding is crucial to disrupting its activities.

"ISIS-K generates revenue through multiple channels," Paris-based Afghan political analyst Mohammad Omar Saeedi told Al-Fassel affiliate Salaam Times.

These include "talc mining operations in Nangarhar province, extortion of local businesses, tobacco trafficking between Afghanistan and Pakistan and illegal taxation of populations under its influence," he said.

The extremist group uses the funds it generates "to purchase advanced weapons and recruit and train fighters," Saeedi said.

Security experts emphasize that public cooperation is essential to eradicate the persistent threat posed by ISIS-K and other extremist groups.

"Every individual can contribute to the fight against terrorism by providing information to legal and security authorities," London-based Afghan political analyst Habibullah Mahmoudi told Al-Fassel affiliate Salaam Times.

"Eliminating the leadership of a terrorist group can significantly weaken its power and cohesion," he said, noting that groups such as ISIS-K pose a serious threat to global peace and security.

People can prevent the spread of this threat by sharing vital information with security institutions, said Kabul-based civil society activist Ghulam Haidar Akbari.

A powerful tool

The RFJ program has proven that citizen involvement can be a powerful tool in counterterrorism efforts.

"If you have information that could help identify and arrest members of terrorist groups, this is an opportunity to participate in the fight against terrorism," said Türkiye-based Abdul Rahman Ayoubi, a former professor at Balkh University.

"At the same time, you can improve your life and achieve economic goals by earning substantial rewards."

Beyond financial incentives, sharing information can have far-reaching impact.

"Those who possess information about members of terrorist groups can help save countless lives," Ayoubi said. "By doing so, they not only contribute to global security but also play a role in building a safer world."

Individuals with relevant information can contact authorities through multiple secure channels: WhatsApp: +1 202-702-7843 Telegram: @RFJ_English Facebook: @rewardsforjustice X: @RFJ_USA

All tips will be treated confidentially, and sources can remain anonymous.