Christian World | A new International Christian Concern report says ISKP targets Christians from Afghanistan and Pakistan to Türkiye and Europe

ACW | October 19, 2026 — International Christian Concern (ICC) released a report on Monday saying the financial networks of Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP) make its attacks on Christians possible.

The report, titled “The Terrorism Economy: Islamic State's Operations Against Christians,” was written by ICC fellow Daniel St John. According to ICC, ISKP both raises money and targets Christians in Afghanistan, Pakistan, Türkiye and Europe.

The report says the Islamic State equates Western foreign policy with Christianity and frames attacks on Christians as revenge for Western military action against Muslims. According to the author, the group's propaganda urges followers to strike during Christian holidays such as Christmas.

ICC stresses that without access to the financial system, ISKP's operational capacity would be severely limited. Identifying and cutting off the group's funding routes, it says, is key to preventing further persecution of Christians.

Background: The report is the third in ICC's “Terrorism Economy” series; the previous two focused on Nigeria and East Africa. According to ICC, ISKP operates in a region that includes Afghanistan, Iran, Central Asia and Pakistan.

Why it matters: ISKP is active in Afghanistan and, according to ICC, deliberately targets Christians, so cutting off its funding matters for the safety and the freedom of religion or belief of Christians in Afghanistan and the region.

ACW will continue to follow this story.

Source: International Christian Concern (ICC) — “The Terrorism Economy” report

Photo: ICC