A new video released online shows a group of Pakistani and Afghan militants beheading a Pakistani soldier after pledging allegiance to the Islamic State jihadist group.
In the Arabic-language video, whose authenticity could not immediately be confirmed, a group of turbaned militants holding rifles and black IS flags, are seen gathered in an undisclosed forested area.
A militant identified by the SITE intelligence group as former Pakistani Taliban spokesman Shahidullah Shahid is then seen addressing the crowd to announce pledges of allegiance to IS from leaders of various groups in Afghanistan and Pakistan.
At the end of the 16-minute video a man identified as a Pakistani soldier is seen being beheaded with a machete.
Islamic State, which controls large areas of Iraq and Syria, has gained a foothold in Pakistan and Afghanistan in the past year.
Based on reporting by Reuters and AFP
Editor's Picks
Subscribe
Afghanistan/Pakistan Trending
1
Taliban Intensifies Crackdown On Dissent In Afghanistan
2Afghan Women Head To Olympics On Equal Footing
3Afghan Talks Kick Off In Doha Amid Anger Over Taliban’s Exclusion Of Women
4The Push To Recognize 'Gender Apartheid' As A Crime
540 Dead, Hundreds Injured After Heavy Rain, Storms In Eastern Afghanistan
6New Extremist Groups -- At Least In Name -- Enter Pakistan's Militant Scene
7Fearful Of Losing Their Livelihoods, Pakistanis Oppose Latest Military Operation
8Interview: Pakistani Islamist Leader Opposes Military Operation To Root Out Militants
9'Widespread Fear': Spate Of Killings In Pakistan's Restive Northwest Targets Journalists
10Homes Of Afghan Migrants Reportedly Attacked After Killing Of Iranian
RFE/RL has been declared an "undesirable organization" by the Russian government.
If you are in Russia or the Russia-controlled parts of Ukraine and hold a Russian passport or are a stateless person residing permanently in Russia or the Russia-controlled parts of Ukraine, please note that you could face fines or imprisonment for sharing, liking, commenting on, or saving our content, or for contacting us.
To find out more, click here.
