In May 2025, the Taliban regime intensified its grip on power through authoritarian centralization, ideological enforcement, and targeted suppression. While tactical gains in regional diplomacy and internal administrative cohesion were observed, the regime faces compounding internal rifts, growing public discontent, and regional unease. This monthly assessment dissects six major dimensions of the Taliban’s rule, including governance, social control, security dynamics, and regional relations.

The Afghanistan Security Watch (ASW) annual Incident Report provides a comprehensive analysis of the security landscape in Afghanistan for the current year.

Based on a recent study by the ASW, during the 3rd quarter of 2024, anti-Taliban forces, ISKP, and some unidentified groups were responsible for around 124 security incidents across 22 provinces in Afghanistan.