It has been five years since an American-backed Kurdish and Arab militia successfully removed Islamic State fighters from a village in eastern Syria, marking the end of the group’s control in the region. Since then, the Islamic State has evolved into a more traditional terrorist network with cells scattered from West Africa to Southeast Asia, engaging in guerrilla attacks, bombings, and targeted assassinations. The Islamic State in Khorasan has been particularly active in Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Iran, aiming to expand its attacks to Europe and beyond.
Recent attacks, including one near Moscow, have raised concerns among U.S. officials regarding the continued threat posed by ISIS. The Islamic State Khorasan, or ISIS-K, has been responsible for various deadly attacks, including twin bombings in Iran and a suicide bombing at Kabul’s international airport. Despite efforts by the Taliban to combat ISIS-K in Afghanistan, the group’s capabilities and reach have been growing in recent years, with cross-border strikes and plots across Europe.
Counterterrorism experts have noted the increasing sophistication of ISIS-K’s attacks, highlighting the group’s ability to tap into local extremist networks and plan coordinated assaults. Central Asian and Caucasian members make up a significant portion of ISIS-K, with many living and working in Russia, potentially contributing to the planning and execution of attacks. Recent incidents in various locations, such as the Moscow and Iran attacks, have demonstrated the group’s evolving tactics and readiness to strike on a global scale.
As counterterrorism officials remain vigilant against ISIS-K’s threat, concerns have been raised about potential future attacks in Europe, particularly in countries that have been previously targeted by the group. Reports suggest that dormant cells in Europe, images of conflicts like those in Gaza, and support from Russian-speaking individuals living in Europe could provide motivation and opportunities for ISIS-K operatives to carry out attacks. The upcoming Paris Olympics are seen as a high-profile target for the group, prompting increased security measures and monitoring by intelligence agencies.
