Moscow, Russia – Following the deadly assault at a concert venue in Moscow on Friday, ISIS, the Islamic State group, claimed responsibility for the attack. The release of graphic footage showcasing gunmen carrying out the assault marked Russia’s most severe terror incident in decades.
Islamic State-Khorasan (ISIS-K) emerged in 2015, operating in Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Iran as a branch of ISIS. Despite the collapse of ISIS’ self-proclaimed caliphate in Iraq and Syria five years ago, the group has transformed into a global terror network with cells across various regions, including Africa, the Middle East, Central Asia, and Southeast Asia.
The connection between ISIS and ISIS-K remains somewhat murky, as both groups share similar ideologies and tactics. While their ties are evident, specifics regarding their chain of command and control remain unclear. ISIS-K, like its parent organization, aspires to establish a “pure Islamic state” governed by Sharia law, according to the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS).
Experts have highlighted ISIS’s longstanding hostility towards Russia and its President, Putin, as a motivating factor for the attack. Daniel Byman, director of Georgetown University’s security studies program, emphasized that Russia has been a top target for ISIS for years. The animosity towards Russia serves as a driving force behind ISIS’s actions and strategic decisions.
The attack in Moscow underscores the persistent threat posed by ISIS and its affiliates worldwide. As ISIS-K continues to expand its reach and influence across different regions, the international community faces ongoing challenges in combating the spread of terrorism. The incident serves as a sobering reminder of the ever-present dangers posed by extremist groups and the critical need for global cooperation in addressing these threats.