ISIS Making a Comeback? Moscow Concert Hall Attack Raises Concerns
(CNN) — The recent attack on a Moscow-area concert hall that left at least 133 people dead has raised concerns about the resurgence of ISIS. The terrorist group has claimed responsibility for the attack, and a US official has confirmed that there is no reason to doubt the claim.
At its peak in 2014 and 2015, ISIS controlled territories in Iraq and Syria equivalent in size to the United Kingdom with a population of millions. During that time, ISIS carried out numerous terrorist attacks in Europe, including the 2015 Paris attack that killed 130 people. The group also inspired attacks in the United States, such as the Pulse nightclub shooting in Orlando in 2016.
However, between 2017 and 2018, ISIS lost its stronghold in Iraq and Syria. The group now has few affiliates in Africa and Asia, with limited capabilities for large-scale attacks. One of the most prominent ISIS affiliates is ISIS-K in Afghanistan, responsible for the deadly attack at Kabul airport in August 2021.
Recent events in Iran and Russia indicate a resurgence of ISIS activity. Russian authorities foiled multiple ISIS-related incidents in March, including a plot targeting a synagogue in Moscow. The US Embassy in Russia also warned of imminent attacks on large gatherings, including concerts.
Despite warnings, Friday’s attack suspects were linked to Ukraine by Russian President Vladimir Putin. Ukraine strongly denied any involvement, raising concerns of escalating tensions in the ongoing war. ISIS-K has the motive and capability to carry out attacks in Russia, given Russia’s support for Assad in Syria and historical repression of Muslim minorities.
Putin’s dismissal of US warnings and the potential ISIS-K involvement in the attack raises questions about the Biden administration’s decision to withdraw troops from Afghanistan. If ISIS has regrouped in Afghanistan and gained the ability to carry out global attacks, it would be a significant setback for the administration.
The Moscow concert hall attack serves as a reminder of the persistent threat posed by ISIS and the challenges in combatting terrorism on a global scale.