By Srijan Sharma

In the past two months, the spectre of ISIS has reemerged with devastating clarity, orchestrating two major attacks that stretch from the West to Eurasia. Initially striking in Iran and culminating in a horrific assault in Russia, where ISIS-Khorasan, or ISIS-K, targeted a concert in an attack in Russia, mercilessly killing over 135 people and injuring nearly 200. This brutal act in Russia stirs painful memories of the 2004 Beslan school siege, a nightmarish event that ended with 334 dead, including 186 children, at the hands of a Chechen terror group linked to ISIL-CP, the Islamic State’s faction in the Caucasus. These attacks, especially the recent attack in Russia, signal troubling currents in what many hoped was a receding global terror threat.

For years, the narrative has been shaped by significant victories against such terror groups. The United States' military efforts have notably diminished Al-Qaeda's reach and leadership, culminating in the death of Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi during Operation Kayla Mueller. These actions contributed to a perceived weakening of ISIS's grip on global terror. Yet, the recent violence forces us to confront a harsh reality: the threat of ISIS and its affiliates is far from over. The resurgence of such attacks not only demands a rigorous reassessment of the group's capabilities and intentions but also challenges the global community to reevaluate its approach to counterterrorism.

Russia On ISIS Axis

Russia is currently grappling with a renewed threat from ISIS, particularly its faction active in the Caucasus, known as ISIL-CP. Despite being militarily weakened and considered low in operational capabilities, this group's focus on Russia has not waned, underscored by the recent attack in Russia. Driven by two main factors, this persistence highlights the group's determination. Firstly, Russia's military involvement in Syria, its support for Bashar Al-Assad, and its pronounced stance against ISIS have made it a notable target for the terror organisation. Secondly, ISIS is making concerted efforts to rejuvenate its influence, especially through its regional branches in the Caucasus and West Asia. These efforts aim to reassert their significance and presence, as clearly demonstrated by the attack in Russia.

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