ISIS-Khorasan, a notorious affiliate of the Islamic State group based in Afghanistan, has claimed responsibility for a deadly shooting at a music event near Moscow, resulting in multiple fatalities. This bold move marks a significant escalation in the group’s operations, directly challenging Russian interests. A U.S. official confirmed the intelligence to Reuters, shedding light on the group’s increasingly bold stance against Russia.
photo shows a mall in Moscow. Result of ISIS attack-Source: X
ISIS-Khorasan: A Brief Overview
Originating in Eastern Afghanistan in late 2014, ISIS-Khorasan, also known as ISIS-K, quickly gained infamy for its brutal tactics. Named after an ancient term for a region encompassing parts of Iran, Turkmenistan, and Afghanistan, the group has seen a fluctuation in its numbers, reaching a peak in 2018. However, concerted efforts by the Taliban and U.S. forces have inflicted significant damage on the organization. The withdrawal of U.S. troops in 2021 has notably diminished the capability for intelligence operations against such extremist factions within Afghanistan.
Recent Activities and Threat Level
ISIS-K has a history of launching devastating attacks, targeting mosques within and outside Afghanistan. Earlier this year, the group was linked to two bombings in Iran that killed nearly 100 people. In September 2022, they claimed responsibility for a suicide bombing at the Russian embassy in Kabul, and a 2021 attack on Kabul International Airport killed 13 U.S. soldiers and dozens of civilians. The top U.S. general in the Middle East recently warned that ISIS-K could target Western and American interests outside Afghanistan with little to no warning.
Motivations Behind Targeting Russia
The recent attack in Russia is a significant escalation in ISIS-K’s operations. Experts believe the group has been increasingly hostile toward Russian President Vladimir Putin in recent years. According to Colin Clarke from the Soufan Center, ISIS-K has focused its attention on Russia, frequently criticizing Putin in its propaganda. Michael Koglman from the Wilson Center noted the group views Russia as complicit in the oppression of Muslims and includes members from Central Asia with their grievances against Moscow.
The first photo shows a mall in Moscow. Result of ISIS attack
Other photos show a mall in Kremenchug. Result of a Russian government missile attack
Find the difference pic.twitter.com/PeraXDmO6b
— Денис Казанський (@den_kazansky) March 23, 2024
| Event | Description |
|---|---|
| ISIS-K Origin | Formed in Eastern Afghanistan in 2014, known for extreme brutality. |
| Recent Attacks | Includes bombings in Iran, an attack on the Russian embassy in Kabul, and the 2021 Kabul Airport attack. |
| Attack on Moscow | A deadly shooting at a music event near Moscow, directly challenging Russian interests. |
| Motivation | Opposition to Russia due to perceived oppression of Muslims and grievances from Central Asian members. |
This unexpected assault on Russian soil by ISIS-K underscores the group’s intent to broaden its scope of operations, challenging global security dynamics and particularly straining its relationship with Russia.
