The terrorist group known as the Islamic State (IS), which used to instill fear across the Middle East and beyond, appears to be trying to regain its influence.
The group has launched a new campaign called “And Kill Them Wherever You Find Them,” claiming responsibility for various attacks in regions like Africa, the Middle East, and South and East Asia.
Some experts, like those at JihadoScope, believe that this may be a common tactic for IS to attract attention and project strength. However, others, including the U.S. representative for the political wing of the U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), express concerns about an actual increase in IS activities.
Research analyst Greg Waters notes a notable uptick in IS attacks in Syria since the beginning of the year. Despite varying assessments, there are indications that IS might be gaining influence in former strongholds like Raqqa and Deir Ezzor.
U.S. officials, while acknowledging IS activities, argue that the group has been largely suppressed, with an estimated total of around 1,000 members in Syria and Iraq. The ability of IS to project a significant threat is considered minimal for now.
Questions arise about the core leadership of IS, particularly the current leader, Abu Hafs al-Hashemi al-Qurashi, who has been relatively silent. There are also suggestions that command and control of IS’ global network may be shifting away from Syria and Iraq.
Despite challenges in Syria and Iraq, the potential for an IS resurgence cannot be ruled out, especially in Syria, which remains chronically unstable. The region houses a significant number of IS supporters in prisons, and concerns persist about the possibility of large-scale prison breaks that could pose a threat.