The U. S. military recently struck Islamic State militants in Nigeria at the government’s request, raising concerns about the group’s resurgence after being defeated by a U. S.-led coalition earlier. President Trump noted that ISIS is targeting Christians in Nigeria more than before.
Islamic State, a Sunni Muslim group, began in Iraq and Syria, where it established a “caliphate” and ruled over millions from 2014 to 2017. It imposed a strict interpretation of Sharia law and used extreme violence, including public executions. The group inspired attacks worldwide before its caliphate collapsed due to military efforts.
Currently, Islamic State operates in the ungoverned areas of Syria and Iraq, as well as parts of Africa, Afghanistan, and Pakistan. Its members are thought to number around 10,000, with many foreign fighters joining its Khorasan branch in Afghanistan. In the Philippines, Islamic State affiliates remain active, particularly in Mindanao, where they previously controlled Marawi.
IS aims to spread its radical ideology and has shifted tactics since losing its territory. It now functions more as a network of affiliates, capable of carrying out significant attacks, which they claim via Telegram channels. Despite sharing an ideology, there is no evidence of coordination in arms or funding among different regions.
The current leader is suspected to be Abdulqadir Mumin, head of the Somalia branch. Recent attacks, such as a shooting during a Hanukkah event in Sydney, have raised concerns about the group inspiring similar lone wolf attacks. Police linked the gunmen to IS, which has been involved in a deadly shooting that killed 15 people.
Islamic State continues its operations in Syria, where it remains a threat despite U. S. military actions against it. Recently, two U. S. soldiers and a civilian interpreter were killed in Syria by someone suspected of having IS sympathies. The group openly criticized Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, whom they blamed for collaborating with the U. S. In Africa, IS has claimed responsibility for recent deadly attacks, including one that killed worshippers in eastern Congo and another on military bases in Somalia.
With information from Syria
