Should the potential resurgence of Islamic State spark global security concern?

Even though significant progress has been made in dismantling terrorist groups, recent developments suggest a potential resurgence, raising critical questions about ongoing global security concerns regarding the group and its affiliates. Are we simply witnessing increased media coverage of ISIS, or is the terrorist organization responsible for attacks such as the one in Nice in 2016 gaining momentum?

The facts

More than 10 terrorists’ attacks by different groups have been recorded in just the first quarter of the year.

Anyone can be an enemy or target of terrorism. Experts say that a lot of jihadist organisations become the clients of powerful nations by concentrating their aspirations on particular objectives.

In eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, extremist rebels killed at least two dozen civilians in separate attacks last month with 13 killed in Mambasa territory and 11 killed in North Kivu province. Most victims were targeted in their homes, and the death toll was higher due to missing individuals.

Over 130 deaths and 145 injuries were recorded following a deadly attack at a concert hall near Moscow. Without providing evidence, the group called ISIS-K claimed responsibility.  Russia is said to have been a major target for the group.

ISIS-K is an acronym for ISIS-Khorasan, which is the affiliate of the terrorist group operating in Afghanistan and the neighbouring areas.

Formed in late 2014 in eastern Afghanistan, the name comes from a historical designation for the area that includes parts of Iran, Turkmenistan, and Afghanistan. It immediately gained a reputation for severe cruelty.

The arguments

According to experts, terrorists have a common goal which is to ignite fear in victims or targeted nations. Despite the different groups, another common trait is their strong ideological beliefs that drive them to commit violence. It is often argued that not only is terrorism illegal, but it also has political overtones and is typically not done for financial benefit.

A professor and coordinator of strategy and intelligence studies in the school of information at the University of South Florida, Randy Borum, in Psychology of Terrorism described the menace as “acts of violence intentionally perpetrated on civilian non-combatants with the goal of furthering some ideological, religious or political objective.”

From twin bombings to spiral shootings, countries such as Afghanistan, Mozambique, Somalia, Turkey have had their fair share of terrorist attacks this year.

Twin explosions in Iran killed up to 100 individuals, earlier this year. The attack pointed to ISIS-K after an intercepted communications by the U.S.

Violence in eastern DRC between 120 armed groups have intensified, with ADF attacks spreading to major cities and provinces. Rights groups and the UN accused Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) of killing hundreds and kidnapping children.

In Russia, sources familiar with the matter say there had been a consistent flow of information suggesting that ISIS-K was intent on attacking the Kremlin.

Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin condemned the attack and ordered that all sports, cultural and other public events in Moscow be cancelled this weekend.

However, ISIS-K is said to be engaged in combat with or has declared war on the Taliban, China, Iran, Pakistan, Russia, Syria, and the United States in addition to Al Qaeda.

Despite significant military setbacks in recent years and the loss of territory gained in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Syria, ISIS has managed to draw new members.

A senior fellow at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), David Byman, cautioned that ISIS-K has proven they are capable of facing down and defeating powerful nations. Affluent people in the Islamic world provide them with financial support.