Moscow, Russia – Islamic State (IS) has claimed responsibility for an attack on a concert hall in a Moscow suburb, resulting in the tragic deaths of over 130 individuals. US officials have identified the assailants as members of the regional branch of IS known as Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP). Recent data from ACLED shows a rise in ISKP activity across six countries, with the majority of incidents occurring in Afghanistan and Pakistan.
Since 2017, the ACLED dataset has documented over 140 violent incidents involving ISKP, including activities in Iran, India, and even Austria where four ISKP militants were apprehended in 2023. Prior to this attack, there was minimal reported ISKP presence in Russia. However, Russian security forces eliminated two alleged ISKP fighters in Kaluga, south of Moscow, just days before the concert hall tragedy.
Furthermore, ACLED data on political violence by various Islamic State groups in Russia has recorded more than 40 incidents between 2018 and 2023. The escalation of IS-related incidents in the country is a cause for concern, highlighting the global reach and impact of extremist groups like ISKP.
Efforts to combat ISKP and other Islamic State entities will likely intensify as the international community grapples with the threat posed by these extremist organizations. The tragic event in Moscow underscores the need for enhanced security measures and collaboration between nations to prevent future attacks by radical groups.
The revised count of over 130 events linked to ISKP in six countries, as reported by ACLED, serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges posed by terrorism worldwide. It is essential for governments and security forces to remain vigilant and proactive in addressing and countering the threats posed by extremist groups like ISKP to safeguard innocent lives and promote peace and stability in affected regions.