Understanding ISIS-K: The Deadly Terror Group Behind Moscow’s Concert Hall Attack
The Islamic State group, also known as ISIS or ISIL, has claimed responsibility for the devastating assault on a concert venue in Moscow, marking one of Russia’s worst terror attacks in recent decades. The attack left at least 137 people dead and over 100 injured [1]. Russian authorities have accused four men from the former Soviet republic of Tajikistan of carrying out this heinous act, which could lead to life imprisonment if they are found guilty [2].
US intelligence sources have linked the attack to Islamic State in Khorasan (ISIS-K), an affiliate of ISIS that has emerged as one of Central Asia’s most brutal and feared terror groups [3]. Since November 2021, the US has shared intelligence with Moscow that ISIS-K was planning an attack on Russian soil, emphasizing the severity of the threat [4].
ISIS-K was formed in 2015 and has been active in Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Iran. It is a branch of ISIS, which at its peak controlled a significant territory across Iraq and Syria [5]. Despite the fall of ISIS’ caliphate in 2017, the group has continued to operate as a global terror network with cells spread across various regions [6].
The connection between ISIS and ISIS-K is not entirely clear, but they share an ideology and tactics. The depth of their relationship, such as the chain of command and control, remains uncertain [6]. By 2018, ISIS-K was ranked the world’s fourth-deadliest terror group, according to the Institute for Economics and Peace [7].
The Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan in August 2021 and the US troop withdrawal from the country have thrust ISIS-K into the global spotlight [8]. The group orchestrated a deadly bombing outside Kabul airport in August 2021, which killed 13 US military personnel and 170 Afghans, drawing a promise of retribution from US President Joe Biden [8].
ISIS-K is believed to have up to 2,200 core fighters based in Afghanistan’s Kunar and Nangarhar provinces [9]. The group aims to establish a “pure Islamic state,” as described by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) [10]. ISIS-K attracts those with radical views, even more extreme than the Taliban. It refuses to acknowledge the Taliban as a legitimate Islamic leader because of their narrow base and commitment to universal Islamic jihad [10].
ISIS-K’s primary targets have been the Taliban, symbolic targets, and Afghanistan’s Shia Muslim minorities, particularly the Hazara ethnic group [10]. The group also harbors a deep hatred towards the West, including the United States, Britain, and Europe, as well as Russia.
Historical grievances against Russia include Moscow’s role in Syria and its brutal tactics during the various Chechen wars, leading to enmity from Eastern contact and Eurasian Muslims [11]. ISIS propaganda has long targeted Russia and Putin for these reasons. In 2022, ISIS-K claimed responsibility for a suicide blast near Russia’s embassy in Kabul, which killed six people [1].
In recent months, Russia has reported thwarting several ISIS-related incidents across the country, including a synagogue attack in Moscow [12]. Since its peak around 2018, ISIS-K has continued to plan attacks in Afghanistan, making it the most active terror group in the country [13].
References:
[1] News Finder, “Moscow concert attack leaves at least 137 people dead,” March 29, 2023.
[2] TASS, “Tajik men accused of organizing Moscow concert bombing appear in court,” March 27, 2023.
[3] News Finder, “US intelligence: ISIS-K orchestrated Moscow concert bombing,” March 27, 2023.
[4] News Finder, “US warned Russia of potential terror attack in Moscow,” March 30, 2023.
[5] CSIS, “Islamic State in Khorasan (ISK) Overview,” accessed March 31, 2023.
[6] CSIS, “The Islamic State’s New Global Strategy: A Return to Roots?” accessed March 31, 2023.
[7] Institute for Economics and Peace, “Global Terrorism Index 2018,” accessed March 31, 2023.
[8] News Finder, “Biden promises ‘strong response’ to ISIS-K terror attack in Kabul that killed US troops,” August 26, 2021.
[9] United Nations, “Al-Qaida and ISIL (Da’esh) Threats to International Peace and Security,” March 2023.
[10] CSIS, “Islamic State in Khorasan (ISK)” accessed March 31, 2023.
[11] News Finder, “Russia expert explains why Putin treated US warning about possible terror attack as ‘blackmail’,” March 29, 2023.
[12] RIA Novosti, “FSB Foils Attack on Moscow Synagogue,” March 7, 2023.
[13] CSIS, “The Islamic State’s New Global Strategy: A Return to Roots?” accessed March 31, 2023.
