Dramatic Increase in Attacks
The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) has reported a significant resurgence in Islamic State (IS) activity. The group is on track to double its attacks in Syria and Iraq this year. In the first half of 2024 alone, IS claimed responsibility for 153 attacks, a stark increase from the 121 attacks recorded in 2023.
IS Regroups and Strengthens
CENTCOM has noted that this increase in attacks indicates IS is attempting to reconstitute itself. This resurgence follows several years of reduced capability. The announcement comes as IS marks ten years since declaring its caliphate over large parts of Iraq and Syria. At its height, the group controlled an area half the size of the United Kingdom, enforcing a harsh interpretation of Islam, attacking religious minorities, and punishing Muslims they considered apostates.
Atrocities Committed by IS
During its peak, IS committed severe human rights violations. Thousands of Yazidis were killed, and many women and children were kidnapped. These captives faced sexual abuse and human trafficking at the hands of IS militants.
Coalition Efforts Against IS
A coalition of more than 80 countries, led by the United States, has been combating IS. Despite losing its territorial control in Iraq in 2017 and in Syria in 2019, IS sleeper cells remain active in both countries and beyond.
Iraqi Security Measures and U.S. Military Involvement
Iraqi officials assert they can manage the IS threat with their own forces. They are in discussions with the U.S. to reduce the U.S.-led coalition’s presence in Iraq. These negotiations occur amid growing domestic opposition to the U.S. military presence.
Drone Strikes and Military Retaliation
From October to February, Iran-backed militias launched regular drone attacks on U.S. bases in Iraq and Syria. These attacks were a response to U.S. support for Israel in the Gaza conflict and aimed to force a U.S. military withdrawal from Iraq. The frequency of these attacks decreased after U.S. retaliatory strikes following the death of three U.S. soldiers in a January strike on a Jordanian base near the Syrian border.
Recent Drone Attack
On Tuesday, two Iraqi militia officials reported a new drone attack targeting the Ain al-Asad air base in Iraq. The outcome of the attack remains unclear, and U.S. officials have not yet responded to requests for comment. The officials spoke anonymously as they were not authorized to comment publicly.
(With inputs from agencies)
