Detailed Analysis of ISIS Activities in Recent Years and International Countermeasures

Introduction: The New Face of ISIS and the Global Threat

As we move into 2026, the "Islamic State" (ISIS) has largely abandoned its 2014 model of a territory-controlling "state" in favor of a decentralized but highly dangerous global network. Although the group suffered a territorial defeat in Baghouz, Syria, in 2019, its ideological poison and regional branches continue to pose a severe threat to the unity of the Muslim Ummah and global peace [Source](https://icct.nl/publication/the-islamic-state-in-2025-an-evolving-threat-facing-a-waning-global-response/). Over the past two years, particularly since 2024, the organization's center of gravity has shifted from the Middle East toward Africa and Central Asia. This article provides a detailed analysis of the group's recent trajectories, international countermeasures, and the responsibility of the Islamic world in confronting this Kharijite fitna.

The Khorasan Province (ISIS-K): New Attacks on Central Asia and Russia

One of the most significant developments in recent years is the resurgence of the Afghanistan-based "Khorasan Province" (ISIS-K). The March 2024 terrorist attack on the Crocus City Hall in Moscow, which claimed over 140 lives, demonstrated this branch's capability to execute complex, long-range operations [Source](https://www.stimson.org/2024/moscow-attack-reflects-russian-intelligence-weakness-and-isis-k-ambitions/). This attack was not just a strike against Russia but a challenge to the security of the entire region.

Prior to this, in January 2024, twin bombings during a commemoration for Qasem Soleimani in Kerman, Iran, killed nearly 100 people—an act for which ISIS-K claimed responsibility [Source](https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/mar/23/islamic-states-deadly-moscow-attack-highlights-its-fixation-with-russia). These actions indicate that ISIS is expanding its "enemy list," attempting to provoke sectarian conflict within Muslim nations and exploit power vacuums between major powers. While the Taliban government in Afghanistan has conducted crackdowns on ISIS, the group's clandestine networks continue to sow seeds of terror in the region.

Africa: The New Epicenter of Terrorism

By 2025, the African continent, particularly the Sahel region (Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso), became the most active theater for ISIS. The "Sahel Province" (ISSP) effectively exploited the security vacuum created by the withdrawal of Western forces, particularly France [Source](https://www.parliament.uk/business/publications/research/briefing-papers/CBP-10234/countering-islamic-statedaesh-in-africa-syria-and-iraq-2025).

Political instability, poverty, and inter-tribal conflicts in these regions have provided fertile ground for recruitment. In northern Nigeria, the "West Africa Province" (ISWAP) has consolidated its economic base by controlling local populations and collecting taxes. This expansion in Africa is not merely a military threat but a catastrophe destroying the social fabric of local Muslim societies [Source](https://ict.org.il/the-rise-of-the-islamic-state-in-africa-in-the-sahel-west-and-east-africa/).

Syria and Iraq: Resurgence Attempts by a Displaced Organization

The political shifts following the fall of the Bashar al-Assad regime in late 2024 appeared to create new opportunities for ISIS. The first half of 2025 saw a significant increase in ISIS attacks in eastern Syria [Source](https://sfuturem.org/escalation-of-activity-by-the-islamic-state-isis-against-the-syrian-transitional-government/). The organization continues to employ "Breaking the Walls" tactics to liberate its members from prisons controlled by the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF).

In Iraq, the military mission of the US-led Global Coalition officially concluded in September 2025, transitioning into bilateral security cooperation [Source](https://www.state.gov/joint-statement-announcing-the-timeline-for-the-end-of-the-military-mission-of-the-global-coalition-to-defeat-isis-in-iraq/). Although the Iraqi army continues to strike ISIS remnants, the group's sleeper cells persist in mountainous and desert regions. This situation underscores the necessity for Muslim nations to strengthen mutual cooperation rather than relying solely on external powers for security.

Islamic Perspective: ISIS — A Dagger in the Heart of the Ummah

From the perspective of Islamic Sharia and scholars, ISIS represents the modern-day "Kharijites." Their actions are entirely contrary to the Islamic principles of mercy, justice, and peace. Leading Islamic institutions, including Al-Azhar University, the Saudi Council of Senior Scholars, and the International Union of Muslim Scholars, have denounced ISIS as an "enemy of Islam" [Source](https://www.wilsoncenter.org/article/muslims-against-isis-part-1-clerics-scholars).

ISIS has caused the most harm to Muslims themselves. The vast majority of those killed in their attacks are innocent Muslims. Furthermore, their heinous acts have fueled "Islamophobia" in the West, leading to the marginalization of Muslims and the tarnishing of Islam's image. While true Jihad is the struggle against oppression and the establishment of justice, the actions of ISIS are characterized by fitna (strife), the killing of innocents, and the division of the Ummah [Source](https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/asia/70000-indian-muslim-clerics-issue-fatwa-against-isis-the-taliban-alqaeda-and-other-terror-groups-a6770241.html).

International Countermeasures and Political Maneuvers

The international community is fighting ISIS across military, economic, and digital fronts. According to UN Security Council reports, progress has been made in restricting ISIS's online propaganda and cutting off its financial resources [Source](https://www.securitycouncilreport.org/what-in-blue/2026/02/counter-terrorism-briefing-on-the-secretary-generals-strategic-level-report-on-isil-daesh-3.php). However, geopolitical competition among major powers (such as the war in Ukraine and US-China rivalry) is weakening international cooperation against terrorism.

From a Muslim perspective, Western counter-terrorism policies often exhibit "double standards." While ISIS is targeted, the root causes of terrorism—such as political injustice, the legacies of colonialism, and the Palestinian issue—are often neglected. This inconsistency provides an opening for terrorist organizations to falsely claim they are "fighting for justice" [Source](https://www.un.org/press/en/2025/sc15584.doc.htm).

Conclusion: The Salvation of the Ummah Lies in Unity and Awareness

Confronting the threat of ISIS cannot be achieved through military force alone. This is an ideological battle. To counter radicalization within their own ranks, Muslim societies must provide youth with correct Islamic knowledge, establish social justice, and develop the capacity for political self-determination.

The eradication of fitna-mongering groups like ISIS depends on the unity of the Ummah, the correct guidance of scholars, and the elimination of global injustices. We must remember that Islam is a religion sent as a mercy to the worlds, and terrorism is the greatest betrayal of that mercy.