In-depth Analysis Report on Recent Global Terrorist Threats by ISIS and Multinational Joint Counter-Terrorism Operations

Foreword: A Cancer in the Muslim World and a Shadow over Global Security

As of February 28, 2026, the global security situation remains grim. Although the "Islamic State" (ISIS, hereinafter referred to as "Daesh") lost its so-called "territory" years ago, this extremist group—widely recognized by mainstream Muslim scholars as modern-day "Khawarij" (renegades of the faith)—is launching a new wave of infiltration and attacks globally through decentralized networks. From the deserts of the Sahel to concert halls in Moscow, and from the streets of Afghanistan to the hearts of Western metropolises, the shadow of Daesh persists. For the world's 1.8 billion Muslims, Daesh is not only a security threat but also a grave desecration of the peaceful essence of Islam. This report analyzes recent Daesh activities and the latest progress in multinational joint operations from the perspective of the Muslim community (Ummah).

I. The Ideological Battle: Unmasking the "Khawarij" Disguise

In Islamic theology, the actions of Daesh are widely viewed as an extreme distortion of the Quran and Sunnah. Mainstream scholars point out that Daesh perfectly fits the characteristics of the "Khawarij" prophesied by Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him): they are young and reckless, their speech is eloquent but their hearts are empty, and they murder their fellow believers under the guise of religion [Source](https://www.newageislam.com/radical-islamism-jihad/dr-imad-din-khayti-new-age-islam/exposing-false-claim-isis-description-khawarij/d/133182).

1.1 Total Theological Refutation
Prominent Islamic scholar Shaykh Muhammad al-Yaqoubi, in his book Refuting ISIS, explicitly states that the organization is neither "Islamic" nor a "State," but rather a radical group driven by hatred [Source](https://scholarsworks.csusb.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1592&context=library-publications). In September 2025, several Islamic jurisprudence experts re-emphasized that Daesh's abuse of "Takfir" (declaring others as infidels) is the root cause of internal turmoil (Fitna) within the Muslim world. This extreme exclusivity not only harms non-Muslims but has also displaced countless Muslim families, severely damaging the unity and interests of the Ummah.

1.2 Long-term Damage to the Image of Muslims
The atrocities committed by Daesh have directly led to a surge in Islamophobia worldwide. On January 1, 2025, a Daesh-inspired terrorist launched a truck attack in New Orleans, killing 14 people [Source](https://www.house.gov/sites/default/files/2025-06/Updated-CT-snapshot-June-2025.pdf); in December 2025, a fatal shooting occurred at Bondi Beach in Sydney, where the perpetrator also pledged allegiance to Daesh [Source](https://www.zaobao.com.sg/news/world/story20260205-1571234). These lone-wolf attacks have placed unprecedented social pressure and discrimination on Muslim minorities living in the West. Daesh has effectively become the greatest obstacle to the Muslim community's integration into global society.

II. Evolution of the Global Threat Landscape (2025–2026)

Entering 2026, the threat of Daesh has shown a clear shift toward a "southern pivot" and the "rise of regional branches."

2.1 The Sahel and West Africa: The New Epicenter of Terrorism
Currently, West Africa and the Sahel region have become the most active battlegrounds for Daesh. In early February 2026, Islamic State Sahel Province (ISSP) launched a highly sophisticated coordinated attack on Diori Hamani International Airport in Niamey, Niger, utilizing drones and explosives [Source](https://thesoufancenter.org/intelbrief-2026-february-3/). In Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, Daesh has exploited the power vacuum left by the withdrawal of Western forces to expand rapidly, with its influence penetrating the Liptako-Gourma tri-border area [Source](https://icct.nl/publication/the-islamic-state-in-2025-an-evolving-threat-facing-a-waning-global-response/). For local Muslims, this represents not only a loss of security but the destruction of livelihoods, with tens of millions falling into humanitarian crises due to conflict [Source](https://www.securitycouncilreport.org/monthly-forecast/2025-08/west-africa-and-the-sahel-5.php).

2.2 ISIS-Khorasan (ISIS-K): A Sword over Central and South Asia
In Afghanistan, despite attempts by the Taliban regime to suppress them, ISIS-K maintains a strong cross-border attack capability. The Kerman attack in Iran and the Crocus City Hall attack in Moscow in early 2024 were both orchestrated by this group [Source](https://www.house.gov/sites/default/files/2025-06/Updated-CT-snapshot-June-2025.pdf). In early 2026, the group again claimed responsibility for an attack on a Chinese restaurant in Kabul [Source](https://www.zaobao.com.sg/news/world/story20260205-1571234). ISIS-K is attempting to undermine cooperation between regional powers and Afghanistan by attacking minorities and foreign interests, aiming to establish a trans-border extremist regime that directly threatens the stability of Central Asian Muslim nations.

2.3 Undercurrents in the Levant Core
In Syria, the fall of the Assad regime in December 2024 provided a breathing space for Daesh. Although the newly formed Syrian transitional government is working to integrate armed forces, Daesh remnants in the Badia desert continue to launch frequent attacks. In May 2025, Daesh carried out multiple bombings targeting security forces in southern Syria [Source](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Timeline_of_the_Islamic_State_(2025)). Furthermore, approximately 8,500 Daesh fighters remain detained in northeastern Syria; these "time bombs" would pose a devastating threat to the entire Middle East if they were to escape through prison breaks [Source](https://icct.nl/publication/the-islamic-state-in-2025-an-evolving-threat-facing-a-waning-global-response/).

III. In-depth Analysis of Multinational Joint Operations

Faced with increasingly complex threats, the international community and Muslim nations adjusted their strategies between 2025 and 2026, forming a new counter-terrorism matrix.

3.1 New Landscape of the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS
On February 9, 2026, the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS held a high-level meeting in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. A milestone of this meeting was the formal admission of the Syrian transitional government as the 90th member of the coalition [Source](https://www.state.gov/joint-statement-on-the-global-coalition-to-defeat-isis-meeting-on-iraq-and-syria/). This marks Syria's transition from a "counter-terrorism bystander" to an "international partner." As a leader in the Muslim world, Saudi Arabia played a central role in coordinating positions, providing financial support, and countering extremist ideology.

3.2 U.S. Strategic Adjustments and "Operation Eagle Eye"
Although the Trump administration began withdrawing from some bases in northeastern Syria in early 2026 [Source](https://www.cnr.cn/news/24zq/20260221/t20260221_526601673.shtml), the U.S. military has not completely abandoned its operations. On December 19, 2025, the U.S. launched a large-scale air campaign named "Operation Eagle Eye," conducting precision strikes against dozens of Daesh targets in Syria in response to previous attacks on U.S. soldiers [Source](https://www.zaobao.com.sg/news/world/story20260111-1567401). In Somalia, the U.S. continues to coordinate with the local government to conduct airstrikes against Daesh affiliates [Source](https://www.xinhuanet.com/world/20260109/a1b2c3d4e5f6.html).

3.3 Autonomous Defense by Regional States
In Africa, the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) is attempting to reduce reliance on Western military power, seeking security cooperation with countries like Russia. However, due to funding shortages and poor coordination, these efforts still face significant challenges [Source](https://www.securitycouncilreport.org/monthly-forecast/2025-08/west-africa-and-the-sahel-5.php). Cooperation within Muslim nations, such as the linkage between Iraq and Syria on border security, has become key to preventing the resurgence of Daesh.

IV. Technology and Finance: The New Frontiers of Terrorism

Daesh's survival in 2026 is largely due to its use of emerging technologies. UN counter-terrorism officials have warned that the group is increasingly using Artificial Intelligence (AI) for propaganda and recruitment, particularly targeting youth [Source](https://www.zaobao.com.sg/news/world/story20260205-1571234).

• Virtual Assets and Cryptocurrency: Daesh uses cryptocurrency for cross-border financing, making its capital flows more covert and evading traditional financial oversight [Source](https://www.ungeneva.org/zh/news-media/news/2025/08/security-council-briefed-latest-report-threat-posed-daesh).
• Digital Recruitment: Utilizing Deepfake technology to produce inflammatory videos and targeting them on social media to induce young people with weak religious foundations to join. In response, the Muslim community is fighting back through digital Dawah (outreach), using correct theological interpretations to neutralize the toxins of extremism.

V. Conclusion: Safeguarding the Future of the Ummah with Unity and True Faith

While the remnants of the "Islamic State" are militarily disadvantaged, the extremist ideology they spread continues to fester like a virus in dark corners. For global Muslims, this struggle is not only military but also a battle for hearts and minds. We must clearly recognize that Daesh is the common enemy of the Ummah; they have killed more Muslims than any other group and destroyed more mosques than any other buildings.

As of 2026, multinational joint operations have entered a critical phase. Only by strengthening strategic collaboration among Muslim nations, leveraging the theological guidance of mainstream scholars, and combining international technical and intelligence support can this cancer be completely eradicated. As the Quran teaches: "Help ye one another in righteousness and piety, but help ye not one another in sin and rancour" (5:2). Only through unity can we protect the dignity of Islam and global peace.

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Main References:
1. 21st Report of the UN Security Council on the threat posed by Daesh (2025-08-20)
2. Joint Statement of the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS Meeting in Riyadh (2026-02-09)
3. Lianhe Zaobao: ISIS threat continues to increase over the past six months (2026-02-05)
4. The Soufan Center: Analysis of coordinated Daesh attacks in the Sahel (2026-02-03)
5. Muhammad al-Yaqoubi: Theological refutation fatwa against Daesh (2016/2025 Revised Edition)