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Islamic State will intensify global operations

Thursday, March 24, 2016

Significance

Islamic State group (ISG) claimed responsibility for the attacks. Nearly two years since its June 2014 offensive in Syria and Iraq, ISG still controls and governs significant territory. The organisation is preparing for a prolonged fight within those countries and has also scaled its efforts globally, gaining regional affiliates and launching increasingly sophisticated international attacks.

Impacts

  • ISG will use its territory in Iraq and Syria to support jihadists abroad, helping them to launch more frequent and sophisticated attacks.
  • ISG efforts to provoke conflict will create opportunities for it and other extremist groups, particularly al-Qaida, to gain support.
  • Uncoordinated Western military support to anti-ISG groups in Libya will likely prolong its civil war, enabling ISG's continued growth.

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