International jihadist terrorism is still potent

Subject

Jihadist terrorism in the past year.

Significance

Developments in terrorist groups in the past year were marked by Islamic State (IS)’s military 'defeat' in Syria and, in parallel, expansion into South-east Asia and West Africa via the emergence of new ‘provinces’; al-Qaida (AQ)’s consolidation and growing capabilities via opportunistic local collaborations; and concerns over Jemaah Islamiyah (JI)’s resurgence in Indonesia.

Impacts

• Targeting of places of worship in South-east Asia may become an entrenched trend.
• AQIM will keep trying to exploit socio-political grievances in the Maghreb region and Mali.
• Despite its losses, IS has more money, better media profile and more combat experience than AQ.