Islamic State Claims Responsibility for Deadly Attack in Moscow
A branch of the Islamic State claimed responsibility for the attack in Moscow that left at least 40 people dead and around 100 others injured. U.S. officials quickly confirmed the claim, shedding light on the growing threat posed by the terrorist group.
According to U.S. officials, intelligence gathered in March indicated that Islamic State-Khorasan (ISIS-K), the branch of the group based in Afghanistan, had been planning an attack on Moscow. The group has been active in Russia, with ISIS members carrying out deadly assaults in the country.
Despite a period of relative calm, the Islamic State has been ramping up its external attacks, particularly in Europe. While most of these plots have been foiled, the recent attack in Moscow has raised concerns about the group’s capabilities to strike outside its home territory.
Colin P. Clarke, a counterterrorism analyst at the Soufan Group, highlighted ISIS-K’s focus on Russia in recent years, citing the group’s criticism of President Vladimir V. Putin and accusing the Kremlin of having Muslim blood on its hands. The attack in Moscow, similar to a previous assault in Iran, underscores the group’s determination to target countries beyond its stronghold.
In an effort to prevent further attacks, U.S. officials had issued a public warning about a possible attack on March 7 and also shared intelligence with Russian authorities. The United States has a “duty to warn” potential targets of imminent dangers, a practice that was also followed prior to the twin bombings in Iran earlier this year.
As Western intelligence agencies continue to monitor ISIS-K’s activities, the recent attack in Moscow serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing threat posed by the Islamic State and the need for international cooperation to combat terrorism.
