In a shocking turn of events, the Islamic State has claimed responsibility for a brutal assault on a Moscow concert hall that left over 130 people dead. This attack comes after years of simmering conflict between Russia and the extremist group in Syria.
Russian forces have been quietly intensifying attacks against Islamic State strongholds in central Syria, joining the Syrian military in bombing the dens and caves where the extremist fighters hide. The Islamic State has long threatened to strike Russia directly for supporting President Bashar al-Assad’s regime in Syria.
President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia has vowed to punish those responsible for the attack, while also speaking with Mr. al-Assad about counterterrorism cooperation. Russian state television has dismissed responsibility claims by ISIS, instead suggesting it was a “false flag” operation by Ukraine with possible Western backing.
The Islamic State’s propaganda wing has long targeted Russia, with threats of bloodshed and the return of Muslim rule to Russian regions with significant Muslim populations. Despite losing its caliphate in Syria and Iraq, the Islamic State retains global reach through its different branches, including ISIS-K, which took responsibility for the Moscow attack.
Analysts believe this attack is payback for Russia’s intervention in Syria on behalf of the Assad regime. The Islamic State’s hostility extends to Russia, the United States, and Iran, viewing them all as different flavors of apostate.
As the world grapples with the aftermath of this horrific attack, the conflict between Russia and the Islamic State continues to escalate, with no end in sight.
