Publications

ISIS-Linked Regional Activity: September 2015

September 30, 2015 - Harleen Gambhir

ISIS has established robust ground campaigns in Libya, Egypt, and Afghanistan. ISIS also continues to expand outward, as reflected in its new activity in Bangladesh and Russia's Caucasus. ISIS may increase its activity in the Near Abroad in order to compensate for anticipated losses in Syria due to Russian intervention. ISIS will also seek to pressure Russia and possibly Iran over the next month as they escalate activity in Syria and Iraq.

ISIS-Linked Regional Activity: August 2015

September 30, 2015 - Harleen Gambhir

ISIS increased its terrorism campaigns in Egypt and Saudi Arabia in August 2015, demonstrating its ability to penetrate well-protected cities and strike government targets. ISIS also increased its operational presence in Yemen, taking advantage of AQAP's focus on fighting the al-Houthis. ISIS-linked activity in Tunisia and Indonesia suggests that they represent new growth areas for ISIS's global campaign. The confirmed death of Mullah Omar will likely enhance ISIS's outreach efforts globally as well as accelerate its local campaign in Afghanistan.

ISIS Sanctuary Map: September 15, 2015

September 15, 2015 - Institute for the Study of War

ISW’s updated ISIS sanctuary map includes a new attack zone in Deraa, southwestern Syria and an expanded sanctuary zone in Idlib, northwestern Syria. ISIS claimed an attack against the Syrian al-Qaeda affiliate Jabhat al-Nusra (JN) in Deraa on August 18, and also may be responsible for an ongoing assassination campaign against JN in Idlib.

ISIS Sanctuary: June 19, 2015

August 19, 2015 - John Lawrence

ISIS Sanctuary: June 19, 2015

ISIS Sanctuary Map: July 8, 2015

August 19, 2015 - John Lawrence

ISIS Sanctuary Map:  July 8, 2015

ISIS Sanctuary: August 13, 2015

August 13, 2015 - Institute for the Study of War

ISW has updated its ISIS Sanctuary map. This map, covering both Iraq and Syria, shows the extent of ISIS zones of control, attack, and support throughout both countries.

ISIS Near Abroad Map: July 2015

August 6, 2015 - Harleen Gambhir

Reports that the U.S. is considering establishing forward bases to counter ISIS's affiliates in Libya and Afghanistan reflect the increasing regional capability and momentum of the group in the Near Abroad. ISIS likely will gain new support in Afghanistan and possibly globally due to the death of the Taliban's leader, Mullah Omar. ISIS is also expanding operations in Yemen, Libya, and Egypt, which may provoke direct conflict between ISIS and al Qaeda.

ISIS Near Abroad Map: June 2015

August 5, 2015 - Institute for the Study of War

This map shows ISIS-linked regional activity in June 2015.

ISIS Near Abroad Map: May 2015

August 5, 2015 - Institute for the Study of War

This map shows ISIS-linked regional activity in May 2015.

ISIS Near Abroad Map: April 2015

August 5, 2015 - Institute for the Study of War

This map shows ISIS-linked regional activity in April 2015.

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