Ahmed Atef (Cairo)
After eliminating the “caliphate of ISIS” and reclaiming the lands it controlled in 2019, its operations have become limited and differently than before. Many have bet that this organization is on the path to demise or introversion and real shrinkage, but recently declassified US intelligence reports stated that That the organization is rebuilding some of its capabilities in both Iraq and Syria, and is increasingly fighting local governments in places including Afghanistan after the American withdrawal from it.
Experts in combating terrorism and extremist groups told Al-Ittihad that ISIS has become more dangerous than before, especially after its transformation from being an “alleged state” that controls a limited geographical area, to a group of secret “invisible” cells that are launched in countries European and within the African continent, which represents a great danger.
According to a report published by the Office of the Director of American Intelligence, the global arms of ISIS may increase its ability to launch attacks in many regions of the world, especially including the West, and it is likely that the United States will be subjected to “lone wolf” attacks from people who adopt the organization’s ideology, more than Centrally planned attacks.
For his part, the expert in the affairs of terrorist groups, Sabra Al-Qasimi, expected that the organization would take advantage of the situation in Europe and the existing conflicts, obtaining the largest number of weapons and ammunition and smuggling them across the border to places far from the conflict, in preparation for its future plans, and also using the “lone wolves” strategy to achieve its goals.
Al-Qasimi indicated to Al-Ittihad that there are already “ISIS” movements, whether by invitation and polarization, preparation and supply of intelligence information, or logistical support for upcoming operations in different parts of Europe.
The Egyptian expert in international terrorism affairs, Mounir Adib, agreed with what Al Qasimi put forward, stressing that multiple terrorist organizations in Africa have pledged allegiance to ISIS, pointing out that in Europe, despite the success of ISIS in carrying out some sporadic operations, they seem to be regaining their strength for terrorist operations. Especially with the return of the elements of the organization to their countries.
The researcher in the affairs of terrorist groups, Ahmed Sultan, disagreed with Adeeb and Al-Qasimi’s vision, stressing to Al-Ittihad that the “ISIS” organization is suffering from a clear crisis in its activities in Western countries, and that the organization had networks working in coordination regarding propaganda and logistical work, but it was damaged because of what Known as the “spatial caliphate”, the security services in the West dismantled these cells.
Munir Adib explained that since the fall of the alleged “ISIS”, the danger of the organization has become greater than before, as it has shifted from being in control of a geographical spot to a group of secret cells launched in European countries and within the African country, which represents a great danger.
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