24 March 2024 , 19:31
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Russia has been a target for the Islamic State terror network for some time, and the Crocus concert hall attack could inspire further atrocities as Moscow’s security services have been brutally exposed.
The Kremlin’s special forces have waged war against ISIS for years in Syria, in support of the Bashar Assad regime.
It is perceived by Islamic State in the Khorasan – ISK – that Russia has a relationship with the Afghan Taliban, with whom they are at war.
This group, which claimed the latest attack, is part of the ISIS franchise covering an ancient caliphate in Afghanistan, parts of Iran, Pakistan and Turkmenistan.
They grew from disparate Pakistani Taliban and jihadist groups in late 2014 as a small network pledging allegiance to then ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi.
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They have launched attacks in Iran and Afghanistan and will likely target more capitals. They are addicted to global notoriety – huge currency in the jihadist world. A big reaction from Russia will make them look relevant. It suicide bombed the Russian embassy in Kabul in 2022, and murdered almost 100 people in Iran months ago.
Iran and Russia are allies, both supporting Syria. Tehran backs Putin’s war in Ukraine with weapons.
This makes Russia a major target and given its 10% Muslim population, signals major problems for Moscow. Russian Federation regions are fertile recruiting areas for jihadist group.
The Kremlin is so invested in war in Ukraine it has become an easier target, its spies diverted to Kyiv, while remaining a desirable prey.