“The Islamic State threat is now emanating from more vectors or regional branches," Lucas Webber, senior threat intelligence analyst at Tech Against Terrorism, told Newsweek.
"Since Trump's first term, IS-Khurasan Province has expanded its vision globally and has ramped up its international terrorist activities.
"This is indicated by an increased amount of successful external operations—such as those in Iran, Turkey, and Russia in 2024—as well as numerous plots foiled in Central Asia, Europe, and North America," Webber said.
"In addition, ISKP has built out a robust propaganda apparatus that publishes in more languages than any other branch since IS in Iraq and Syria at the height of the caliphate."
As far away as Somalia and Pakistan, Webber added, ISIS' international charters have "become increasingly important to the larger organisation" and have "expanded its international financial, recruitment, and militant operations capabilities."
"The Trump administration should increase focus on detecting and disrupting IS activity online as the organisation and its followers are exploiting social media and messaging applications to attract followers, recruit, fundraise, and incite violence," Webber said.
"As the New Orleans attack demonstrates, IS maintains the ability to project influence online to reach and inspire followers to take violent action."
Newsweek, 19 January 2025
