A branch of the Islamic State claimed responsibility for a deadly attack in Moscow that left at least 40 people dead and around 100 others injured. U.S. officials confirmed the claim shortly after the tragic incident.
According to officials, the United States had gathered intelligence in March indicating that Islamic State-Khorasan (ISIS-K), the branch of the group based in Afghanistan, was planning an attack on Moscow. One U.S. official mentioned that ISIS members have been active in Russia.
Despite a period of relative calm, the Islamic State has been ramping up its external attacks, as per U.S. counterterrorism officials. While most plots in Europe have been foiled, the group’s capabilities were thought to have diminished.
Colin P. Clarke, a counterterrorism analyst at the Soufan Group, noted that ISIS-K has been targeting Russia for the past two years, often criticizing President Vladimir V. Putin in its propaganda. The group accuses the Kremlin of having Muslim blood on its hands due to interventions in Afghanistan, Chechnya, and Syria.
The recent attack in Moscow, similar to a January assault in Iran claimed by the group, may lead to a reassessment of ISIS’s ability to strike outside its home territory.
In a bid to prevent such attacks, U.S. officials publicly warned of a possible attack on March 7 and also shared intelligence with Russian officials. It remains unclear how much information was shared beyond the public warning.
American intelligence agencies have a responsibility to alert potential targets of imminent dangers when they become aware of them. This approach was also taken with Iran before twin bombings in January that targeted a memorial service for Iran’s former top general, Qassim Suleimani.
Western intelligence agencies had gathered information about possible plans by ISIS-K to bomb the service, similar to the attack in Russia. ISIS-K also claimed responsibility for the Iran attack.
The recent events highlight the ongoing threat posed by ISIS and the importance of international cooperation in combating terrorism.
