While Russian authorities try to justify the connection of suspects in the "Crocus City Hall" terrorist attack with Ukraine, sources in Western intelligence claim that the attack is the work of supporters of the "Islamic State in Khorasan Province" (ISKP).
ISKP, a part of the "umbrella" Islamic State, fought in Afghanistan against the US army and their enemies, the Taliban. Eventually, the Taliban defeated ISKP, pushing their forces out of most controlled territories in Afghanistan and Pakistan. However, ISKP changed its strategy, engaging in "international activities" alongside the unequal fight with the new Afghan authorities.
Experts noted in 2022 that ISKP had chosen Russia as one of its main external enemies, alongside the US and China. The recent attack in the "Crocus City Hall" marks the largest terrorist attack in Russia since Beslan.
Formally, ISKP represents the leadership of the global Islamic State. The organization emerged in 2015 as an Afghan-Pakistani branch of ISIS, known in Western sources as ISIS-K or ISKP, with KP standing for Khorasan Province.
Initially consisting of disillusioned opponents of the pro-American Afghan government, mainly Pashtuns, ISKP engaged in armed conflict with the US army, the Afghan government, and the Taliban. Over time, ISKP shifted from direct confrontations to ruthless terror tactics against the Taliban, religious minorities, and Americans.
ISKP poses a threat to Central Asian authorities, labeling them as "puppets of the Russian Empire." The organization's hostility towards Russia stems from its efforts to expand its ethnic base, particularly targeting Uzbek and Tajik populations in northern Afghanistan.
The recent attack in the "Crocus City Hall" prompted speculations about ISKP's involvement. While there is no conclusive evidence yet, US intelligence sources suggest ISKP's role in the attack.
Despite doubts about ISKP's capability to orchestrate such a large-scale attack on the outskirts of Moscow, the attack did not appear sophisticated, indicating issues with the perpetrators' escape plan and weaponry.
Russian pro-government channels dismissed IS's claim of responsibility for the attack, suggesting it as a fake statement. Speculations point to ISKP's potential involvement, with Russian-speaking individuals from Central Asia suspected to be among the members of the Afghan branch.
The recent attacks in Russia and Iran bear similarities, both lacking significant IS presence in the respective countries. These attacks serve as a propaganda tool for IS to re-establish its global threat image and intensify recruitment efforts.
The emergence of ISKP as a new threat targeting Russia underscores the evolving landscape of terrorism and the challenges faced by global security forces in combating such extremist organizations.
