The recent terrorist attack at Crocus City Hall in Moscow has sent shockwaves across the West, signaling the resurgence of the Islamic State (IS) and its return to international terrorism. The attack, which claimed the lives of over 140 concert-goers, has raised concerns in Western countries, particularly in France and Germany, as they gear up to host major sporting events this summer.
With the Paris Olympics and Euro 2024 football championship on the horizon, security measures have been heightened to prevent potential attacks. Gilles Kepel, an expert on jihadism, warns that the Moscow attack could be a training run for future attacks on these mega-events.
The history of global jihadism has seen various phases of violence, from attacks directed by al-Qaeda in the 2000s to the rise of IS in the 2010s. Despite efforts to dismantle these extremist groups, they continue to pose a threat, with IS proving to be more dynamic in its tactics.
The Islamic State’s franchise in Afghanistan, known as “Khorasan Province” (ISKP), has emerged as a significant threat, carrying out attacks both domestically and abroad. The group’s capacity to cause harm has raised concerns among Western officials, who fear further attacks on European soil.
As the jihadist movement evolves and adapts to new challenges, Western intelligence agencies face a daunting task in tracking and preventing terrorist activities. The ongoing battle against terrorism underscores the complex geopolitical landscape and the need for continued vigilance and cooperation among nations to combat this persistent threat.