Analysts at IHS Janes in the United States say that the group known as the Islamic State has intensified its attacks in Iraq and Syria in response to losing territories it once controlled, and the number of its victims has significantly increased. According to IHS Janes, the group carried out 891 attacks in Iraq and Syria in the first quarter of 2016, which is 'more than any similar period since 2014.' The so-called Islamic State made significant advances in both Iraq and Syria in mid-2014, capturing areas on both sides of the border. IHS reports that the attacks in the first quarter of this year left 2,150 dead, which is 44 percent more than the same period last year. Analysts at the Janes Center for Terrorism and Insurgency have stated, 'As pressures on the group [Islamic State] increase from various sides, they are moving towards more widespread and larger-scale violence.' According to Reuters on April 12, Matteo Henman, head of the Center for Terrorism and Insurgency at this analytical publication, said, 'Mass casualty attacks are a method that has been tested before, and the aim is to divert attention from the problems that [the group] is facing.' Henman noted that this issue has both domestic and foreign implications. Janes analysts have also joined those warning about the increasing power of ISIS in Libya. Estimates indicate that during the first quarter of this year, the number of attacks in Libya was equal to all six months prior. The so-called Islamic State in Iraq and Syria is under air attacks from a coalition led by the United States. The Syrian government, along with its ally, has also conducted attacks against this group. Meanwhile, Assad's opposition forces in Syria, the Iraqi army, Kurdish Peshmerga, and allies of the central government in that country are also conducting ground operations to push back ISIS forces. The U.S.-led coalition stated last January that the Islamic State group has lost 40 percent of its territory in Iraq and 20 percent of its territory in Syria.
Janes: Increase in Islamic State Attacks in Response to Pressures
The Islamic State has increased its attacks in Iraq and Syria as it loses territory, resulting in a significant rise in casualties. Analysts suggest that this escalation is a response to mounting pressures on the group. The situation highlights ongoing challenges in the region and the group's attempts to maintain relevance amid losses.
👥 Key Players
📰 What Happened
The Islamic State has ramped up its attacks in Iraq and Syria, resulting in a significant increase in casualties as the group responds to territorial losses. Analysts suggest this escalation is a tactic to divert attention from their declining influence.
- The Islamic State conducted 891 attacks in the first quarter of 2016, a 44% increase in casualties compared to the previous year.
- The group has lost 40% of its territory in Iraq and 20% in Syria due to military pressure from various forces.
💡 Why It Matters
📚 Background
The Islamic State emerged as a dominant force in the region in 2014, capturing significant territory. Its recent territorial losses have led to a desperate increase in violent attacks.
🏷️ Entities Mentioned
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