IS sees war in Ukraine as an opportunity for new attacks

The Islamic State (IS) jihadist militia has threatened retaliation after the death of its former leader Abu Ibrahim al-Hashimi al-Kuraishi. “Trusting in God, we announce a blessed campaign of revenge,” the militia announced in an audio message on Sunday.

New IS spokesman Abu Omar al-Muhajir also called on IS supporters to resume carrying out attacks in Europe. ISIS supporters should seize the “opportunity” when “the Crusaders fight each other,” al-Muhajir said, referring to Russia’s war against Ukraine.

According to the US government, al-Kuraishi blew himself up during a US operation in northwest Syria in February. In March, IS militia confirmed his death and the death of its former spokesman, Abu Hamsa al-Qurayshi. Abu Hassan al-Hashimi al-Kuraishi was appointed as the new leader.

defeated militarily in 2016

In 2014, IS conquered large swathes of Iraq and Syria. Even after the military victory of a US-led international coalition over the so-called caliphate established by IS in 2016, the militia remained active in the region. A UN report last year concluded that there were still around 10,000 IS fighters active in Iraq and Syria.