Introduction
ISIS, also known as the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, has been a dominant force in the global terrorism landscape for years. Recently, there have been reports and incidents of ISIS targeting Moscow, the capital of Russia. This raises the question: Why is ISIS attacking Moscow?
Russian Military Involvement in Syria
One of the primary reasons for ISIS targeting Moscow is Russia’s military involvement in Syria. Russia has been a key ally of the Bashar al-Assad regime and has been carrying out airstrikes against various rebel groups, including ISIS, in Syria. The Russian military intervention has significantly weakened ISIS in the region, prompting retaliatory attacks against Moscow.
Religious Extremism
ISIS is an extremist group that follows a radical interpretation of Islam. They believe in establishing a caliphate and enforcing their version of Sharia law. Moscow, being a predominantly Christian city, is seen as a symbol of anti-Islamic ideology by ISIS. This religious extremism motivates ISIS to target Moscow as a way to spread fear and assert their dominance.
Geopolitical Tensions
Geopolitical tensions between Russia and various Middle Eastern countries have also contributed to ISIS targeting Moscow. Russia’s support for the Syrian government and its involvement in regional conflicts have made it a target for terrorist organizations like ISIS. The ongoing conflicts in the Middle East have created a volatile environment where terrorist attacks on Moscow are seen as a way to destabilize the Russian government.
Retaliation for Russian Policies
Some analysts believe that ISIS is attacking Moscow as a form of retaliation for Russian policies that have affected their operations. The crackdown on ISIS sympathizers in Russia, the banning of extremist groups, and the strict anti-terrorism measures implemented by the Russian government have angered ISIS leaders. Targeting Moscow is seen as a way to send a message and challenge Russian authority.
Case Study: St. Petersburg Metro Bombing
In April 2017, a suicide bombing in the St. Petersburg metro system killed 15 people and injured dozens more. The attack was carried out by a Kyrgyz-born Russian citizen with ties to ISIS. This incident highlighted the vulnerability of Russian cities to terrorist attacks and the growing threat posed by ISIS in the region.
Statistics
- According to the Global Terrorism Database, there have been multiple terrorist attacks linked to ISIS in Russia since 2015.
- In 2019, ISIS claimed responsibility for an attack on a police station in Moscow, killing several officers.
Overall, the reasons for ISIS attacking Moscow are multifaceted and complex. From geopolitical tensions to religious extremism, various factors have contributed to ISIS targeting the Russian capital. As Russia continues to play a significant role in regional conflicts and counterterrorism efforts, the threat of ISIS attacks on Moscow remains a pressing concern.
