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Why Did the Islamic State Target Russia?

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Why Did the Islamic State Target Russia?

Lucas Webber, the co-founder and editor of militantwire.com, discusses the horrific attack in Russia, and the links to Islamic State’s Afghan branch, also known as ISKP.

On March 22, 2024, four masked men wielding automatic weapons opened fire on concertgoers at the Crocus City Hall outside of Moscow. They then set the concert hall on fire. At least 137 people were killed in the brutal terrorist attack, with more than 180 injured.

The Islamic State claimed responsibility for the attack, and media reports said the attackers were Tajikistan nationals. That suggests that the Islamic State’s recent efforts to radicalize and recruit Central Asians for transnational attacks need to be taken seriously as a deadly threat.

Lucas Webber, the co-founder and editor of militantwire.com, discusses the horrific attack in Russia, and the links to Islamic State’s Afghan branch, also known as ISKP.