By Smartencyclopedia & Agencies

The number of ISIS attacks in Iraq and Syria is on track to double this year compared to 2023, according to a statement from the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) on Wednesday. The jihadist group, also known as the Islamic State, is making concerted efforts to “reconstitute” its presence in the region, despite previous setbacks.

Increase in Attacks

CENTCOM reported that ISIS has claimed responsibility for 153 attacks in the first half of 2024, a significant rise from the 121 attacks recorded in the entirety of 2023. “The increase in attacks indicates ISIS is attempting to reconstitute following several years of decreased capability,” CENTCOM noted. To counter this resurgence, CENTCOM, along with its Defeat ISIS partners, Iraqi Security Forces, and the Syrian Democratic Forces, conducted 196 missions in the first half of 2024, resulting in the deaths of 44 ISIS operatives and the detention of 166 others.

Operational Breakdown

In Iraq, 137 partnered operations led to 30 ISIS operatives being killed and 74 detained. In Syria, 59 operations with the Syrian Democratic Forces and other partners resulted in 14 ISIS operatives killed and 92 detained. Despite these efforts, the persistent threat from ISIS sleeper cells remains a significant concern.

Iraqi Self-Sufficiency and U.S. Presence

Iraqi officials have expressed confidence in their ability to manage the ISIS threat independently and have begun discussions with the U.S. to reduce the U.S.-led coalition’s military presence in the country. However, CENTCOM advocates for maintaining the coalition’s presence in both Iraq and Syria. General Michael Erik Kurilla, commander of CENTCOM, emphasized the importance of coalition efforts, stating, “The global enduring defeat of ISIS relies on combined efforts of the Coalition and partners to remove key leaders from the battlefield.”

Amnesty and Detentions

In a related development, Kurdish-led authorities in northeastern Syria issued a general amnesty on Wednesday, potentially leading to the release of hundreds of Syrians detained for their involvement with ISIS. The amnesty reduces life sentences to 15 years but excludes high-ranking ISIS officials and combatants who fought against the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). The SDF currently detains over 10,000 ISIS fighters in approximately two dozen facilities.

Warnings of Resurgence

The potential re-emergence of ISIS in the region has been a topic of concern among experts. Tom Wilson, director of policy at the U.K.-based Counter Extremism Group, previously warned that ISIS and Al-Qaeda have been strengthening their global network, working with affiliates to enhance their activities in Western countries. “Islamic State is going to continue to seek to encourage others to carry out attacks on its behalf,” Wilson said. He also noted that if ISIS reasserts itself in Syria and the wider region, it could leverage this resurgence in its propaganda to inspire further attacks.

As the international community continues to monitor the situation, the increased ISIS activity underscores the ongoing threat posed by the group and the need for sustained counterterrorism efforts.