ISIS increasingly unopposed following US withdrawal from Afghanistan, collapse of Syria
Fox News subscribers are being urged to log in or create a free account to access exclusive content after the recent New Year’s Day attack in New Orleans. The attack, carried out by a man named Shamsud-Din Jabbar, who may have ties to the Islamic State, has reignited concerns about the terrorist network’s continued threat.
Shamsud-Din Jabbar, a U.S.-born citizen and Army Veteran, drove a pickup truck with an ISIS flag into a crowd on Bourbon Street, killing at least 15 people and injuring dozens more. While the FBI has not confirmed his direct affiliation with ISIS, reports suggest he was sympathetic to the group and pledged allegiance to them in videos posted on social media.
Security experts like Bill Roggio from the Foundation for Defense of Democracies warn that claims of ISIS’s defeat are premature. The terrorist network continues to pose a threat in regions like the Sahel in Africa, East Africa, and even in Iraq and Syria. Roggio highlighted that ISIS is finding less resistance in areas where it was previously opposed, especially following recent events like the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan and the fall of the Assad regime in Syria.
ISIS-K, the regional affiliate of ISIS, made headlines in August 2021 when it carried out a deadly attack in Afghanistan following the U.S. withdrawal. The Taliban’s takeover raised concerns about Afghanistan becoming a safe haven for terrorists, though ISIS-K has struggled to thrive in the country since then.
The potential resurgence of ISIS in Syria is also a concern, particularly after the U.S. announced plans to end its military mission in Iraq by 2026. Security experts worry that withdrawing troops could embolden ISIS in the region, especially with the collapse of the Assad regime.
It remains to be seen how the incoming Trump administration will address the threat posed by ISIS in the Middle East. The decision to keep troops in Iraq and Syria to counter the terrorist group is crucial, as without a strong presence, ISIS could thrive in the lawlessness of the region.
As the global war on terror continues, it is essential for the U.S. to remain vigilant against ISIS and other terrorist networks. Subscribers are encouraged to log in or create a free account on Fox News to stay informed about the latest developments in the fight against terrorism.
