It is still not possible to establish who is behind the terrorist act against the Crocus city hall in Moscow. While Russia continues to level accusations at Ukraine, more and more experts suspect that the Afghan IS branch IS Khorasan is responsible.
The group, which claimed responsibility for the crime this weekend, has long considered Russia a priority target.
Terror attack in Moscow
The Middle East expert on the new IS phalanx: “Much bigger than we think”
Suspected terrorists subjected to torture
– The Islamic State in general and IS Khorasan in particular see Russia as one of their main enemies, says Amira Jadoon, terrorism researcher at Clemson University in the USA.
Contact with Taliban
There are several factors that make Russia an attractive target for the group, she believes. Among other things, the country has been involved in the fight against IS in Syria.
– IS Khorasan also knows that Russia has tried to establish relations with the Taliban, who are their main enemy.
Terror expert Hans Brun mentions that there have long been domestic conflicts between the Russian central government and Muslim minorities.
– It is something that the jihadists used. These conflicts are hundreds of years old, he says.
Strengthens the group’s reputation
What the terrorist attacks in Moscow mean for IS in general is difficult to determine, but according to Amira Jadoon, the attack can serve as a recruitment campaign for the group, whose ambition is to create a new caliphate in South and Central Asia.
– They are trying to position themselves as the leading regional challenger. Being linked to attacks like this really strengthens their reputation.
May cause swells in the west
And although IS Khorasan mainly targets countries in South and Central Asia, it can cause ripples in the rest of the world. Effects are already being felt in France, which on Sunday raised its terror threat level to the highest.
– The biggest risk lies in IS’s ability to mobilize sympathizers from a distance. They use digital technology to radicalise, recruit and instruct people over long distances. I think that is the real threat to Europe and the West.