Moscow Attack: What Is ISIS-K And Why Did It Target Russia? Explained

The Islamic State group has claimed responsibility for an attack at a popular concert venue complex near Moscow on Friday that left at least 60 dead and 145 wounded after assailants stormed the venue with guns and incendiary devices. The terror group’s Afghan branch, known as ISIS-K, took responsibility for the attack in a short statement published by ISIS-affiliated news agency Amaq on Telegram.

The group, however, did not provide evidence to support the claim. The attack, which showcased the brutal capabilities of ISIS-K, exacerbated the already tense geopolitical landscape, especially in the context of Russia’s strained relations with the West after the 2022 Ukraine invasion.

News18 looks at the history of the Islamic State of Khorasan and its possible motives behind attacking Russia.

All About ISIS-K

Islamic State of Khorasan (ISIS-K) is named after an old term for the region that included parts of Iran, Turkmenistan and Afghanistan. The terror group emerged in eastern Afghanistan in late 2014 and quickly established a reputation for extreme brutality.

One of the most active regional affiliates of the Islamic State militant group, ISIS-K has seen its membership decline since peaking around 2018. The Taliban and U.S. forces inflicted heavy losses.

The United States has said its ability to develop intelligence against extremist groups in Afghanistan such as ISIS-K has been reduced since the withdrawal of its troops from the country in 2021.

Possible Reason Behind Attacking Russia

While the attack by ISIS-K in Russia on Friday was a dramatic escalation, experts said the group has opposed Russian President Vladimir Putin in recent years.

“ISIS-K has been fixated on Russia for the past two years, frequently criticizing Putin in its propaganda,” said Colin Clarke of Soufan Center, a Washington-based research group.

Michael Kugelman of the Washington-based Wilson Center said that ISIS-K “sees Russia as being complicit in activities that regularly oppress Muslims.”

He added that the group also counts many Central Asian militants as members who have their own grievances against Moscow.

Major Attacks Carried Out By The Group

ISIS-K has a history of attacks, including against mosques, inside and outside Afghanistan. Earlier this year, the U.S. intercepted communications confirming the group carried out twin bombings in Iran that killed nearly 100 people.

In September 2022, ISIS-K militants claimed responsibility for a deadly suicide bombing at the Russian embassy in Kabul.

The group was responsible for an attack on Kabul’s international airport in 2021 that killed 13 U.S. troops and scores of civilians during the chaotic U.S. evacuation from the country.

Earlier this month, the top U.S. general in the Middle East said ISIS-K could attack U.S. and Western interests outside of Afghanistan “in as little as six months and with little to no warning.”

(With Inputs from Reuters)