ISIS-Linked Regional Activity: October 2015

ISIS targeted Shi'a civilians in Saudi Arabia, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan before and during celebrations for Ashura, a Shi'a religious holiday in October 2015. ISIS's affiliates and supporters also targeted Sunni Arab rivals in Turkey and in Yemen. ISIS is attempting to rally the Muslim world against Israel simultaneously, encouraging supporters to attack Jews and rival militant Palestinian groups. ISIS's regional strategy depends upon victory against all three foes. It also depends upon the defeat of foreign powers in the region, including Russia. ISIS intends to target Russian interests outside of Iraq and Syria, as evinced by its claim to have downed a Russian jet over Egypt's Sinai Peninsula.

This product draws upon sourcing and analysis provided by our partners at the Critical Threats Project at the American Enterprise Institute.