Unveiling ISIS-K: The Group Behind the Moscow Concert Hall Terror Incident
ISIS-K, a branch of the Islamic State group, has emerged as the alleged perpetrators of the recent tragic attack on a concert hall in Moscow. Shocking visuals released by the group depict the ruthless execution of this deadly assault, marking a significant escalation in terror activities within Russia.
The Islamic State group, also known as ISIS, has claimed responsibility for the deadly assault on a concert venue in Moscow that took place on Friday. They released graphic footage showing their gunmen carrying out what has been described as Russia's worst terror attack in decades.
Russian authorities have accused four men from Tajikistan, a former Soviet republic, of being the perpetrators behind the attack. The incident resulted in at least 137 fatalities and over 100 people sustaining injuries. The suspects have been charged with committing a terrorist act and could face life imprisonment. They have been placed in pre-trial detention until May 22 after appearing in court in Moscow on Sunday.
US officials have connected the attack to ISIS-K, an affiliate of ISIS operating in central Asia known for its brutality and fear-inducing tactics.
Since November, the US has been receiving intelligence indicating that ISIS-K was planning an attack in Russia. This information was shared with Moscow. US Vice President Kamala Harris stated that ISIS-K is believed to be responsible for the incident.
Here’s what we know about ISIS-K.
Who are ISIS-K?
ISIS-K, a branch of ISIS, was established in 2015 and has been operating in Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Iran. This terror group originated in Syria and Iraq, where it once held significant control over a large area.
After the collapse of ISIS' self-proclaimed caliphate in Iraq and Syria five years ago, the organization has transformed into a global terror network with cells present in various regions such as Africa, the Middle East, Central Asia, and Southeast Asia.
The relationship between ISIS-K and its suspected parent organization is not completely understood. While they have similar beliefs and methods, the exact extent of their connection, including their hierarchy and leadership, remains uncertain.
As of 2018, ISIS-K was identified as the fourth most lethal terrorist group worldwide by the Institute for Economics and Peace, an organization that tracks global terrorism.
ISIS-K gained international attention when they carried out a devastating bombing outside Kabul airport in August 2021, resulting in the deaths of 13 US military personnel and 170 Afghans. This incident occurred following the Taliban's takeover of Afghanistan and the withdrawal of US troops from the country. The attack prompted US President Joe Biden to vow retaliation against the group.
The United Nations estimated in 2021 that the group has up to 2,200 core fighters based in Afghanistan’s Kunar and Nangarhar provinces.
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What we know about ISIS group claiming responsibility for Moscow terror attack
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What do they want?
ISIS-K, like its parent organization, strives to establish a "pure Islamic state" as described by CSIS. Their vision entails a "global, transnational caliphate" governed by Sharia law.
According to CSIS, ISIS-K harbors a strong animosity towards the Taliban and draws individuals with even more radical beliefs than the Islamist group currently in power in Afghanistan. They do not recognize the Taliban as a legitimate Islamic leader, criticizing their narrow focus and lack of commitment to a universal Islamic jihad.
ISIS-K has been focusing their recent attacks on the Taliban, symbolic targets, and Afghanistan's Shia Muslim minorities, specifically targeting the ethnic Hazaras. Their agenda also includes a strong hatred towards the West, including the United States, Britain, and Europe, as well as hostility towards Russia.
Why did they attack Russia?
ISIS has a longstanding animosity against Russia and Putin, several experts told CNN.
"According to Daniel Byman, director of Georgetown University's security studies program, Russia has been a key player in the fight against ISIS for years. By intervening in the Syrian civil war to support the government, Moscow has consistently been at the forefront of efforts to combat the terrorist group."
"Byman also mentioned that ISIS-K has expressed disapproval of the Taliban for their perceived close relationship with Russia."
There are also other historical grievances. According to John Miller, CNN's chief law enforcement and intelligence analyst, ISIS propaganda has frequently criticized Russia for its harsh tactics during the Chechen wars and its destructive policies in the Caucasus that have impacted Muslims in Eastern Europe and Eurasia.
Suspects involved in the shooting at the Crocus City Hall concert venue are shown in the image from left to right: Saidakrami Murodali Rachabalizoda, Shamsidin Fariduni, Dalerdzhon Mirzoyev, and Muhammadsobir Fayzov. The photograph was taken by Yulia Morozova for Reuters.
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What we know about the four suspects in the Moscow concert hall attack
In 2022, a suicide blast near Russia's embassy in Kabul was claimed by ISIS-K, resulting in the deaths of six people, including two consular staff.
According to the state-run news agency RIA Novosti, Russia has successfully prevented multiple ISIS-related incidents in the past month. RIA reported that local authorities across Russia have identified at least four incidents in March alone involving individuals linked to ISIS.
According to Russian state media, the FSB stopped an ISIS attack on a synagogue in Moscow on March 7. The ISIS attackers were killed in a gunfight as reported by Reuters.
What other attacks have they carried out?
ISIS-K has carried out most of its deadliest attacks in Afghanistan and Pakistan, with the Kabul airport explosion being a notable incident. In May 2020, they attacked a maternity ward in Kabul, resulting in the deaths of 24 individuals. Another attack took place at Kabul University in November 2020, claiming the lives of 22 people, according to CSIS. Additionally, ISIS-K is believed to be responsible for a horrific car bombing outside a girls' high school in May 2021, resulting in the tragic loss of at least 85 lives.
ISIS-K was most active in 2018, when a suicide bomber killed 128 people in Pakistan. Although not as powerful now, the group still plans attacks in Afghanistan. According to the Institute for Economics and Peace, ISIS-K caused 73 deaths in 2023, making it the most active terrorist group in the country.
A journalist walks inside of a damaged class of the National Legal Training center, a day after gunmen stormed Kabul university in Kabul in November 2020.
Wakil Kohsar/AFP/Getty Images
Could they pose a broader global threat?
The Kabul airport attack raised worries worldwide about the potential threat posed by ISIS-K in the region and beyond.
In March 2023, the leader of the US Central Command informed lawmakers that ISIS-K was growing bolder, highlighting that Europe or Asia were at a higher risk of terrorist attacks originating from Afghanistan than the US.
According to a 2023 threat assessment report from US intelligence agencies, ISIS-K is likely to continue attempting attacks outside of Afghanistan, particularly in the West.
Earlier this year, the UN Security Council issued a warning that ISIS-K is actively planning or carrying out "operational plots" in Europe. The council reported that seven individuals associated with the group were arrested in Germany last year for planning "high-impact terrorist attacks," which included acquiring weapons and identifying potential targets.
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Russia expert explains why Putin treated US warning about possible terror attack as ‘blackmail’
ISIS has targeted concert venues in the past, with notable attacks such as the one at the Bataclan theater in Paris in November 2015, where 130 people were killed. Another incident was the suicide bombing at an Ariana Grande concert in Manchester Arena, England, in May 2017, resulting in 22 casualties. Additionally, ISIS has influenced attacks in the US, like the shooting at the Pulse nightclub in Orlando, Florida, in 2016, which claimed 49 lives.
Recently, the US government received intelligence about a potential terrorist attack in Moscow, specifically aimed at large gatherings such as concerts. This led to the State Department issuing a public advisory to Americans in Russia and sharing the information with Russian authorities.
The US intelligence community had been receiving detailed information since November, but it is uncertain if this is related to the warning issued by the US embassy in Moscow on March 7.
In a speech to the FSB, Russian President Vladimir Putin dismissed the US embassy's terror attack warnings as provocative, stating that they seemed like a form of blackmail aimed at intimidating and destabilizing Russian society.
Putin, on the other hand, proposed that Ukraine was responsible for the Crocus City attack – a claim that Kyiv strongly refuted.
This report was a collaborative effort by CNN’s Rob Picheta, Eliza Mackintosh, Ehsan Popalzai, Antonio Jarne, Lou Robinson, Lauren Said-Moorhouse, Mariya Knight, Anna Chernova, and Darya Tarasova.
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