ISIS extends reach to Russia, challenging al-Qaeda as world's top jihadist movement

Militant Islamist fighters wave flags as they take part in a military parade along the streets of Syria's northern Raqqa province. Reuters

The Islamic State has expanded its reach to Russia after it declared a governorate in the country's North Caucasus region last week, opening a new front in the competition between ISIS and al-Qaeda for the top post in the world's jihadist movement.

According to the Institute for the Study of War, ISIS has declared a governorate called Wilayat Qawqaz (Caucasus) on June 23 following a pledge of allegiance to ISIS by some senior militants in the Muslim-dominated area.

"ISIS has been setting conditions to establish this governorate in support of its regional expansion campaign since at least January 2015. ISIS's statements and actions over the next few weeks will indicate whether the organisation intends to launch operations through its new Caucasus affiliate, or whether it simply intends to use the pledge as an opportunity to assert its global vitality and reach," said the Institute.

The announcement pits the group against al-Qaeda affiliate Islamic Emirate of the Caucasus, which has been in operations in southwestern Russia's mountainous region since 2007.

"ISIS's announcement of 'Wilayat Qawqaz' opens a new front in the battle between ISIS and al-Qaeda for the leadership of the global jihadist movement," the Institute wrote.

The announcement of the governorate will also allow Russia to boost its counterterrorism actions in the region, but the Institute sees that this may only increase the public's discontent and raise militancy.

"The Russian government will likely use the announcement of Wilayat Qawqaz as a justification to vigorously stamp out separatist sentiment in southern Russia. This may counterproductively fuel popular discontent and militant recruitment within the region."

This may also serve as an opportunity for Russia to boost its involvement in Syria and Iraq, but not without complications.

"Russia also may use the development as a pretext to increase its involvement in Syria and Iraq, where it has recently equipped the Iraqi Security Forces with new supplies of Russian anti-tank rockets. This foreign intensification by Russia may complicate relations between the United States and its European partners as they attempt to balance Russian participation in the anti-ISIS effort with resistance to Russian actions in Ukraine."

The Institute warned that the Russian forces may be spread too thin.

"It also may overstretch the Russian government, which is balancing engagement in Ukraine and the Middle East with domestic counterterrorism operations and an economic crisis."

related articles
Terror attacks around the world underline influence of Islamic State
Terror attacks around the world underline influence of Islamic State

Terror attacks around the world underline influence of Islamic State

3 countries—Tunisia, Kuwait and France—from 3 continents mourn 67 dead after terrorist attacks
3 countries—Tunisia, Kuwait and France—from 3 continents mourn 67 dead after terrorist attacks

3 countries—Tunisia, Kuwait and France—from 3 continents mourn 67 dead after terrorist attacks

US braces for possible July 4th ISIS attacks as authorities note \'great  deal of chatter\' on terrorist network
US braces for possible July 4th ISIS attacks as authorities note 'great deal of chatter' on terrorist network

US braces for possible July 4th ISIS attacks as authorities note 'great deal of chatter' on terrorist network

\'I prayed for him and I knew he\'d met God\'. Retired vicar\'s ministry to Calais migrants
'I prayed for him and I knew he'd met God'. Retired vicar's ministry to Calais migrants

'I prayed for him and I knew he'd met God'. Retired vicar's ministry to Calais migrants

Islamic extremists threaten to \'slaughter\' Christians in Jerusalem unless they leave by end of Ramadan
Islamic extremists threaten to 'slaughter' Christians in Jerusalem unless they leave by end of Ramadan

Islamic extremists threaten to 'slaughter' Christians in Jerusalem unless they leave by end of Ramadan

Christians in Mideast undergoing systematic persecution, says author
Christians in Mideast undergoing systematic persecution, says author

Christians in Mideast undergoing systematic persecution, says author

News
Poverty and destitution is driving our mental health crisis - and Christians must act
Poverty and destitution is driving our mental health crisis - and Christians must act

We must acknowledge Britain’s shameful poverty crisis as the major driver of mental illness in this country, says ex-gangster turned bishop.

MSP wants to expand Scotland's controversial abortion buffer zones
MSP wants to expand Scotland's controversial abortion buffer zones

Perhaps one day all of Scotland will be a buffer zone.

Why the 1700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea and the Nicene Creed matters
Why the 1700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea and the Nicene Creed matters

You might be wondering: what does a fourth-century church meeting have to do with me today? Actually, quite a lot.

Calvin Robinson loses priest licence after just 9 days in new denomination
Calvin Robinson loses priest licence after just 9 days in new denomination

The Reformed Episcopal Church has withdrawn its licence from Fr Calvin Robinson, the second such incident in the life of the controversial cleric in just five months.