ISIS: Still a Threat or Just a Shadow?

ISIS, once a powerful force controlling large parts of Iraq and Syria, is now a shadow of its former self. But recent events suggest the group still has influence, even if it's not as strong as before.

A Scattered but Determined Force

Experts say ISIS is not as organized as it used to be. The group's leadership is scattered, and its fighters are spread out. But that doesn't mean they're gone for good. They still have the will to fight and will use any means necessary to achieve their goals.

Persistent Threat

Last year, the Pentagon estimated there are still 2,500 ISIS fighters in Syria and Iraq. U.S. Central Command recently destroyed 15 sites containing ISIS weapons caches. This shows that even though ISIS lost its territory in 2019, it still has the ability to cause harm.

Recruitment and Propaganda

ISIS has always used social media to spread its message and recruit new members. This strategy hasn't changed, even after the fall of the caliphate. The group's propaganda is a key part of its recruitment strategy, and it's always looking for new ways to inspire attacks.

Recent Attacks

Recent attacks believed to be inspired by ISIS have raised questions about the group's resurgence:

• In Australia, a mass shooting during a Hanukkah celebration at Sydney's Bondi Beach was linked to ISIS.
• In Syria, three Americans were killed in an attack near the city of Palmyra.
• In the U.S., a vehicle attack in New Orleans that killed 14 people was also linked to ISIS.

Declining Influence

Despite these attacks, experts say the number of ISIS-inspired attacks is declining. The FBI and other agencies are making arrests and preventing attacks before they happen. This suggests that while ISIS is still a threat, it's not as powerful as it once was.