Islamic State linked to deadly New Orleans attack

The banned militant group Islamic State (IS), notorious for its violent campaigns in Syria and Iraq, has been linked to the recent truck attack on a New Orleans crowd. The attack killed 15 and injured about 30 people.

The suspect, Shamsud-Din Jabbar, 42, a U.S. citizen from Texas, was reportedly flying an Islamic State flag during the assault. Prior to the attack, Jabbar posted videos on social media expressing support for IS, confirming his inspiration from the group.

IS, once at the height of its power, held vast territories in Syria and Iraq and instilled fear with its radical ideology. It conducted numerous global attacks, including the 2014-2017 caliphate, which imposed brutal control over millions.

However, the U.S.-led coalition largely dismantled IS’s military presence, leading to its shift to clandestine tactics. While still active, IS operates through sleeper cells, hit-and-run attacks, and a fragmented leadership.

Despite suffering significant losses, IS has expanded its reach to Africa, where groups like the Allied Democratic Forces in Uganda and affiliates in West Africa and the Sahel continue to wreak havoc. IS has also made a notable resurgence in Afghanistan under its Khorasan branch, ISIS-K, which operates near Afghanistan’s borders with Pakistan and Iran.

In 2023, IS claimed responsibility for a deadly military base attack in Somalia, highlighting its ongoing global threat. While some experts argue that IS’s capabilities have declined, its branches in Africa remain active and could potentially expand further.

The U.S. military continues to target IS leaders in operations across the globe. Despite setbacks, IS remains a significant global security concern.