By Claire Coyne with Harleen Gambhir
ISIS is building strategic
resiliency and projecting an image of continued expansion through its regional
campaign, even as it faces opposition in Iraq and Syria. The organization
executed a complex operation across multiple Libyan cities this month, demonstrating
its capability and intent to develop Libya as a safe haven to increase presence
throughout North Africa. ISIS also used its Southeast Asian foreign fighter
network to direct and resource its first attack in Indonesia, reflecting a growing
consolidation of pro-ISIS militant groups. ISIS will likely continue outreach
to jihadist elements in North Africa and Southeast Asia in order to prepare for
formal military expansion into those areas in support of its grand strategic
objective of expanding its caliphate to all historically Muslim lands.
