US authorities arrested 18-year-old Christian Sturdivant in North Carolina for allegedly plotting a terrorist attack inspired by ISIL, with plans to target local businesses on New Year's Eve. The suspect, a prolific social media user, had previously attempted contact with ISIS and was under surveillance, with evidence including weapons and attack plans found at his home. He faces up to 20 years in prison, and the arrest is part of a multi-year investigation aimed at preventing domestic terrorism.
Seven Turkish police officers were wounded during a raid on an alleged ISIL hideout in Yalova province, Turkey, with no serious injuries reported. The operation involved special forces and was part of ongoing efforts to dismantle ISIL cells, following recent arrests and strikes against the group in the region. Authorities suspect the operatives planned attacks during the holiday season, prompting heightened security measures.
An explosion at the Imam Ali bin Abi Talib Mosque in Homs, Syria, during Friday prayers has killed at least six people and injured over 20, with authorities suspecting a suicide bombing or explosives, highlighting ongoing security challenges and potential sectarian tensions in the region.
The US conducted an airstrike in northwest Nigeria targeting ISIL fighters responsible for killing primarily innocent Christians, according to President Trump, with the operation carried out at Nigeria's request and resulting in multiple terrorist deaths.
Syrian authorities have arrested ISIL leader Taha al-Zoubi near Damascus in a security operation, seizing weapons and a suicide belt, marking a significant blow to the group's presence in the region.
A Swedish man, Osama Krayem, has been sentenced to life in prison by a Stockholm court for his role in the 2015 burning death of Jordanian pilot Muath al-Kassasbeh, contributing significantly to the crime despite not lighting the fire himself. Krayem, already serving sentences for attacks in Paris and Brussels, was found to have been present at the execution site, which led to his conviction for serious war and terrorist crimes. The case marks the first Swedish trial for the killing, which drew international outrage.
Nine people have been detained in Tajikistan for suspected contact with the perpetrators of the recent attack on a Moscow concert hall that killed 144 people. A Russian court has charged another suspect in the attack and ruled that he be held in custody. The suspects are also suspected of having connections with ISIL. Russian officials have claimed that Ukraine and the West had a role in the attack, but Ukraine has denied involvement. The death toll from the attack has risen to 144, with a severely injured victim dying in a hospital.
Russia mourns the victims of the deadly attack at a Moscow concert hall, with the death toll rising to 137 and over 150 injured. President Putin declared a national day of mourning and vowed to track down and punish those responsible. The ISIL armed group claimed responsibility, but Putin blamed "international terrorism" and accused some on the Ukrainian side of aiding the attackers. The suspects were captured near the Ukrainian border, and two appeared in court facing terrorism charges. The US government shared information with Russia about a planned attack, attributing sole responsibility to ISIL and denying any Ukrainian involvement.
More than 115 people were killed and nearly 120 others injured in a deadly attack on concertgoers at Moscow’s Crocus City Hall, claimed by ISIL’s Afghanistan branch, ISIS-K. The group's targeting of Russia is attributed to Russia's engagement in the global fight against ISIL and its affiliates, as well as its military operations in Syria and connections with the Afghan Taliban. ISIL's aggression towards nations like Iran and Russia underscores its political relevance and operational reach on the global stage. The attack highlights the group's ambition to evolve into a formidable regional entity with global influence, posing a challenge for counterterrorism efforts amidst global geopolitical churn.
At least 60 people were killed and over 145 injured in a terrorist attack at Moscow's Crocus City Hall during a concert, claimed by ISIL. Gunmen with automatic weapons and explosives caused chaos and a massive fire, leaving the venue in flames. The attack, one of the worst in Russia since 2004, prompted global condemnation and heightened security measures in Moscow. The Kremlin did not immediately blame anyone, but some Russian lawmakers accused Ukraine, which was denied. Rescue efforts and firefighting continued into the early hours of Saturday.
The United States and Iraq have initiated formal talks to discuss the future of the US-led military coalition in Iraq, with Baghdad anticipating a timeline for reducing the presence of foreign troops. The coalition, formed in 2014 to combat ISIL, currently has about 2,500 US troops in Iraq. The talks come amid ongoing attacks on US forces by Iran-allied groups and Iraqi complaints of US aggression. Both countries have agreed to establish expert working groups to assess the threat posed by ISIL and the capabilities of Iraqi security forces.
The US government privately warned Iran of a potential terrorist attack by ISIL ahead of twin suicide bombings in Kerman that killed nearly 100 people. The attack occurred during a memorial for slain commander Qassem Soleimani, and ISIL claimed responsibility. Iran arrested at least 35 people in connection with the bombings and conducted strikes in Iraq and Syria. The US warning may signal a desire for dialogue with Tehran, despite recent attacks by Iranian-backed proxies, as the Biden administration seeks to revive the 2015 nuclear deal.
Iran's Ministry of Intelligence has identified a Tajik national as the alleged ringleader behind the twin bombings in Kerman, which killed over 90 people, and has arrested 35 individuals with alleged links to the attacks. The ISIL (ISIS) armed group claimed responsibility for the bombings, which targeted a memorial for top commander Qassem Soleimani. Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi has vowed retaliation, while the international community, including the United Nations, the European Union, and several countries, has denounced the attacks. Iran frequently accuses Israel and the US of supporting anti-Iran armed groups involved in such attacks.
Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi vowed retaliation at the funeral for victims of twin bombings in Kerman, which killed at least 89 people and injured over 280. The attack occurred during a memorial for General Qassem Soleimani and was claimed by ISIL. Raisi's speech emphasized Iran's strength and the IRGC's promise to take action against ISIL. The bombings have been condemned internationally, and they come amidst regional tensions, including Israel's war in Gaza and the recent killing of a Hamas deputy leader in Beirut.
ISIL has claimed responsibility for a bombing at a Catholic mass service in the southern Philippines, killing at least four people and injuring dozens more. The explosion occurred at Mindanao State University, where pro-ISIL fighters led a five-month siege in 2017. Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr condemned the attack, and there are indications of a foreign element involved. The United States State Department condemned the terrorist attack, and police are investigating two people of interest. Mindanao has long been plagued by violence due to armed separatist groups.
