MAPPED: Terrifying growth of ISIS in just ONE year...and how Asia & Russia is next target
THE terrifying spread of the barbaric Islamic State (ISIS) has been laid bare in these shocking maps, detailing the large swathes of areas the terror group already dominate.
AP • REUTERS
The world was largely unaware of the evil organisation until last year when it declared a so-called caliphate in Iraq and Syria.
Since then ISIS jihadists have continued to spread their message of violence and murder across the globe.
These alarming maps detail the full-scale of their already large network across multiple continents.
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The terror group already control huge areas in Iraq, Syria, Egypt, Libya and Nigeria and are moving into parts of Asia and Siberia.
They are believed to have an army consisting of at least 200,000 men - eight times bigger than foreign intelligence previously estimated, according to a senior Kurdish leader.
Experts suggest that around 700 people from the UK have travelled to support ISIS organisations in Syria and Iraq.
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Areas under ISIS control
Iraq – True ISIS heartland, the group first emerged here following the US invasion of Iraq in 2003. It formed the Islamic Sate of Iraq in 2006 and now controls around a third of the country.
Syria – Established a presence in Syria following the outbreak of the civil war in 2011. The Syrian city of Raqqa is the group’s de-facto capital and around half of the country is thought to be under their control.
Egypt – Violence in Egypt has intensified with clashes between jihadists and government troops increasing since the Arab Spring uprising. Sinai peninsula is said to be the group’s heartland.
Libya – Several towns are now controlled by the Islamic State in Libya, with the group having capitalised on instability following the toppling of Muammar Gaddafi in 2011 to capture the coastal city of Sirte.
Nigeria – Jihadist group Boko Haram changed its name to Islamic State's West African Province (Iswap) in April. Controls regions in the north-east of the country.
AP
Areas with large scale ISIS influence (or affiliated groups)
Algeria – A raised threat level and moves to mobilise 50,000 troops along the porous border with Libya suggest ISIS could make big gains in Algeria in the coming months.
Morocco – Relatively peaceful Morocco - a popular holiday destination for Europeans - still hosts a number of active ISIS terror cells which pose a danger to the country.
Mali – Terror group Al Qaeda have had a presence in Mali for several years, and the country risks exposing itself to ISIS-inspired groups flowing over the border from neighbouring Algeria and nearby Nigeria.
Saudi Arabia – The kingdom has been threatened by random terror attacks rather than sustained ISIS-inspired groups. Saudi police arrested 430 ISIS jihadists this week.
Yemen – Already a hotbed of terrorist activity and a stronghold of Al Qaeda sympathisers, ISIS has increased its presence in Yemen in recent months.
Afghanistan – Historically home to Al Qaeda, the war torn state has seen a rise in terror attacks which ISIS has claimed responsibility for. Prevented from expanding further by opposition from the Taliban.
Pakistan – ISIS are gaining support in a number of provinces including Balochistan – thought to be home to the country’s nuclear weapons stockpile.
Lebanon - Hezbollah fighters and the Lebanese army have been largely successful in repelling ISIS approaching from neighbouring Syria, but its proximity to the conflict means it remains at risk.
PA
Countries with some ISIS presence and the potential to worsen
Russia (Chechnya, Ingushetia and Dagestan) - The Caucasus Emirate is a militant Jihadist organisation active in southwestern Russia which has pledged its allegiance to ISIS.
Bosnia – ISIS are believed to have bought an isolated village in Bosnia, sparking fears the group may be setting up its first training camp in the Europe. ISIS has produced a recruitment video targeting youngsters in the Balkans.
Philippines – Despite claims by the government that the Philippines have no links with ISIS, extremist Islamists linked with the group clashed with troops last year and the Black Flag Movement in Mindanao has affiliation with the extremist group.
Indonesia – Home to the world’s largest Muslim population, Indonesia has sent hundreds of recruits to fight with ISIS. Bomb threats in the capital Jakarta show ISIS could be growing in strength here.
Malaysia - Malaysian police say ISIS-affiliated groups are planning ransom kidnappings and bank heists in a bid to increase their revenue and grow in strength.
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