ISIS Attacks Surge in Iraq and Syria, Doubling Last Year's Numbers

U.S. Central Command reports 153 attacks in the first half of 2024 as ISIS attempts to reconstitute its forces.

ISIS has claimed 153 attacks in Iraq and Syria from January to June 2024, compared to 121 in all of 2023.
U.S. and coalition forces conducted 196 missions, killing 44 ISIS operatives and detaining 166.
The increase in attacks is seen as an effort by ISIS to re-establish its presence after years of reduced capability.
Iraqi officials assert they can manage the ISIS threat independently and are discussing reducing U.S. military presence.
Kurdish-led authorities in Syria have issued a general amnesty, potentially releasing hundreds of detainees with ISIS links.