ISIS Near Abroad Map: July 2015

Reports that the U.S. is considering establishing forward bases to counter ISIS's affiliates in Libya and Afghanistan reflect the increasing regional capability and momentum of the group in the Near Abroad. ISIS likely will gain new support in Afghanistan and possibly globally due to the death of the Taliban's leader, Mullah Omar. ISIS is also expanding operations in Yemen, Libya, and Egypt, which may provoke direct conflict between ISIS and al Qaeda. ISIS likely will intensify regional operations, possibly within Turkey, as it faces pressure within Syria and Iraq from Turkey and other anti-ISIS forces. ISIS will also likely attempt to open other border crossings between ISIS's Interior and Near Abroad positions. 

By Harleen Gambhir, Jenna Gowell, and Yasmin Faruki