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.
