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A major motivating factor for such attackers, sources said, is the belief that the removal of Bashar al-Assad in Syria by small jihadi groups demonstrates the vulnerability of even superpowers
The vehicle rammed into a crowd at a street in central New Orleans at a time when it was packed with party-goers celebrating New Year. (Image: X)
Islamic State (ISIS) is targeting America through lone wolves inspired by the group’s ideology, intelligence sources told CNN-News18 on Thursday.
A man drove a truck into crowds of New Year’s Day revellers in New Orleans, killing 15. The FBI, which is leading the investigation, has identified the attacker as Shamsud-Din Jabbar, a 42-year-old US citizen from Texas. Jabbar had posted videos indicating that he was inspired by ISIS.
A major motivating factor for such attackers, sources said, is the belief that the removal of Bashar al-Assad in Syria by small jihadi groups demonstrates the vulnerability of even superpowers.
The success of these groups, supported by Iran and Hezbollah, has recently bolstered ISIS ideology and inspired its followers. They see it as proof that jihad can achieve significant geopolitical change.
Car attacks, a tactic long favoured by ISIS, require minimal expertise but can have a high impact. This method is particularly dangerous as it necessitates minimal logistical planning and resources.
The recent attack in the US mirrors similar incidents in Germany, reflecting a concerning trend of ISIS-inspired violence. These attacks highlight the group’s global reach and ability to inspire individuals to act.
Attacking the United States holds particular significance for ISIS, given the country’s role in global counterterrorism efforts. The aim is to demonstrate its capacity to strike at the heart of Western power.
The New Orleans attack, much like the Easter Sunday bombings in Sri Lanka, appears to be ideologically driven, with no evidence suggesting direct involvement from ISIS core leadership.
This reinforces the idea that individuals or small cells can be motivated by ISIS ideology to carry out attacks independently. The Syrian regime change serves as a potent example, demonstrating that even superpowers can be challenged.
ISIS attacks in the USA are part of a broader global jihadist campaign, said sources. The group views the US as a prominent symbol of Western power and culture, which it perceives as incompatible with its extremist interpretation of Islam.
The group seeks revenge for US-led coalition airstrikes and military interventions in Iraq, Syria, and other Muslim-majority countries, sources said. These actions fuel their narrative of Western aggression against Islam and Muslims, they added.
According to intelligence sources, attacks in the US serve multiple purposes for ISIS. They are used to recruit new members, demonstrate their capabilities, and spread fear and propaganda. These attacks also aim to show their cadre that even superpowers are not invincible.
“ISIS also aims to exploit existing social and political tensions in the US, such as anti-Muslim sentiment, racial divisions, and gun control debates. By exacerbating these divisions, they hope to sow discord and undermine social cohesion,” said a source.
ISIS-inspired attackers in the US may draw inspiration from previous attacks, such as 9/11, and seek to replicate or surpass them. The symbolism and impact of such attacks make them attractive targets for those seeking to inflict maximum damage.
ISIS utilises social media and online platforms to disseminate its ideology, recruit new members, and provide instructions for carrying out attacks. The internet allows it to reach a global audience and connect with potential recruits.
