Evidence suggests that the Islamic State (IS) is making inroads in Afghanistan and Pakistan, once the traditional stronghold of Al-Qaeda. IS, formerly known as ISIS or ISIL, is now threatening Al-Qaeda’s position as the leading Islamist militant group, say experts. This is what has led Al-Qaeda to launch a new branch in South Asia, announced in an hour-long video lecture by Osama bin Laden’s successor Ayman al-Zawahiri. By contrast, IS has gained notoriety for releasing graphic photos and footage from their military campaigns.
This shows their desperation - they are losing control of their affiliates in this region and in other parts of the world.
Leading militancy expert Amir Rana
The urgency of the ideological battle is reflected in the fact that Al-Qaeda has become less involved in direct operational command in Pakistan, with a greater emphasis on providing an ideological framework and financing. Al-Qaeda’s relative decline as a frontline fighting force in South Asia and its failure to carry out spectacular attacks in the West have coincided with the rise of IS, which has declared a caliphate over Iraqi and Syrian territory. Operational setbacks such as the killing of Osama bin Laden have also contributed to its decline as fighters drift to the potent new banner of the IS. IS grew from Al-Qaeda’s Iraq offshoot but the parent network formally cut ties in February this year.