Fact Check: The Islamic State is reactivating fighters and planning a comeback in Syria and Iraq as of October 2023.

Fact Check: "The Islamic State is reactivating fighters and planning a comeback in Syria and Iraq as of October 2023."

What We Know

Recent reports indicate that the Islamic State (IS) is indeed reactivating its fighters and planning a resurgence in both Syria and Iraq. U.S. military commanders have warned that the number of IS attacks is expected to double in 2023 compared to previous years, signaling an increase in the group's operational capabilities (source-4). Security operatives in the region have reported foiling numerous major plots attributed to IS, highlighting the group's ongoing threat (source-2).

The resurgence is attributed to various factors, including ethnic conflicts, poor economic conditions, and the support of local governments for anti-SDF elements (source-4). Reports suggest that IS is reactivating sleeper cells and distributing weapons, further indicating its intent to regain influence in the region (source-8).

Analysis

The evidence supporting the claim of IS's reactivation is robust. Multiple credible sources, including military reports and news articles, corroborate the assertion that IS is increasing its activities in Syria and Iraq. For instance, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) has documented a significant number of attacks attributed to IS in the first half of 2023, with figures suggesting that the actual number of incidents may be even higher due to the group's current operational secrecy (source-4).

Moreover, the geopolitical landscape, including ongoing conflicts and the presence of un-repatriated foreign fighters, creates an environment conducive to IS's resurgence. The decline of U.S. patrols in the region has also been noted as a factor that could allow IS to regroup and strengthen its position (source-7).

While some sources have previously claimed that IS was effectively defeated, the current evidence suggests that the group has adapted and continues to pose a significant threat, particularly as it exploits local grievances and instability (source-6).

Conclusion

The claim that the Islamic State is reactivating fighters and planning a comeback in Syria and Iraq as of October 2023 is True. The evidence from multiple reliable sources indicates that IS is indeed increasing its operational activities, taking advantage of local conflicts and the geopolitical landscape to re-establish its presence in the region.

Sources

1. Operation Inherent Resolve - DoD - Department of Defense
2. Islamic State reactivating fighters, eying comeback in Syria ...
3. Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS)
4. The Islamic State Is Trying to Rebound
5. Islamic State Comeback: Syria and Iraq Face Renewed ...
6. Averting an ISIS Resurgence in Iraq and Syria
7. Islamic State resurgence spreads across Syria and Iraq
8. Reactivating Sleeper Cells, Distributing Weapons