Islamic State (ISIS) attacks and plots in Europe are increasing, a development related to the Gaza war and the ascendance of the group’s Khorasan branch, prompting some European authorities to step up security.
ISIS claimed responsibility for a stabbing that killed three people and injured eight in the German city of Solingen late last month, saying it was carried out "in revenge for Muslims in Palestine and everywhere." It was one of several attacks in Europe linked to the group in recent months. In March, the Khorasan branch, known as ISIS-K, claimed credit for the deadly attack on the Crocus City Hall concert venue in Moscow that killed 143 people.
US authorities said the suspects in the thwarted plot to attack superstar singer Taylor Swift’s concerts in Vienna last month were tied to ISIS. The Khorasan branch threatened to attack the Paris Olympics over the summer, and French authorities said they thwarted three terrorist plots during the games. ISIS also vowed to attack the Champions League soccer matches in March.
Other incidents have not been directly tied to the group. ISIS-K praised the June attack on a church and a synagogue in the Russian region of Dagestan but stopped short of taking responsibility. In March, Germany arrested two suspected ISIS members for allegedly planning to attack the Swedish parliament in response to Quran burnings in the country.
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