Report Verifies Predictions that ISIS becomes More Lethal as it Suffers Setbacks on the Ground

A report by the University of Maryland confirms what many experts have predicted: As the Islamic State fighters continue to suffer losses on the battlefield, the organization has nevertheless become more lethal through its attacks around the world. ISIS is the world’s most deadly terrorist organization, having killed some 7,000 people in 1,400 attacks in 2016, up 20% over the previous year. By comparison, overall, terror-related deaths by other groups were down 10% in 2016. According to the UM report, the groups that swore allegiance to ISIS carried out an additional 950 attacks in 2016 resulting in at least 3,000 deaths. The report took note of an increase in the “lone wolf” attacks ISIS has become known for, but true lone-wolf acts are difficult to verify or track. Last week’s attacks in Spain have been identified as the work of a cell rather than of individuals motivated to act.