ISISn

ISISn, short for "Islamic State of Iraq and Syria – New Generation," is a term sometimes used to describe the evolution of the militant group formerly known as the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) or Islamic State (ISIL). The designation "ISISn" emerged in discussions about the group's adaptation following the territorial losses it suffered in the mid-2010s, particularly after the fall of its self-proclaimed capital, Raqqa, in 2017, and the defeat of its last major stronghold, Baghuz, in Syria, in 2019. While the term is not officially recognized by the group itself or major intelligence agencies, it reflects broader analytical perspectives on the group's shifting tactics and resilience.

The original ISIS, declared a caliphate in 2014, gained notoriety for its brutal governance, territorial control, and global insurgent campaigns. After losing its physical caliphate, the group fragmented into smaller, more decentralized cells operating in Iraq, Syria, and other regions, including parts of Africa and South Asia. ISISn refers to this new phase, where the group has adopted a more clandestine, insurgent-focused strategy, relying on covert operations, propaganda, and recruitment rather than open territorial control. This shift has made it more difficult for counterterrorism forces to track and dismantle its networks.

The term also highlights concerns about the group's ability to inspire and mobilize supporters through online platforms, radicalizing individuals who may later carry out lone-wolf attacks. While ISISn lacks the centralized command structure of its predecessor, it has demonstrated persistence in carrying out attacks, particularly in Iraq and Syria, where it continues to target security forces and civilians. Analysts and governments have emphasized the need for sustained counterterrorism efforts to address this evolving threat, focusing on disrupting recruitment, cutting off funding, and countering extremist narratives online. The term "ISISn" underscores the ongoing challenges posed by the group's adaptability and the need for adaptive countermeasures.