As terrorist attacks continue to dominate headlines, the Islamic States branch in Central Africa, ISCAP issued a statement claiming that it conducted a terror attack targeting the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (FARDC). The terrorists claimed killing 9 soldiers and wounding several others besides taking away weapons and ammunition. The Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (FARDC) have not issued a statement in response further giving the terrorist’s report credence and desired audience. The new event further demonstrates ISCAP capability to attack government security personnel and worse gradually but steadily grow in numbers undisturbed.
ISCAP, A jihadist outfit largely made up of East Africans has no clear agenda. An offshoot of militant groups marauding in the vast DRC, it has conducted dozens of attacks since April. Some of the attacks have been confirmed further confirming the group’s activities and violent focus. Apart from branding itself as the ISIS Central branch in Central Africa, the violent Islamist’s seem to be growing in rank and file, posing a new challenge to regional security.
Terrorists thrive on the media attention and fame they are awarded upon conducting violent crimes against humanity. ISCAP however is a real threat to the region as it will attract local jihadists who didn’t make it to Syria and those who came back after the fall of the caliphate, hence an immediate threat. The Congolese border is largely porous and the neighboring regions are ridden with would be jihadists looking for placement, as such, if not contained on time, the threat will multiply and the terror group will dominate large swathes of Eastern and Southern DRC in coming days . Concerted efforts are much needed to preempt this threat to the great lakes and East African region.
