How ISIL is spreading its reach and affiliates

Washington Post:
The Islamic State had one of its most successful weeks recently with the capture of Ramadi in Iraq and Palmyra in Syria. But another statement about the group is also quite disturbing: The militants established 10 networks outside of Iraq and Syria, according to the Soufan Group.

What's more: These Islamic State strongholds are only the ones that the jihadists have publicly accepted as part of their growing caliphate. Several others have pledged allegiance to the group, but only these were actually acknowledged.

The theory behind this speaks to the Islamic State strategy. The networks — "three in Libya, two in Saudi Arabia, and one each in Sinai, Nigeria, Yemen, Algeria, and Khorasan in Pakistan and Afghanistan" — are seen as liaisons that won't easily become lost or overtaken by other forces, according to the Soufan Group.

One of the most notable terrorist groups recently connected to the Islamic State is the Nigeria-based Boko Haram. After carrying out attacks that left at least 50 people dead in March, the leader of Boko Haram announced its alliance with the Islamic State.

Although Islamic State jihadists are hesitant to forge ties with other groups, they are quick to take credit for many of the high-profile attacks that have happened as of late, even if they don't have a network in those regions, including the Texas shootings, Charlie Hebdo massacre and the attacks in Tunisia.

Within Syria and Iraq, the militants have established 20 different "states." Unlike most of the 10 "wilayats," or states listed above, the Islamic State controls land and has tried to create a government in most of these cities. Note that recent victories over cities like Ramadi aren't included yet as there hasn't been a formal declaration of a state, yet.
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There are links and maps at the link above.  What seems clear is that the current strategy in dealing with this terrorist group is not working if there is one at all.

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