As Ramadan approaches, heightened security measures are being implemented globally to prevent extremist groups from exploiting religious tensions and inciting violence.

Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) has celebrated the assassination of Quran burner Salwan Momika in Sweden, calling for more attacks on Islam critics, as authorities investigate potential jihadist and Iranian involvement.

Two separate but strikingly similar attacks on New Year’s Day in New Orleans and Las Vegas reveal the challenges of identifying and mitigating threats from ideologically diverse perpetrators.

The expansion of terrorism in Northern Africa necessitates a more comprehensive U.S. intervention, incorporating military, economic, and social strategies to stabilize the region and combat extremism.

Authorities thwarted a planned ISIS-inspired mass shooting targeting a Jewish center in New York City, as well as a suicide bombing in Kabul, highlighting the persistent threat of extremism globally.

In this week's INTEL BRIEF, we cover significant developments, including China's intensified cyber-espionage efforts against the U.S., escalating terrorism incidents in Europe, and heightened tensions in the South China Sea. Additionally, we explore China's strategic investments in chipmaking as a counter to Western export controls, which could reshape global competition.

ISIS emerged from the remnants of al-Qaeda in Iraq, rapidly capturing territory in Iraq and Syria and declaring a caliphate in 2014, characterized by brutal governance and sophisticated propaganda. Despite losing its territorial base by 2019, ISIS continues to pose a significant threat globally through insurgency tactics and inspiring lone-wolf attacks.