Isis has evolved in its tactics and reach during the past decade of terrorizing the world.

Ten years ago, the world was in the grip of fear and terror as the Islamic State, also known as Isis, was at the height of its power. This extremist group had emerged in Iraq following the US-led invasion, but it was only with the decline of al-Qaeda and the onset of the Syrian Civil War that it truly became a major force to be reckoned with. As it grew in strength and numbers, it repeatedly defeated the armies of both Iraq and Syria, claiming more and more territory for itself.

For those living under the control of the Islamic State, life was a living nightmare. Citizens were subjected to torture, death, and brutal repression, all in the name of the group's radical brand of Islam. But it wasn't just those within its territory who were affected by the group's actions. Followers of Isis were also carrying out devastating attacks around the world, causing widespread fear and chaos.

However, despite its apparent invincibility, the Islamic State eventually began to weaken. Multiple losses on the battlefields and the deaths of several top leaders dealt serious blows to the group's power. The final blow came with the death of then-leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi at the hands of US special forces in 2019, marking the collapse of the caliphate in Iraq.

But even though the Islamic State may have lost much of its territory and leadership, it has not disappeared entirely. Its fighters now operate in autonomous cells, continuing to pose a threat to the world. This was made clear in March of last year, when four gunmen carried out a deadly attack at a concert in Russia, killing 145 people. And just last year, authorities uncovered a plot to attack a Taylor Swift concert in Vienna, believed to have been orchestrated by followers of the Islamic State.

With the group's numbers uncertain and its leadership kept secret, it is clear that the Islamic State still poses a serious challenge for anti-terror forces. The recent appearance of an Islamic State flag at the site of an attack in New Orleans only adds to the uncertainty surrounding the group's influence and reach. As we reflect on the horrors of the past decade, it is important to remain vigilant and continue to work towards eradicating the threat of terrorism from our world.

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