Leader of ISIS in Afghanistan Killed

A drone flying high above Afghanistan

The Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) was formed in 1999, and began in the country of Iraq.  Since that time, ISIS has spread throughout the Middle East and across the world, controlling territory in Syria, Yemen, Afghanistan, Libya, Nigeria, Egypt, and possibly Somalia, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.  Leading many terrorist attacks across the world, ISIS is feared everywhere and no one knows when their next attack will occur.  However, in recent years, it is apparent that ISIS is on the decline.  Since 2015 (the height of their power), many achievements have been made in defeating ISIS.  In July, 2017, Iraqi forces took back the city of Mosul, a major city in northern Iraq.  Now, it has been confirmed that an airstrike has killed the leader of ISIS forces in Afghanistan.  Abu Saad Erhabi, the leader, and ten other members of the group were also killed in a joint air and ground operation by Afghan and foreign forces on Saturday night.  Many supplies such as weapons and ammunition were also destroyed in the attack.  ISIS currently has a stronghold in Nangarhar, on Afghanistan’s eastern border with Pakistan, so this may have weaken their power in that region.  Although it seems that ISIS is still somewhat strong, this event could possibly the beginning of the end of their extent of terror on earth.  The goal of ridding ISIS from the world seems to be in reach as the once powerful group grows weaker by the months.

Link to Website:
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-afghanistan-attack/head-of-islamic-state-in-afghanistan-killed-says-government-idUSKCN1LB0BD

Questions for Discussion
1. Why do you think that ISIS gained so much power in Middle East?
2. Why is it important that ISIS is defeated as soon as possible?
3. Explain why this event is crucial to defeating ISIS.
4. Do you believe that ISIS will be a threat in the next coming years?  Why or Why not?

I chose to write about this article because many people have forgotten about ISIS, as North Korea has become a larger threat over the past couple years.  This reminds the world about the situation in the Middle East and that ISIS is closer to defeat than it was before.