Terrorist Fighters in Caucasus, Europe and Central Asia

Focusing on the rise of jihadist groups in Central Asia, particularly in Tajikistan and Kazakhstan, the narrative examines the uncertainty surrounding the return of Central Asian fighters from conflicts linked to ISIS. It highlights the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan as a key player prior to ISIS's emergence and discusses the group's limited engagement in Central Asian attacks. The 2018 murder of foreign cyclists by Tajik men underscores the region's volatility, while the involvement of Central Asian militants in Syria reflects a broader trend of radicalization and the establishment of local terrorist factions.