Islamic State declares 'provinces' for PR purposes
Islamic State is announcing new 'provinces', but not all will live up to the name
Islamic State (IS) has expanded its network abroad since the collapse of its geographical 'caliphate'. Its activities abroad seem to fall into two categories: small networks of ex-combatants and supporters capable of limited urban terrorist attacks, and more structured 'provinces' that claim a cohesive existence, although this is increasingly untrue.
Our judgement
The Afghan model of a cohesive, structured and funded branch will be hard to replicate, and newer IS 'provinces' are likely to be created for propaganda purposes. IS-affiliated forces will be active in local conflicts and wider warfare that is not primarily about global jihad.
See INTERNATIONAL: Islamic State seeks to transform - June 28, 2019