As IS fighters regroup and form pockets across Iraq and Syria, the organization and its affiliates are renewing aggressive attacks on security forces and oil fields. Adapting to its “defeat” according to its original strategy of holding and conquering territory, the organization has continued financing and transitioned to rearming and preparing for a comeback under a new strategy. The group’s financial portfolio is diversified across both illicit and legitimate businesses across the region and, without a state to finance, it is well positioned to invest in a resurgence adapted to the realities of the region.
Source: IS’ Strategy in Iraq and Syria