Who: Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG)
Founded: Early 1990s in the southern Philippines
Region they operate: Mindanao and the Sulu Archipelago, sometimes into Malaysia
Allies and enemies: Has had links to Al‑Qaida and ISIS; fights Philippine and regional governments
Who: Communist Party of the Philippines / New People’s Army (CPP/NPA)
Founded: Late 1960s (CPP) and 1969 (NPA)
Region they operate: Rural areas across the Philippines
Allies and enemies: Marxist‑Maoist insurgency; primary enemy is the Philippine state
Who: ISIS–East Asia (ISIS‑EA)
Founded: Around 2016 from pro‑ISIS groups in the Philippines and region
Region they operate: Southern Philippines and small networks across Southeast Asia
Allies and enemies: Subordinate to ISIS; enemies are Southeast Asian governments and security forces
Who: Jemaah Islamiya (JI)
Founded: 1990s as a Southeast Asian jihadist network
Region they operate: Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, and neighboring states
Allies and enemies: Historically linked to Al‑Qaida; targets Indonesian state and Western interests
South Asia (Bangladesh‑specific)
Who: ISIS network in Bangladesh
Founded: Mid‑2010s as local cells pledging allegiance to ISIS
Region they operate: Bangladesh, especially Dhaka and major cities
Allies and enemies: Aligned with ISIS; targets Bangladeshi authorities and foreign interests in‑country
