Nicholas A. Heras
Nicholas A. Heras is the Middle East Security Fellow at the Center for a New American Security (CNAS).
Contact Nicholas A. Heras
Articles by Nicholas A. Heras
Sheikh Khamis Farhan Ali al-Khanjar al-Issawi—The ‘Swashbuckling’ Millionaire Turned Sunni Iraqi Politician
The Salafist-jihadist Islamic State (IS) organization has been regaining strength in the Sunni Arab majority areas of central, western, and northern Iraq over the course of the last year. Leaders
The GNA’s Muscle in Southern Libya: Southern Protection Force Leader Hassan Moussa Keley
Recently, fierce fighting has been raging in southern Libya for control over crucial oasis towns that serve as important nodes in trans-Saharan traffic—both licit and illicit—that moves into and out
General Ali Kanna: The GNA’s Last and Best Hope in Southern Libya
Libyan National Army (LNA) forces loyal to the House of Representatives (HoR) government under the command of Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar have been waging a concerted campaign to seize, hold,
Haftar’s Right Hand Man in Libya: General Abd al-Razaq al-Nadhuri
The Libyan National Army (LNA) forces loyal to Field Marshall Khalifa Haftar are stalled amidst fierce fighting in their campaign to oust the U.N.-backed Government of National Accord (GNA) from
Iran’s High Value Target in Europe—Habib Jaber al-Ka’abi
Over the past year, there has been an increased awareness of, and attention to, the activities of Iran's intelligence services and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) to target Iranian
Hezbollah’s Salafist Ally in Lebanon: Ahmad Abd al-Karim al-Saadi
Recently, a senior Iranian national security official stated that his country would utilize its proxy forces in Lebanon and Gaza to unleash an “inferno” on Israel (Times of Israel [Jerusalem],
The Saudi’s Man in Yemen’s Sa’dah: Hadi Tarshan Abdullah Tarshan al-Waeli
Despite the United Nations-backed peace talks to end the war in Yemen—which recently concluded in Stockholm, Sweden—the Saudi-led international coalition continues to conduct a campaign to capture the northwest Yemeni
Jihadists Are Making Gains in Idlib
The de-militarized zone (DMZ) agreement reached by Russia and Turkey in Sochi on September 17—intentended to stabilize the “Greater Idlib” region of northwest Syria (which includes all of Idlib governorate
Turkey’s Man in Syria—Sayf Boulad Abu Bakr
In late October, Turkish military forces conducted a series of cross-border artillery strikes against the positions of the U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) coalition in and around the northeastern Syrian
Colonel Haitham Jamil al-‘Afisi—Turkey’s Syrian Rebel Commander
Turkey has begun to pay benefits to the families of Syrian armed opposition fighters who were killed or wounded fighting alongside Turkish forces during the August 2016 Operation Euphrates Shield
Former Syrian Rebel Becomes Putin’s New Spearhead in Battle for Idlib: Who is Ahmad al-Awdah?
In August, the al-Assad government reportedly began to deploy a significant number of former armed opposition fighters, approximately 2,000, from southwest Syria against Islamic State (IS) affiliates in the southwest
Stabilizing Hudaydah: A Look at the Pragmatic Leadership of Tihama Resistance Brigade Commander Shaykh Abd al-Rahman Shuae Hajari
On July 1, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Saudi Arabia–led multinational coalition announced a pause in its campaign to capture the strategic Yemeni port city of al-Hudaydah (Twitter, July
The Tihama Resistance Council: Muhammad Ammar Muamen’s Fight for al-Hudaydah
The Saudi/UAE-led coalition’s campaign to seize the strategic Yemeni Red Sea port city of al-Hudaydah has resulted in fierce fighting between the coalition and the Ansar Allah (Partisans of God-Houthi)
‘Security Belt’: The UAE’s Tribal Counterterrorism Strategy in Yemen
As international attention is focused on the Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates (UAE) led coalition's campaign to capture the strategic Yemeni port city of al-Hudaydah from the Ansar Allah
Securing Southern Yemen for the UAE: Abu al-Abbas and the Battle for Taiz
Over the course of May, the Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates (UAE)-led coalition, working with local Yemeni partner forces commanded by Tariq Saleh, have advanced close to the strategic,
From PMU to Political Mobilization: A Look at Mahdi Ali Jabar al-Musawi and the IRGC’s Reach Into Iraqi Politics
Iraq's upcoming parliamentary elections—scheduled to be held on May 12—are being highly and tightly contested, particularly from within the Iraqi Shia community. One of the most influential factions vying for
A Profile of Emirati Proxy and South Yemen Separatist Abu al-Yamama al-Yaefi
The strategic port city of Aden in southern Yemen has experienced significant instability since the start of 2018. In late January, Aden was the site of increasingly bitter infighting between
Gaza’s Most Wanted: A Look at HISN General Secretary Hashim Ashour Salem
On January 31, the U.S. Department of State designated the Gaza-based Palestinian organization Harakat al-Sabireen Nasiran li-Filasteen (HISN-Movement of the Patient Ones for Palestinian Victory) as a terrorist organization (U.S.
33rd Brigade Secretary General Sayyid Maytham al-‘Alaq: The PMU’s Rising Star in Basra
The Hashd Sha'abi (PMU-Popular Mobilization Units) continue to conduct operations against the Islamic State (IS) in Iraq's southwestern desert border areas with Syria (al-Hurra [Baghdad], January 30). One of the
Iraqi PMU Commander Shaykh Wanas Naji al-Jabara al-Jabouri: Holding the Line in Salah al-Din
On December 9, Iraqi Prime Minister Haidar al-Abadi declared that the Islamic State (IS) organization was defeated in Iraq (al-Hurra [Baghdad], December 30; al-Arabiyya [Dubai], December 9). Despite Prime Minister
Marshaling Palestinian Support for al-Assad: A Look at Major General Muhammad Tariq Al-Khudra
The forces loyal to the al-Assad government continue to conduct major combat operations in and around the Syrian capital city of Damascus. In particular, they have imposed a siege on
Hassan Hamza Saloumi Secures Tribal Support for al-Assad in Northeastern Syria
As the al-Assad government and its allies continue to make gains against the Islamic State (IS) organization in eastern Syria, the regime in Damascus is seeking to expand its influence
Pushing Back Against the KRG: A Profile of Iraq’s Dr. Hunain al-Qaddo
The decision by Masoud Barzani, the president of the Kurdistan Regional Government of Iraq (KRG), to hold the September 25 referendum on the independence of the KRG has led to
Sudan’s Controversial Rapid Support Forces Bolster Saudi Efforts in Yemen
In late September, the military leader of Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF), General Muhammad Hamdan Daqlu (a.k.a. “Hametti”), unintentionally sparked controversy by announcing that 412 Sudanese soldiers had been killed
Abadi’s Ally in Ninewah: Militia Leader Abd al-Rahim al-Shammari Defends Iraq’s Territorial Integrity
The Kurdistan Regional Government of Iraq (KRG) referendum on independence that was held on September 25 has faced extensive criticism from a range of Iraqi and international actors. Among the
Securing Italy’s Assets in Libya: A Profile of Militia Leader Ahmad al-Dabbashi
Italian Foreign Minister Marco Minniti reportedly recently reached an agreement with Katiba al-Shahid Abu Anas al-Dabbashi (The Martyr Abu Anas al-Dabbashi Brigade), one of the most powerful Libyan militias profiting
The Yazidi Commander in Sinjar: Haydar Shasho’s Push for Independence
This August marked the third anniversary of the atrocities committed by Islamic State (IS) against the sectarian minority Yazidi community, who are ethnically Kurds, in the strategic and disputed region
De-escalation Deal Means Tricky Transition for Southern Syria Rebels
In early July, the United States, Russia and Jordan agreed to support a “de-escalation zone” in the southwestern Syrian governorates of al-Quneitra, Daraa and part of the governorate of Suwayda
Al-Assad’s Man in Suwayda: A Look at Rashid Salloum
Over the past month, Russia, Jordan and the United States began to implement a de-escalation zone in the southwestern Syrian governorates of Dara'a and al-Quneitra. The de-escalation zone agreement, which
Shaykh Abd al-Wahab: Saudi Arabia’s Frontline Partner in Yemen
The Saudi- and Emirati-led coalition in Yemen continues to be stalemated in its effort to capture areas controlled by the Houthi movement and allied forces loyal to Yemen’s former president
Aden’s Governor in Opposition: A look at Southern Yemeni Secessionist Leader Aidaroos al-Zubaydi
The Saudi- and Emirati-led coalition in Yemen is being challenged by a stalemate, the disunity of its local Yemeni partner forces and back-channel disagreements between Saudi Arabia and the United
Shia Popular Mobilization Units in a Post-Islamic State Iraq: A Look at Peace Brigade Commander Shaykh Kazim al-Issawi
The military campaign to conquer the northwestern Iraqi city of Mosul from the Islamic State (IS) is advancing toward completion. At present, approximately 80 percent of the city — Mosul
A Look at the Commander of the Zintan Military Council: Who Is Osama al-Juwaili?
The international effort spearheaded by the United States and the European Union (particularly Italy) continues to secure widespread recognition of the Government of National Accord (GNA) as the legitimate state
Commanding the Jaysh al-Nasr Coalition: A Review of the Ascendancy of Major Muhammad Mansour
Since the fall of armed opposition controlled areas of the strategic northwestern Syrian city of Aleppo to the al-Assad government and its allies in December 2016, the non-militant Salafist component
In Brief: Fighting on Two Fronts: A Look at a Syrian Opposition Commander Muhammad Jumu’a Abd al-Qadr Bakur
Syrian al-Qaeda affiliate Jabhat Fateh al-Sham (JFS, Conquest of the Levant Front) engaged in fierce skirmishes with several armed opposition organizations throughout northwest Syria at the end of January (Arabi
In Brief: A Snapshot of Two Rebel Commanders Vying for Survival in Damascus Governorate (Free)
At the conclusion of 2016 and entering 2017, two of the most powerful militant Islamist armed organizations remaining in Syria, Harakat Ahrar al-Sham al-Islamiyya (Movement of the Free Ones of
Resisting Al-Assad’s Advance: A Look at Two Rebel Commanders Inside Aleppo (Free)
Omar Abd al-Razaq The military forces and adjutant militias under the command of the al-Assad government, supported by Russian airstrikes and predominately foreign sectarian Shia militias mobilized by Iran’s Islamic
A Look At Iraq’s Battlefield Parliamentarians: The Hashd Shaabi Commanders Leading The Fight Against Mosul (Free)
In October, the multi-force operation to capture Mosul from the Islamic State (IS) was launched. The operation is supported by the Iraqi Security Forces, the predominately ethnic Kurdish Peshmerga forces
To the Gates of Mosul: A Snapshot of Sayyid Ali al-Yasseri & Sayyid Hamid al-Jazaeri, Co-Leaders of the Khorasani Brigades Shiite Militias
Nicholas A. Heras Introduction The U.S.-led international coalition against the Islamic State (IS) is preparing a campaign to seize Mosul, Iraq’s second largest city. Located in Iraq’s northwestern Ninewah governorate,
An In-Depth Portrait of Major Muhammad Eyad Shamsi: Military Strategist for the Syrian Rebel Group Authenticity and Development Front
Nicholas A. Heras There is currently a nascent campaign supported by the U.S.-led multinational anti-Islamic State (IS) Coalition to build a local, Syrian Sunni Arab armed opposition movement against IS
Retaking Palymyra: The Slow Campaign Against Islamic State in Syria
Backed by Russian airstrikes, the Syrian Arab Army (SAA) has in recent months renewed a military campaign to recapture the strategic city of Palmyra from the Islamic State (IS) (Al-Bawaba
December 2015 Briefs
SHAYKH MANSOUR: NORTH YEMEN’S INFLUENTIAL POWERBROKER Nicholas A. Heras Yemeni militias mobilized along tribal lines and supported by the Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates-led coalition claim to be in
Rebel Reaction to Russian Intervention
On September 30, Russia’s military intervention in Syria officially began with airstrikes against Syrian armed opposition forces in western Syria. Since the start of Russia’s military intervention, the Syrian Arab
A Profile of Syria’s Influential Sunni-Arab Tribal Militia Leader—Shaykh Humaydi Daham al-Hadi Jarba
Over the last two months, an anti-Islamic State offensive conducted by Sunni Arab tribal forces has sought to displace the jihadist organization from two important towns in northeastern Syria’s al-Hasakah
November 2015 Briefs
THE SYRIAN REGIME’S ANSWER TO THE ISLAMIC STATE: MAJOR GENERAL MUHAMMAD KHADDOUR Nicholas A. Heras Major General Muhammad Khaddour is currently the overall commander of the Syrian Arab Army’s (SAA)
Nicholas Heras Cited by Bloomberg Business
Associate Fellow Nicholas Heras' article on ethnic Turkmen in Syria was cited in a Bloomberg article on a Russian jet that was shot down by Turkey but landed in Syrian territory held
October 2015 Briefs
THE IRGC’S IRAQI POINT MEN IN SYRIA: SHAYKH AUWS AL-KHAFAJI AND SHAYKH AMMAR AL-LAMI Nicholas A. Heras The Liwa Abu Fadhil al-Abbas network, including its affiliated organization Quwat Abu Fadhil
Saudi Arabia’s Yemen Intervention: A High Risk Gamble?
Saudi Arabia’s ongoing armed intervention in Yemen, which began overtly in March with airstrikes in support of Yemen’s internationally-recognized president Abd Rabbuh Mansur Hadi, has since become a coalition effort,
Riyaan Saalim Sadeq al-Kaldani: The Pro-Iran Iraqi Christian Militia Leader
In the wake of the Islamic State’s June 2014 takeover of Mosul, Iraq’s second-largest city, the Iraqi government created al-Hashd al-Sha’bi (Popular Mobilization Committees—PMCs), a militia network to help counter
September 2015 Briefs
SYRIAN OPPOSITION LEADER ALLIED WITH MUSLIM BROTHERHOOD POSITIONS HIS GROUP TO RECEIVE U.S. AID Nicholas A. Heras Mustapha Berro (a.k.a. Saqr Abu Qutaiba) is the overall leader of Tajammu Fastaqim
VICE News Quotes Nicholas Heras
VICE News talked to Nicholas Heras, an associate fellow at Jamestown, about the Islamic State's success in existing for over a year in the face of coalition airstrikes and what
Nicholas Heras Quoted by The Arab Weekly
Nicholas Heras discussed the Syrian government's strategy of siege warfare followed by the offer to stop hostilities and reintegrate into loyalist forces with The Arab Weekly.
August 2015 Briefs
HAMMOUD SAEED AL-MIKHLAFI LEADS THE FIGHT AGAINST THE HOUTHIS IN TAIZ Nicholas A. Heras Yemen’s third-largest city of Taiz, which has a population of more than one million people and
Jaysh al-Islam and the Battle for Damascus
On August 16, a Syrian Air Force raid struck a crowded market place in the capital Damascus’ northeastern suburbs of Douma and Harasta; these suburbs are located in the Ghouta
July 2015 Briefs
ALEPPAN FOLK HERO MUHANNA JAFFALA LEADS KATA’IB ABU AMARA DESPITE ASSASSINATION ATTEMPT Nicholas A. Heras On July 2, several of the most influential militant Salafist and Islamist rebel organizations in
June 2015 Briefs
BEATING ON ASSAD’S DOOR: SYRIAN MILITIA FIGHTER ABD AL-NASR SHMEIR Nicholas A. Heras Damascus’ suburban region of eastern Ghouta is a site of ongoing and vicious conflict between the Syrian
June 2015 Briefs
BEATING ON ASSAD’S DOOR: SYRIAN MILITIA FIGHTER ABD AL-NASR SHMEIR Nicholas A. Heras Damascus’ suburban region of eastern Ghouta is a site of ongoing and vicious conflict between the Syrian
May 2015 Briefs
TRANS-SAHARAN JIHADIST LEADER DECLARES ALLEGIANCE TO THE ISLAMIC STATE Nicholas A. Heras In an audio statement sent to the Mauritanian newspaper al-Akhbar, prominent trans-Sahara jihadist leader Lehbib Ould Ali Ould
April 2015 Briefs
ABU ABD ALLAH AL-SHAMI: A LEADING SALAFIST MILITANT COMMANDER IN SYRIA Nicholas A. Heras The Islamist rebel campaign Jaysh al-Fateh (Conquering Army) has begun an operation called Ma’arakat al-Nasr (Battle
The Struggle for Syria’s al-Hasakah Governorate: Kurds, the Islamic State and the IRGC
The Islamic State’s attack on ethnic Assyrian Christian communities in the northeastern Syrian governorate of al-Hasakah in February and the subsequent kidnapping of approximately 220 Assyrian villagers has brought renewed
March 2015 Briefs
SHAYKH MUHAMMAD AL-FARIS: ASSAD’S MAN IN QAMISHLI Nicholas A. Heras The Syrian military has begun a military campaign to reduce the power of Kurdish militias and to seize key transit
February 2015 Briefs
THREE NEW COMMANDERS COALESCE TO FORM SYRIAN REBEL AL-JAYSH AL-AWAL FORMATION Nicholas A. Heras A new component of the Free Syrian Army (FSA) was recently created. Al-Jaysh al-Awal (First Army)
January 2015 Briefs
JABHAT AL-NUSRA ACCUSES SHAYKH MUHAMMAD SA’AD AL-DIN AL-BARIDI OF DEFECTING TO ISLAMIC STATE Nicholas A. Heras The intra-opposition fighting within the Syrian civil war has taken a new turn. With
December 2014 Briefs
NEW SALAFIST COMMANDER OMAR AL-ANSARI EMERGES IN SOUTHWEST LIBYA Nicholas A. Heras Shaykh Ahmad Omar al-Ansari, the leader of the Tuareg Salafist militia Katiba 315, is emerging as one of
November 2014 Briefs
Leading the Fight against Islamic State: FSA Commanders Ahmad Absi Al-Su’oud and Hassan Mar’i Al-Hamadeh Nicholas A. Heras The al-Qaeda affiliate Jabhat al-Nusra (JN – Victory Front) recently conducted a
October 2014 Briefs
FSA COMMANDER ABU ISSA BECOMES HIGH VALUE TARGET FOR ISLAMIC STATE IN SYRIA Nicholas A. Heras On October 17, members of a Turkish criminal syndicate based in the Turkish city
Rising through the Ranks: A Portrait of Jabhat al-Nusra’s Abu Malik al-Shami
Abu Malik al-Shami (a.k.a. Abu Malik al-Tala) is the commander of al-Qaeda affiliate Jabhat al-Nusra (JN – Victory Front) in Syria’s mountainous Qalamoun region on the Syrian-Lebanese border west of
Nicholas Heras Quotes by CBC
The CBC discussed the brutal violence of the Islamic State (formerly ISIS) with Nicholas Heras.
Nicholas Heras Interviewed by Ian Masters for Background Briefing
Nicholas Heras, a Syria analyst for Jamestown, discussed the various Syrian opposition factions and which of these could possibly receive U.S. training and weapons for the radio program.
August 2014 Briefs
FSA AFFILIATE LED BY ABU THABIT WORKS WITH OTHER GROUPS TO FREE ALEPPO Nicholas A. Heras Free Syrian Army (FSA) affiliate Kata’ib Syuuf al-Shabaa (Swords of Aleppo Brigades), one of
Nicholas Heras Interviewed by Background Briefing
Nicholas Heras recently appeared on the radio program Background Briefing with Ian Masters to discuss the Islamic State's attacks in northern Iraq.
July 2014 Briefs
Hassan Aboud and Liwa Dawud Defect to Islamic State in Syria Nicholas A. Heras In early July, a powerful Syrian armed opposition group based in northwestern Syria’s Idlib governorate, Liwa
June 2014 Briefs
ISIS’ NEMESIS IN ALEPPO: KHALID HAYANI AND ITIHAD LIWA SHUHADA BADR Nicholas A. Heras In spite of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria’s (ISIS) success in Iraq, it is
The Tribal Component of Iraq’s Sunni Rebellion: The General Military Council for Iraqi Revolutionaries
Following the Iraqi armed opposition’s seizure of Mosul on June 10 and the subsequent capture of large areas of Ninewah, Salah al-Din and Ta’mim governorates from the Nuri al-Maliki government,
May 2014 Briefs
SKETCHES OF SHAYKH SHA'BAN MAD'OUD KHALIFA HADIA AND UTHMAN MLIQTA, RIVAL LIBYAN MILITIA COMMANDERS Nicholas A. Heras Militias operating under the name of the Libyan National Army, and loyal to
Iraqi Shi’a Militia Asa’ib Ahl al-Haq Expands Operations to Syria
A suicide bombing struck an election rally in Baghdad that was being held by the Iranian-backed Iraqi Shi’a militia group and political party Asa’ib Ahl al-Haq (AAH - League of
Jamestown Analyst Jacob Zenn on BBC Radio
Jacob Zenn discussed whether or not the Nigerian government will negotiate with Boko Haram on BBC World Service Radio.
Nicholas Heras Appeared on Arise TV
Jamestown analyst Nicholas Heras discussed recent developments in Syria on "Arise Review" on Arise TV.
April 2014 Briefs
MAYSAR ALI AL-JABOURI ENCOURAGES JABHAT AL-NUSRA-ISIS SPLIT IN SYRIA Nicholas A. Heras Shaykh Maysar Ali bin Musa bin Abdullah al-Jabouri (a.k.a. Abu Marya al-Qahtani) is the amir (commander) of the
Nicholas Heras quoted by Rudaw
Nicholas Heras was quoted in an article about threats to Syrian Kurds by the Islamist Syrian armed opposition by Rudaw.
March 2014 Briefs
ABU AYMAN AL-IRAQI DIRECTS ISIS OPERATIONS IN EASTERN SYRIA Nicholas A. Heras Recent reports from Syrian activists indicate that the militant Salafist armed organization Islamic State in Iraq and al-Sham
Nicholas Heras quoted by International Business Times
Nicholas Heras was quoted by International Business Times in an article titled "Why Did Three Persian Gulf States Suddenly Pull Their Envoys Out of Qatar?"
The Battle for al-Quneitra, the “Gateway to Damascus”
Syria’s southwestern al-Quneitra governorate, bordering the Israeli-controlled Golan Heights and the UN administered demilitarized zone, is an active area of conflict between the armed opposition and forces loyal to the
FEBRUARY BRIEFS
MUHAMMAD MAJID AL-KHATIB: A RISING LEADER IN THE FREE SYRIAN ARMY Nicholas A. Heras The Free Syrian Army (FSA) fired its military chief Salim Idriss on February 16 for being
Nicholas A. Heras cited by Commentary Magazine
Nicholas A. Heras was cited by Commentary Magazine in an article titled "It's Not Just Regime vs. Al-Qaeda in Syria"
Anti-Balaka Militias Target Muslims in the Central African Republic
Recent fighting in the resource-rich Central African Republic (CAR) is inflicting a “human disaster” on the country. [1] Nearly one million residents of the country have been displaced, a majority
JANUARY BRIEFS
NEW OPPOSITION COALITION JAISH AL-MUJAHIDEEN ANNOUNCED IN ALEPPO Nicholas A. Heras Syrian rebel groups based in and around the strategic northwestern city of Aleppo announced the formation of the Jaish
Jamestown Analyst Nicholas A Heras appeared on the nationally syndicated radio program “Background Briefing”
Jamestown Analyst Nicholas A Heras appeared on the nationally syndicated radio program "Background Briefing" to discuss the current situation in Syria.
December 2013 Briefs
EASTERN SYRIAN MILITANT LEADER ANNOUNCES CHANGE OF ALLEGIANCE FROM FSA TO AL-QAEDA Nicholas A. Heras Saddam al-Jamal, the former leader of the Liwa Allahu Akbar (God is Greatest Brigade) announced
Bashar al-Zoubi: The FSA’s Most Powerful Leader in Southern Syria
Bashar al-Zoubi (a.k.a. Abu Fadi) is the leader of the powerful Syrian armed opposition group Liwa al-Yarmuk (Yarmuk Brigade) and the military commander of the Free Syrian Army-Supreme Military Council’s
November 2013 Briefs
SYRIA’S MOST POWERFUL OPPOSITION GROUPS UNITE The leaders of seven Syrian militant Islamist armed opposition groups announced the formation of al-Jabhat al-Islamiya (Islamic Front) on November 22 with the stated
Nicholas A. Heras appeared on the radio program “Background Briefing”
Jamestown Analyst Nicholas A Heras appeared on the nationally syndicated radio program "Background Briefing" to discuss the "war within the war" in Syria.
Can the Sinai’s Bedouin Become a Counterterrorist Force?
Egypt’s North Sinai region is becoming an increasingly fierce site of conflict between the Egyptian military and local and Gaza-based militant Salafist organizations. The area’s most powerful Bedouin tribes, al-Tarabin,
A Sketch of Lebanon’s Shaykh Bilal al-Masri: An Important Leader in Tripoli’s Salafist Community
Shaykh Bilal al-Masri is an increasingly important leader within Tripoli’s Salafist community. Born and raised on Syria Street, the thoroughfare that is the front-line between the impoverished and restive northern
October 2013 Briefs
UGANDAN MILITARY ACCUSES DRC-BASED UGANDAN MILITANT SALAFIST LEADER OF COMPLICITY IN NAIROBI MALL ATTACKS Nicholas A. Heras General Edward Katumba Wamala, the Chief of Uganda’s Defense Forces, stated in September
September 2013 Briefs
IRAQI SHIITE MILITIA LEADER VOWS VENGEANCE FOR SYRIA STRIKE AGAINST UNITED STATES AND ALLIES Nicholas A. Heras Shaykh Wathiq al-Battat, the Secretary-General of the Iraqi Shiite organization Hezbollah-Islamic Renaissance, which
Kata’ib al-Farouq al-Islamiya: A Key Armed Opposition Group in the Battle to Cut Assad Off from Damascus
Kata’ib al-Farouq al-Islamiya (KFI - Islamic al-Farouq Brigades) is a newly formed Syrian Islamist armed opposition group that constitutes an important faction within the powerful umbrella rebel organization Jabhat Tahrir
Nicholas Heras and Jacob Zenn quoted by International Business Times
Jamestown analysts Jacob Zenn and Nicholas Heras were quoted in a September 10 International Business Times article on the recent developments concerning chemical weapons in Syria.
A Snapshot of Osama Juneidi: Commander of the Syrian Opposition Farouq Brigade
Osama Sayeh Juneidi (a.k.a. Abu Sayeh) is the general military commander of the Syrian Islamist armed opposition group, the Farouq brigade (Kata’ib al-Farouq). He also serves on the Supreme Military
August 2013 Briefs
MILITARY OPERATIONS AGAINST SALAFIST INSURGENTS IN THE SINAI DRAW ATTENTION TO THE ROLE OF TOP BIN LADEN AIDE Nicholas A. Heras The Egyptian military has recently re-engaged in a counter-insurgency
July 2013 Briefs
MILITARY OFFENSIVE LAUNCHED IN THE CONGO PRESSURES M23 LEADER SULTANI MAKENGA Nicholas A. Heras A new military operation launched by the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) military is applying
Can the Lebanese Military Ensure Domestic Security After the Battle at Abra?
The Lebanese Armed Forces’ recent battle against the Salafist Free Resistance Brigades in the Abra district of the southern coastal city of Sidon has increased scrutiny of the military’s ability
Jamestown’s Jacob Zenn interviewed by Nicholas A. Heras for Fair Observer
Jacob Zenn participated in a long interview on the threat posed by Boko Haram to the regional security of West Africa. Zenn was interviewed by fellow Jamestown analyst Nicholas A.
A Glimpse at Mustapha Amin Badreddine: Leader of Hezbollah’s Jihad Council
Mustapha Amin Badreddine (a.k.a. Mustapha Youssef Badreddine, Sami Issa, Elias Fouad Sa’b, Ilyas Sa’b and by his nom-de-guerre Dhu al-Fiqar) is an important military and intelligence leader in the Lebanese
June 2013 Briefs
LEADERSHIP DISPUTE ERUPTS IN SYRIAN-BACKED MILITIA DEFENDING SHIITE SHRINE Nicholas A. Heras Abu Ajeeb (a.k.a. Abu Ajeel) is the nom de guerre of the Syrian military commander and secretary general
The Tribal Factor in Syria’s Rebellion: A Survey of Armed Tribal Groups in Syria
Tribalism remains a primary form of communal identity among Arab Sunnis across Syria, regardless of whether they live in rural or urban areas. As a powerful source of socio-political mobilization,
Jamestown’s Nicholas A. Heras was quoted by UPI
Nicholas A. Heras' recent article on Hezbollah and the Shiite enclaves north of Aleppo was quoted in a special report published by UPI on June 25.
Shiite Enclaves North of Aleppo Becoming Staging Grounds for Hezbollah’s Next Offensive
The question of Hezbollah’s involvement in the Syrian civil war has become more intense following the recent capture of the strategic, central-western Syrian border city of al-Qusayr in Homs governorate
May Briefs
SYRIAN JABHAT AL-NUSRAH LEADER WOUNDED IN DAMASCUS SKIRMISH Nicholas A. Heras Abu Muhammad al-Julani, (a.k.a. al-Fatih, “The Conqueror”), the leader of the Syrian Salafist armed opposition group Jabhat al-Nusra (JN),
Syrian Turkmen Join Opposition Forces in Pursuit of a New Syrian Identity
Syria’s Turkmen community is becoming increasingly involved in the country’s opposition movement. The mostly Sunni Turkmen of Syria represent a significant ethnic minority community that is located throughout the country,
The Counter-Insurgency Role of Syria’s “Popular Committees”
As the Syrian Civil War enters its second year, the Popular Committees (Lija’an Sha’abiya), local defense forces supported by the Syrian military, are taking on an increasingly important role in
Jamestown analyst Nicholas A. Heras appeared on al-Jazeera
Jamestown analyst Nicholas A. Heras appeared as a guest commentator on the April 27 edition of the al-Jazeera show "Inside Syria."
A Close-Up of Commander Isa Abd al-Majid Mansur of the Tubu Front for the Salvation of Libya
Isa Abd al-Majid Mansur is the leader of the southern Libyan ethnic political and militant movement the Tubu Front for the Salvation of Libya (TFSL). He is in his early-40s
April Briefs
PHILIPPINE MILITARY OPERATIONS TARGET ABU SAYYAF GROUP LEADERS Nicholas A. Heras Philippine security forces recently engaged in a series of operations against the militant Salafist organization Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG),
A Sketch of Jemal Oukacha: The New Commander of AQIM in the Sahel and Sahara
Jemal Oukacha (a.k.a. “Yahya Abu al-Hammam”) is a new commander of al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM). As the “Emir of the Sahara,” Oukacha has control over a brigade of
Royal Army of Sulu Seeks to Restore the Sultanate in Malaysia’s Sabah State
The Royal Army of Sulu (RAS) is a militant organization with an estimated 200 to 400 members that seeks to reinstitute the control of the historic Sultanate of Sulu over
March Briefs
SECTARIAN ATTACKS AND RISING TENSION IN QUETTA, PAKISTAN Nicholas A. Heras Sectarian attacks and rising tension have risen in a natural resource-rich province in southwestern Pakistan over the last few
A Divided Society: The Impact of the Syrian Crisis on Lebanon
The Lebanese state and Lebanon’s most powerful political actors are increasingly challenged by the ongoing conflict in Syria. Lebanon’s feuding anti-Assad March 14 and pro-Assad March 8 political blocs continue
Nicholas Heras quoted by Macropolis
Jamestown's Nicholas Heras was quoted in an article titled "Lebanon Oil & Gas Analysis 2013: Levantine Basin Natural Gas Muggle" by Macropolis.
Jamestown’s Nicholas Heras quoted extensively by International Business Times
Jamestown analyst Nicholas Heras was quoted extensively in an article by International Business Times titled "It's Not Just China Vs. Everybody Else: A Bizarre, Ancient Conflict in Southeast Asia Between
Hussam Abdullah Sabbagh: The Most Powerful Salafist Street Commander in Tripoli
Hussam Abdullah Sabbagh (a.k.a. “Abu Hassan”) is an important anti-Assad Lebanese Salafist commander in the northern Lebanese city of Tripoli. A popular commander of Salafist fighters in Tripoli’s northern, impoverished and
February Briefs
IRAQI AL-QAEDA AFFILIATE ISLAMIC STATE OF IRAQ INCREASES ATTACKS ACROSS IRAQ Nicholas A. Heras The Iraqi al-Qaeda affiliate Islamic State of Iraq (ISI) has maintained a steady rate of attacks
Jamestown’s Nick Heras interviewed by The National
Jamestown analyst Nick Heras was recently interviewed for an article on how Syrian armed opposition groups build social capital by providing public services. It was published in The National (UAE) and is entitled "Al
Jamestown’s Nick Heras quoted by UPI
Jamestown's Nick Heras' article on Lebanon's offshore energy fields was extensively quoted in a January 25 UPI article titled "Lebanon's feuds 'could spark gas conflict'"
Securing Lebanon’s Offshore Energy Fields Raises New Security Challenges
As the Lebanese government moves towards establishing commercial extraction of the country’s natural gas and petroleum resources in its maritime Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), questions remain whether regional instability coupled
What is Hezbollah’s Role in the Syrian Crisis?
Recent reports of an increase in Hezbollah’s involvement in Syria’s civil war as combatants alongside the Syrian military represent a potentially sharp escalation in the regional impact of the ongoing
Syrian Tribal Networks and their Implications for the Syrian Uprising
Sunni Arab tribalism has a significant socio-cultural, political, and security impact on the current uprising in Syria, with strong implications for post-Assad governance formation. Tribalism has fueled unrest throughout Syria,
Iranian Crisis Spurs Saudi Reconsideration of Nuclear Weapons
Rising tension in the Persian Gulf over the Islamic Republic of Iran’s purported ambition of developing nuclear weapons could lead to a nuclear arms race between Iran and the Kingdom
Is al-Qaeda Infiltrating Syria through Lebanon’s Beka’a Valley?
Disputes over the possible presence of al-Qaeda in Lebanon’s Beka’a Valley are beginning to destabilize Syrian-Lebanese relations. Attention on the Beka’a region has intensified following the December 23, 2011 and
Saudi Arabia’s “Iran Initiative” and Arab Tribalism: Emerging Forces Converge in the Arab World
Seeking to roll back the influence of the Islamic Republic of Iran in the Arab world, the recent “Iran Initiative” of Saudi Arabia’s King Abdullah is a major development in
Shiite Proselytizing in Northeastern Syria Will Destabilize a Post-Assad Syria
Iran’s ties to Syria go beyond the geo-politics of the "Axis of Resistance." This is evident in the remote, volatile, and oil-rich al-Jazirah region of northeastern Syria, where there has