BRIEFS

ISLAMIC STATE OF IRAQ CREATES NEW BRIGADE

On May 14, a statement by the Islamic State of Iraq (ISI) was posted on https://w-n-n.com, an Arabic-language web forum that hosts many jihadi texts and declarations. The statement announced the creation of a special brigade to storm the enemy’s front and rear lines, penetrate fortified sites such as the Iraqi parliament and capture individuals wanted by the ISI. According to the statement: “We are happy to announce to the Islamic nation that the [Islamic State of Iraq’s] Ministry of War had prepared a special brigade which are highly trained, both physically and militarily” for the aforementioned assignments. The statement specifies western Anbar Province and eastern Diyala province as being areas where ISI fighters are already penetrating the lines of Iraqi and coalition-led forces.

MOROCCO PROLONGS CUSTODY OF 23 AL-QAEDA SUSPECTS

A new report in the Moroccan newspaper Assabah on May 10 reveals the international nature of the North African jihad. The article covers the decision by a Moroccan court to prolong the custody of 23 Moroccans accused of al-Qaeda membership and of recruiting Moroccan youths to join the organization. At least three of the detainees have lived in countries outside of Morocco, including Belgium, Mauritania and Syria. Authorities told the newspaper that they were still concerned about reports of Moroccan youths training in military camps in Algeria, Mali and Mauritania, and of Moroccan fighters returning home after engaging in jihad in Iraq. These latter fighters would likely have combat experience and explosives knowledge.

PAKISTAN WARNS OF ATTACKS ON COMMUNICATION INFRASTRUCTURE

According to a new article in the Islamabad-based The News on May 9, terrorists may soon begin attacks on communication infrastructure inside Pakistan. The article cited a top secret letter put forth by Pakistani intelligence agencies warning of terrorist attacks on communication centers and phone exchanges in the months ahead. In response, the Pakistan Telecommunications Company Limited (PCTL) has increased security at its installations. The secret document also stated that terrorists had already infiltrated Punjab Province from Waziristan in preparation for suicide attacks. Pakistani militants regularly attack government infrastructure, such as radio towers, in the North-West Frontier Province, Balochistan Province and the Federally Administered Tribal Areas.