Latest Briefs
Operation Shujaa Targets Islamic State’s Leadership in Congo with Arrests of Salim Mohammed, Benjamin Kisokeranio, and Cheikh Banza
On January 30, Kenya announced it would seek the extradition of Kenyan national Salim Mohammed, who was arrested in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) three days earlier. Although the DRC has not provided details on Mohammed’s capture, a photo of him was released after... MORE
A Glimpse Inside the Congolese Branch of Islamic State in Central Africa Province
The Islamic State in Central Africa Province (ISCAP)’s Congolese branch has been expanding its operations from Congo into Uganda, while also officially being part of the same group as ISCAP’s Mozambique branch (Al-Jazeera, November 22, 2021). The leadership of ISCAP’s two branches have remained unannounced... MORE
Are Illiasou Djibo and Moussa Moumoni Emerging as Islamic State in Greater Sahara’s New Leadership Duo?
Islamic State in Greater Sahara (ISGS) has suffered a number of setbacks since it surged in late 2019 with a series of massive attacks in Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso. By January 2020, ISGS was on the verge of superseding its rival, al-Qaeda-loyal Group for... MORE
Aymen al-Zawahiri Confirms Death of Sahelian Jihadist Mastermind Mokhtar Belmokhtar
Mokhtar Belmokhtar became a “legend” in jihadism in the Sahel for masterminding numerous terrorist attacks, including the hostage-taking operation at In Amenas gas plant in Algeria in 2013. However, it had been unknown whether or not Belmokhtar was active since 2015. In September 2021, Aymen... MORE
Sirajuddin Haqqani: Pakistan’s ‘Sword Arm’ and ‘Strategic Asset’ in Afghanistan
Sirajuddin Haqqani, the 48-year-old leader of the Haqqani Network (HN), has gained considerably from the Taliban’s return to power in Kabul. This was underscored on September 7, when the Taliban unveiled its interim government and announced that Sirajuddin would be in charge of the powerful... MORE
A Harbinger of the Taliban’s Future Policies: Mohammad Mohaqiq
As the Taliban completed its takeover of Kabul on August 15, a group of influential Afghan political leaders boarded a plan and escaped to Pakistan. The delegation included the speaker of the lower house of the Afghan parliament, Rehman Rehmani, as well as Ahmad Zia... MORE
Back to the Herat Frontlines: The Return of Ismael Khan
On July 9, as the Taliban made rapid gains in the western Afghan province of Herat, Ismael Khan vowed to raise a civilian militia and push back the insurgent organization. In the 24 hours before Khan’s remarks, the Taliban had captured eight districts in Herat... MORE
The Warlords Return to Afghanistan: Atta Mohammad Noor
On June 21, the Afghan warlord Atta Mohammad Noor pledged to mobilize the public of his native Balkh province to fight the Taliban (TOLO News, June 22; Twitter.com/Atamohammadnoor, June 21). The announcement came as the Taliban has made dramatic territorial gains in the country, having... MORE
Iran’s Man in Nineveh: Waad Qado and the PMF’s 30th Brigade
On May 12, the U.S. Department of State released its annual report on International Religious Freedom. Though the report drew media attention for calling out abuses of religious freedom from geopolitical rivals to the United States, including Russia and China, what received less attention was... MORE
Islamic State Claims Responsibility for Assassination of Taliban Shadow Governor in Peshawar
On April 19, two members of Islamic State (IS) riding on motorcycles fired upon a vehicle traveling in the area of Haji Camp, near Peshawar, in Pakistan. The shooting resulted in the death of Maulvi Naik Muhammad Rahbar, the Taliban’s shadow governor of Nangarhar province.... MORE