Latest Terrorism Monitor Articles
Brief: Islamic State Spokesman Emphasizes African Focus
Executive Summary Islamic State’s (IS) spokesman hailed the group’s African “provinces” for their sustained expansion. IS has been able to continue to opportunistically consolidate its presence in Africa while global attention is concentrated elsewhere. While IS has focused on the Israel–Hamas conflict to some extent,... MORE
Brief: Questions Around Terrorism in Tajikistan and Central Asia Abound After Crocus City Hall Massacre
Executive Summary Russia’s crackdown on Tajiks following the March 22 Crocus City Hall massacre is likely leading to further alienation and subsequent radicalization among members of the ethnic group living in Russia. These individuals would bring these ideas with them if they are deported back... MORE
Anti-Junta Rebels Resort to 3D-Printed Weapons in Myanmar
Executive Summary Anti-junta rebels in Myanmar are increasingly turning to 3D-printed weaponry to fight the regime’s forces. These weapons are significantly cheaper to acquire and easier to produce than factory-made armaments. Going forward, 3D printers may offer insurgents arounds the world a new means by... MORE
Hezbollah Took Advantage of Crisis in Lebanon to Build Gold Reserve, Popularity in Preparation for War with Israel
Executive Summary Hezbollah has used Lebanon’s ongoing political and financial crisis to acquire large gold reserves from its citizens living in poverty, doing so in a way that offers the group the chance to bolster both its popularity its asset reserves in preparation for a... MORE
Baloch Separatists Continue to Launch More Sophisticated, Coordinated Attacks Against Pakistan
Executive Summary The current wave of Baloch insurgency has grown increasingly sophisticated in its attacks over the last few years, adopting new tactics and targeting a wider array of high-value targets. As the Pakistani state is beset by a fresh wave of violence from the... MORE
Brief: ISWAP Suicide Truck Bombers Target Nigerian Supercamps in Northeast
Executive Summary Islamic State in West Africa Province (ISWAP) aims to break its ongoing stalemate with Nigerian forces by deploying suicide vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices (SVBIEDs). This represents the first time in five years that ISWAP has used SVBIEDs, with at least four bombings occurring... MORE
Brief: Surrender of Another Abu Sayyaf Militant Signals Philippines’ Continued Counter-Terrorism Success
Executive Summary The continuing string of Abu Sayyaf militants surrendering themselves in the Philippines suggests an ongoing collapse in jihadist morale. Effective reintegration programs combined with counter-insurgency successes against Abu Sayyaf will allow the Philippines to focus on other militant groups, like the communist National... MORE
India’s Manipur State Addresses Violence Stemming from Myanmar Ahead of State Elections
Executive Summary Officials of India's restive Manipur State are attempting to ensure that voting for the country’s lower house on April 19 remains peaceful. Sectarian strife in Manipur has been exacerbated by the influx of refugees from neighboring Myanmar. Manipur is a highly complicated region,... MORE
Focus on High-Value Military Targets Emphasizes the TJP’s Link to the TTP
Executive Summary The Tehreek-e-Jihad Pakistan's (TJP) assaults on high-profile military targets reflect a similar attack pattern to the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan's (TTP), providing additional evidence to the argument that the former is intended to be a front group for the latter. This has contributed to a... MORE
Kyrgyzstan’s Repatriation of Foreign Fighters’ Wives and Children from Syrian Camps Marks the End of an Era
Executive Summary Kyrgyzstan recently finished repatriating women and children who were detained in Syria and Iraq for having been connected with men who fought with al-Qaeda and Islamic State (IS). This has been hailed as the end to Central Asia's struggle with large-scale jihadism, but... MORE