Middle East

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Abdul Aziz al-Uzbeki: KTJ’s Trusted Ally of Ahmed al-Sharaa in Syria

06.25.2026 Uran Botobekov

Executive Summary: Abdul Aziz al-Uzbeki, the emir of Katibat Tawhid wal-Jihad (KTJ), has protected the group from fragmentation by navigating intra-jihadist rivalries. He successfully transitioned...

Publication Militant Leadership Monitor

Islamic State Intelligence Emir Ali Bora Arrested in Türkiye

06.25.2026 Jacob Zenn

Executive Summary: On May 23, Turkish and Syrian intelligence officers detained ten Islamic State (IS) suspects in Syria, including Ali Bora, who served as the...

Publication Militant Leadership Monitor

Assessing the State of Iran’s Naval Infrastructure and Tactics

06.12.2026 Andrew McGregor

Executive Summary: The launch of the U.S.–Israeli strikes on February 28 devastated Iran's conventional navy—the Islamic Republic of Iran Navy (IRIN)—sinking numerous frigates, corvettes, and...

Publication Terrorism Monitor

Pakistan: Unexpected Host of U.S.–Iranian Talks

06.05.2026 Andrea Serino

Executive Summary: Following the launch of Operation Epic Fury on February 28, Pakistan has emerged as a key mediator between the United States and Iran,...

Publication Terrorism Monitor