Turkistan Islamic Party in Syria confirms death of French-born fighter
This marks at least the second time a French fighter has been killed alongside the Turkistan Islamic Party in Syria.
Author Archives: Caleb Weiss
Uighur jihadist fought in Afghanistan, killed in Syria
A Uighur commander known as Abu Omar al Turkistani was killed in a US drone strike in Syria on Jan. 1. According to a jihadi biography posted online, he had a lengthy career fighting alongside al Qaeda-linked forces. He purportedly participated in the Battle of Tora Bora in late 2001.
Uzbek jihadist group claims ambush in northern Afghanistan
Katibat Imam al Bukhari, which also operates in Syria alongside al Qaeda’s forces there, claims that four Afghan soldiers were killed in the attack.
Islamic State claims hotel attack in northern Somalia
It is the Islamic State’s first major operation in Puntland since it captured the town of Qandala last October.
Caucasus Emirate branch highlights fighters in Syria
The Caucasus Emirate in Syria has previously shown its forces partaking in battles in Aleppo, but it is now detailing fighting in Idlib Province.
Shabaab details deadly raid on Kenyan military base in Somalia
Shabaab’s deadly raid on a Kenyan Defense Forces base in southern Somalia last week comes just over a year after a similar assault left at least 100 Kenyan soldiers dead.
Shabaab suicide assault at Mogadishu hotel kills at least 28
Shabaab’s suicide assault teams continue to prove its ability to strike popular hotels in heavily fortified areas of Mogadishu.
AQIM claims massive suicide attack on Malian base
The suicide bombing, which left at least 50 people dead, is one of the largest terrorist attacks in Mali’s history.
Al Qaeda linked to more than 250 West African attacks in 2016
With at least 257 al Qaeda-linked attacks in Mali and its neighboring countries, this represents a significant uptick in the al Qaeda-led insurgency in northern Mali in recent years.
Moroccan jihadist group merges with local Syrian faction
Sham al Islam, a group founded by former Moroccan detainees at Guantanamo Bay, has merged with a local Syrian faction in order to “unify the ranks” and to “protect the jihad” in Syria.
Jihadists launch coordinated assault in Burkina Faso
The coordinated assault blamed on jihadists has left nearly a dozen Burkinabe soldiers dead.
Young female suicide bombers strike in northeast Nigeria
Women and girls continue to be utilized by the Islamic State West Africa (formerly known as Boko Haram). At least 123 suicide bombings involving females have been recorded in data compiled by FDD’s Long War Journal.
Suspected jihadists launch jailbreak in southern Mali
No one has claimed the assault, but Ansar Dine was behind a jailbreak last month.
AQIM claims two attacks in northern Mali
The two attacks, including a suicide bombing, targeted foreign bases at airports in northern Mali. Al Qaeda has launched more than 200 attacks in Mali and the neighboring countries in the past year.
Filipino troops battle Islamic State-loyal forces for town
Filipino forces have been battling for control over a southern town after Islamic State-loyal forces captured it last week.
Ansar Dine claims string of attacks across Mali
The total number of al Qaeda-linked attacks in Mali in 2016 now sits at 203.
AQIM executes Tuareg prisoners in video
The al Qaeda branch executes several alleged spies for regional and French forces.
Islamic State fighters withdraw from captured Somali port town
The Islamic State-loyal forces withdrew just a day after capturing Qandala. However, the small branch did demonstrate it has the capabilities to even temporarily take over and hold ground.
Islamic State in Somalia claims capture of port town
This marks the first time the fledgling Islamic State branch has claimed control over a town in Somalia.
Shabaab launches series of strikes in Kenya, Somalia
Shabaab continues to demonstrate its deadliness in both Kenya and Somalia.
Niger thwarts jihadist prison break attempt
Today’s attempted prison break is just the most recent in a spate of attacks in Niger from suspected Malian-based jihadists.
Islamic State in the Greater Sahara claims second attack in Burkina Faso
The Islamic State in the Greater Sahara (ISGS) has claimed its second attack in two months. Both reportedly occurred in the same area of northern Burkina Faso near the border with Mali.
American aid worker reportedly kidnapped in Niger
No group has to yet to claim this, but al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb has been behind several kidnappings of Westerners in Niger in the past.
Suspected jihadists attack Nigerien refugee camp
The attack was reportedly perpetrated by al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb, but no group has yet to claim the assault.
Ansar Dine claims series of attacks in northern Mali
The Tuareg al Qaeda front claimed a coordinated assault on UN troops yesterday in northern Mali, which included two separate incidents of shelling and IED attacks.
Turkistan Islamic Party in Syria shows more ‘little jihadists’
The Turkistan Islamic Party, a Uighur jihadist group connected to al Qaeda, continues its long tradition of showing children trained for jihad.
Ansar Dine shows spoils taken in central Mali
The video shows the aftermath of an ambush on Malian troops in central Mali last month. The jihadist group’s two battalions that operate in central and southern Mali continue to threaten the region.
Shabaab claims pro-government militias surrender in central Somalia
This comes just days after Shabaab recaptured towns in the same region after Ethiopian troops withdrew.
Shabaab captures town in central Somalia
Shabaab claims to have captured two towns in central Somalia after Ethiopian troops reportedly withdrew from their nearby bases.
Islamic State’s Sahara branch claims first attack in Burkina Faso
The claim, if it is confirmed, marks the first Islamic State attack in the Sahel.