Taliban has ‘surrounded’ five Afghan provincial capitals
FDD’s Long War Journal has assessed that 17 of Afghanistan’s 34 provinces are under direct Taliban threat.
Category Archives: Long War Journal
Ep. 49 — Al Qaeda tries to capitalize on conflict between Hamas and Israel
Hosts Tom and Bill discuss recent statements by al Qaeda concerning the conflict between Hamas and Israel. Al Qaeda has commented on Palestinian issues often, but otherwise has had little to do with the situation. Bill also discusses his updated map of the war in Afghanistan, where the Taliban has steadily made gains. Powered by […]
IDF launches targeted killing operations against Gaza-based militants
The IDF in conjunction with Israel’s internal security service, Shin Bet, have launched a targeted killing campaign in the current conflict with Palestinian factions in Gaza.
Taliban control in Afghanistan expands significantly since 2018
The number of Afghan districts controlled and contested by the Taliban has nearly doubled since early 2018. With the withdrawal of U.S. airpower and special operations forces, the Taliban is poised to take over large regions of the country.
Taliban overruns district in central Afghanistan
The security situation in Wardak province and neighboring Logar is dire. A potential battle for control of Kabul will likely begin in Wardak and Logar.
Taliban leader boasts of security under his Islamic Emirate
In a statement released on May 9, Taliban emir Hibatullah (Haibatullah) Akhunzada boasts that security under his Islamic Emirate is exceptional. He again offers amnesty to the enemies of his group. He demands that the U.S. free the remaining Taliban prisoners and remove the group’s leaders from sanctions and rewards lists.
Shabaab photos detail control over town in central Somalia
Shabaab has controlled the central Somali town of Bacaadweyne for over a month thanks to a forced political deal with the local clan.
Taliban takes control of two districts in Afghan north
The move presages a coming Taliban offensive, which the goal is to reestablish its Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan by force.
IDF says it downed two Hezbollah drones in recent weeks
The IDF’s downing of two Hezbollah drones suggests it continues its attempts to probe Israeli airspace to gather information on activity in Israel.
Iranian-backed groups tout operations in Iraq
The so-called ‘Islamic Resistance in Iraq,’ a grouping of newly created militias and front groups of Iran, celebrated one year of operations against U.S.-led forces.
Analysis: Syrian missile explodes near Israeli nuclear facility
Official statements about a military confrontation between Israel and Syria casts doubt leading to a more probable explanation into what occurred Thursday morning.
Taliban’s deputy leader stresses importance of judges in the Islamic emirate
In a newly released message, Sirajuddin Haqqani discusses the importance of the Taliban’s judges in the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan. Haqqani is preparing his men to rule over more territory in Afghanistan.
Pakistani Taliban claims suicide bombing in Quetta
The TTP claimed yesterday’s suicide bombing in Quetta, Pakistan, saying the “martyrdom-seeking” operation targeted Pakistani officials.
Ep. 48 — What happens in Afghanistan doesn’t stay in Afghanistan
Hosts Bill Roggio and Tom Joscelyn discuss President Biden’s to withdraw U.S. military forces from Afghanistan. It’s understandable that he doesn’t want any more Americans to die there, but the Afghans continue to fight a global jihadist threat. Powered by RedCircle Take a look around the globe today and you’ll see jihadists fighting everywhere from […]
Taliban demands U.S. withdraw forces by May 1 deadline
The Taliban demanded that all U.S. forces leave by May 1. It has threatened to resume attacks on U.S. forces if they do not leave by the date agreed upon in the Doha Accords.
Analysis: Israel’s three-front conflict with Iran
A tit for tat exchange of retaliatory attacks has taken place between Israel and Iran over recent weeks which has the potential to push both powers towards a wider conflict.
Ep. 47 – Designating terrorists
FDD’s Jonathan Schanzer joins the podcast to discuss how the U.S. Treasury Department designates terrorists and America’s current challenges. Jon and host Bill Roggio also discuss their love of Philly sports teams to the disgust of host Tom Joscleyn. Powered by RedCircle Take a look around the globe today and you’ll see jihadists fighting everywhere […]
Taliban pushes Osama bin Laden truther conspiracy theories
The Taliban denied that Osama bin Laden was responsible for the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks on the U.S. and questioned whether he was killed by U.S. soldiers in Abbottabad, Pakistan in 2011.
Taliban rejects U.S. peace plan, six month extension in withdrawal deadline
The Taliban has publicly rejected a proposal to share power with the “quisling administration,” meaning the Afghan government. The group also outright rejects elections, and warns that attacks on American and NATO troops will resume if they are not withdrawn by May 1.
Israel resumes airstrikes against Iran’s proxy network in Syria
Israel continues its ‘war between the wars’ campaign as it attempts to thwart Iran’s proxy network in Syria and abroad.
Analysis: Al Qaeda continues to operate throughout Afghanistan
Based on reports from Al Qaeda, the United Nations, and press reports, the terror group and its allies are operating in 21 of Afghanistan’s 34 provinces.
Yemen, Syria and Iran’s capabilities: A look at Israel’s strategic view of key proxy conflicts in the MidEast
Israel is concerned about Iran’s role in Syria and Yemen, as well as its continued support for groups that threaten Israel. A recent discussion with an Israeli senior defense official provided an insight into Israel’s concerns and how these conflict areas have developed. A previous post at the FDD’s Long War Journal looked an overview of the […]
Ep. 46 — Waiting for a withdrawal decision
Hosts Tom Joscelyn and Bill Roggio briefly discuss recent reporting on the Biden administration’s deliberations concerning a withdrawal from Afghanistan. They also discuss ISIS’ surge in Mozambique. Powered by RedCircle Take a look around the globe today and you’ll see jihadists fighting everywhere from West Africa to Southeast Asia. They aren’t the dominant force in […]
As U.S. seeks peace, Taliban celebrates its jihadist training camps
The Taliban continues to promote its training camps that pump out jihadist fighters who indiscriminately attack Afghan civilians, soldiers and police.
Shabaab recommends black seed and honey to combat coronavirus
Shabaab, al Qaeda’s branch in East Africa, uses recent reports concerning potential problems with the AstraZeneca vaccine to present itself as a legitimate governing force.
Jaysh al-Ummah emir offers solution to ‘Palestinian case’, derides ‘Resistance’ leaders
The emir of Jaysh al-Ummah in Gaza, Sheikh Mujahid Abu Hafs al-Maqdisi, offers solutions to solve the ‘Palestinian case’ while accusing Palestinian leaders of corruption.
NDS kills Al Qaeda commander in eastern Afghanistan
Afghanistan’s National Directorate of Security killed an Al Qaeda commander and a Taliban leader during a recent operation in the eastern province of Paktika. The two supported Al Qaeda’s operations in the east and planned and supported high profile attacks.
Islamic State claims capture of coastal city in Mozambique
Mozambique, however, claims the fighting is still ongoing for control over the city. If its capture is confirmed, this is the second major town to fall under the control of the Islamic State’s local wing.
Taliban threatens to ‘continue its Jihad’ if U.S., NATO forces remain in Afghanistan
After President Biden said it would be difficult for the U.S. to leave Afghanistan by May 1, 2021, the Taliban threatened to “continue its Jihad and armed struggle against foreign forces.”
Islamic State kills hundreds in massacres across the Sahel
Almost 300 people have been killed in a series of mass killings in Niger and on a military position inside Mali. The Islamic State has officially claimed just one of the attacks, but it is believed to have carried out all of the massacres.