Hezbollah’s Precision Guided Missile project under renewed scrutiny
An arms depot explosion and an accusation of operating ‘missile factories’ in Beirut has renewed the focus on the Iran/Hezbollah missile project.
Category Archives: Long War Journal
Jihadist ideologues argue over Turkey’s Erdogan
Two prominent jihadist ideologues, Sheikh Abdullah al-Muhaysini and Abu Muhammad al-Maqdisi, are engaged in a war of words over Erdoğan’s Turkey. The relationship between the jihadists in Syria and Turkey has long been a point of contention and the heated rhetoric reveals that it isn’t likely to subside soon.
Generation Jihad Ep. 27 – Counting Al Qaeda
Senior U.S. officials claim there are fewer than 200 al Qaeda members in Afghanistan. Hosts Bill Roggio and Tom Joscelyn explain why that estimate, like all others before it, isn’t credible.
Analysis: Don’t trust estimates of Al Qaeda’s strength in Afghanistan
The U.S. government, military, and intelligence services have provided inaccurate assessments of Al Qaeda’s strength in Afghanistan for more than a decade. U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo continued that tradition by recent regurgitating that Al Qaeda has fewer than 200 fighters in the country. This estimate, like previous ones, should not be trusted.
Bulgarian court convicts two Hezbollah-linked men with 2012 Burgas bus bombing
Two dual Lebanese nationals with ties to Hezbollah have been convicted of being involved in the 2012 Burgas bombing that killed six, including five Israelis.
Analysis: A ‘Tired’ Taliban talking point
American politicians, military leaders, and reporters have been claiming that the Taliban is “tired,” “desperate,” “war weary” and other such statements for the past decade and a half. Yet the Taliban keeps fighting.
Islamic State claims killing French aid workers, clashes with al Qaeda in the Sahel
In this week’s edition of the Islamic State’s weekly Al-Naba newsletter, the jihadist group claims a series of wide-ranging operations across the Sahel. This includes last month’s massacre of French aid workers in Niger, as well as a spate of battles with al Qaeda’s men.
Iranian front groups claim responsibility for recent attacks against Coalition targets in Iraq
Four newly-formed front groups for Iran have claimed several recent attacks across Iraq. American officials have attempted to downplay the events.
Analysis: Iranian-backed group in Bahrain creates sub-unit to target Israeli interests
In the first official Bahraini militant statement since the announcement of a peace deal between Bahrain and Israel, Saraya Wa’ad Allah says it is opening its doors for recruitment for a new sub-unit dedicated to attacking Israelis on the island.
IRGC-led Afghan group holds first ‘international conference’ in Iran
The IRGC-led Afghan Fatemiyoun Division held its first “international conference” in Iran, a heavily publicized event featuring speakers from other IRGC-led paramilitary groups, as well as, for the first time, an appearance – sort of – by the Fatemiyoun’s chief commander.
Generation Jihad Ep. 26 – Zawahiri’s Bizarre 9/11 Anniversary Message
Hosts Tom Joscelyn and Bill Roggio discuss al Qaeda’s weak media output on the 19th anniversary of the 9/11 hijackings.
Zawahiri asserts al Qaeda’s independence in new message
Al Qaeda has released a video message featuring Ayman al Zawahiri, who criticizes Al Jazeera at length. Although the video was released on the anniversary of the 9/11 hijackings, it was likely timed to coincide with the normalization of relations between Israel and the Kingdom of Bahrain.
Taliban secured release of wife of senior AQIS leader
The Taliban’s demand of the release of the wife of slain Al Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent leader Asim Umar is curious, as the group maintains that Al Qaeda does not have a presence in Afghanistan.
Zulfiqar Forces claim attack on U.S. Embassy in Iraq
This is the first time that the Zulfiiqar Forces, a group that formed in June 2020, has claimed a physical attack on US personnel.
DOJ charges American ‘Boogaloo Bois’ with attempting to provide material support to Hamas
Members of a U.S. extremist group held on terrorism charges for attempting to provide material support to Hamas.
Generation Jihad Ep. 25 – Another Coup in Mali
Hosts Tom Joscelyn and Bill Roggio are joined by Caleb Weiss, a longtime contributor to FDD’s Long War Journal.
US forces targeted by Shabaab suicide bombing
At least one US soldier was wounded in the blast, while two Somali troops were also killed. This is the third time the group has reported clashing with American troops inside Somalia since Aug. 24.
Anas Haqqani extols virtues of his ‘Legendary Father’ on Taliban’s official website
Anas Haqqani’s paean to his father is further evidence that he holds an important position in the Taliban.
New group claims recent attacks in Iraq
A newly formed and likely front group belonging to the Islamic Resistance in Iraq claims responsibility for recent attacks in the country
Generation Jihad Ep. 24 – America Remains in Iraq
Despite decrying America’s role in “endless wars,” President Trump recently defended the role of a small U.S. force in the country.
IDF responds to Hezbollah after troops reportedly come under fire
Hezbollah reportedly fires at IDF troops operating near the Lebanon-Israel border prompting a retaliation by the Israeli military.
Generation Jihad Ep. 23 – Joe Biden Can’t End the Jihad
Nor can President Trump. Hosts Tom Joscelyn and Bill Roggio discuss former VP Joe Biden’s intent to “end” the “forever wars.”
Iranian-backed front group claims to target American supply convoy in Iraq
People of the Cave, a newly formed outfit, has claimed various bombings on American supply convoys across Iraq. However, it is unclear how many of these claims are accurate.
Generation Jihad Ep. 22 – Conspiracies Everywhere
Hosts Tom Joscelyn and Bill Roggio discuss the prevalence of conspiracy theories in the post-9/11 era.
Pakistani Taliban splinter factions officially rejoin group
The Pakistani Taliban announced today that two splinter factions, Jamaat-ul-Ahrar (JuA) and Hizb-ul-Ahrar (HuA), have rejoined the organization.
Shabaab hits hotel, military base with suicide assaults
In two days, Shabaab has launched two suicide assaults across southern Somalia. Additionally, it continues to target high-ranking government officials in a renewed assassination campaign.
Taliban refuses to negotiate with ‘Kabul administration’ it does not recognize as legitimate
The U.S.-Taliban withdrawal deal legitimized the Taliban’s refusal to recognize the Afghan government – and more ammo to continue walking the hard line it has drawn in refusing to engage directly in talks with the government.
IRGC-led Afghan group releases Syria training camp video
Afghan fighters of the IRGC-led Fatemiyoun Division showcased their light infantry and snipers in a Syria training camp video released to commemorate an important Shiite holiday.
Taliban parades fighters as 400 more prisoners are freed
The Taliban is displaying its military might as Afghan government has agreed to release the final batch of 400 prisoners demanded by the Taliban.
Palestinian factions resume activity at Gaza border
Palestinian factions have resumed a campaign of incendiary and explosive-laden balloons against Israel.