FDD's Long War Journal

Pakistani Taliban establish ‘base’ inside Syria

The Movement of the Taliban in Pakistan has sent experts in warfare and information technology to Syria to establish a base, aid in joint operations, and monitor the fighting there.

Hezbollah

Iranian Assets Unfrozen by Judge for Terror Victims’ Kin

‘313 Brigade’ claims car bombing that targeted Hezbollah in Beirut

The 313 Brigade shares the same name as an al Qaeda military formation that is based in Pakistan.

Did Israel strike in Syria again?

Speculation is swirling that Israel may have recently conducted its fourth strike against advanced weaponry in Syria since the start of the uprising against Bashar al Assad.

This LWJ report examines al Qaeda’s activities in Turkey, providing a detailed look at its targets, plots, and attacks. These activities suggest that the al Qaeda threat in Turkey persists and is concentrated on targeting Western interests, including those of the US.

Canadian terror suspect: ‘I wish I was with the Mujahideen’

A review of social media accounts tied to John Nuttall and Amanda Korody reveals that they were likely watching jihadist videos online. In one online comment, Nuttall said he wished he “was with the Mujahideen.”

France

Diary Of An MKO Rent-A-Crowd Demonstrator

United States

Secretary of State Kerry said after discussions with Russia that a proposed peace conference on Syria is not likely to occur before at least September. Prosecutors in the trial of Pfc. Bradley Manning said documents found in Osama bin Laden’s compound in Pakistan prove he sought information from WikiLeaks. NSA leaker Edward Snowden is having […]

2 arrested in Canadian terror plot ‘inspired by al Qaeda ideology’

Canadian authorities announced the arrest of two Canadian-born citizens in a terror plot involving pressure cooker bombs. The two suspects, who were “inspired by al Qaeda ideology,” targeted a public gathering at the British Columbia Legislature in Victoria on Canada Day, July 1.

France

Iran importing missile-grade ore from Germany, France

Syria

Regime forces launched a major assault on rebel-held areas of Homs, which they have been trying to regain for a year. Saudi Arabia is thought to have recently speeded up shipments of heavy weapons to the rebels. A German aid group announced that three of its employees were kidnapped over six weeks ago in northwest […]

Al Nusrah Front claims joint operations, including a suicide assault, with Syrian rebel groups

Al Qaeda’s affiliate carried out a suicide assault with the help of the Nasser Salahuddin Brigade, and conventional attacks with the help of Dera’ al Assima, Liwa al Habib al Mustafa, and Liwa’ al-Tawhid brigades, three Free Syrian Army units in Damascus.

Online jihadists discuss fate of al Qaeda operative held by Saudi Arabia

Online jihadists have once again taken up the cause of Saleh al Qarawi, who is detained inside Saudi Arabia. Al Qarawi previously headed the Abdullah Azzam Brigades and reportedly operated from inside Iran. Earlier this month, the Brigades threatened Iran over its role in the Syrian conflict.

Muhajireen Army fires on Syrian helicopter with surface-to-air missile

A fighter from the al Qaeda-linked group shot down a Syrian military helicopter with what appears to be an SAM-7. The cameraman who shot the footage may be a Westerner.

Israel

According to a new poll, 59% of Israeli Arabs say a third intifada is justified. The IDF conducted a military exercise in the Golan Heights. Former Mossad chief Meir Dagan said he does not expect much of a change from Iran following the election of Hassan Rouhani. Israeli security officials said Israel does not share […]

Palestinian Territories

Turkish Prime Minister Erdogan said he could make a surprise visit to the Gaza Strip at “any time.” Palestinian Islamic Jihad called for the removal of Hamas’ Interior Minister Fathi Hammad. Senior Hamas official Mousa Abu Marzouk met with Hezbollah and Iranian officials during a recent visit to Lebanon.

Canada

Fears false Iranian refugees with ‘sinister motives’ may enter Canada as 19 are rejected on security grounds

Lebanon-based printer at center of Burgas probe

In a recent working group discussion among EU states, Bulgaria revealed that the printer used to print the fake licenses used by terrorists in the July 2012 Burgas attack belonged to a member of Hezbollah.

Georgia

As Sanctions Bite, Iranians Invest Big in Georgia

Argentina

New Iranian President Tied to 1994 Bombing

Israel

Authorities announced the arrest of three former Palestinian Authority security force members for the 2011 shooting of an Israeli in Nablus. Defense Minister Ya’alon said the Iranian regime must be forced to decide between nuclear weapons and the regime.

IAEA

Rohani once approved of hiding Iran atomic work

United Kingdom

The Supreme Court ruled that soldiers’ families can sue the government for damages resulting from alleged negligence by the military; in so doing, the court rejected the Defence Ministry’s claim of “combat immunity,” except for decisions made in the heat of battle or at high levels of military policy. The court also overturned sanctions against […]

Germany

Hidden Report Reveals How Iran Dodges Nuclear Watchdogs

Israel

President Peres said the US is right to arm the Syrian opposition. Housing Minister Ariel said Israel has ceased all new housing construction in the West Bank and east Jerusalem to help revive peace talks with the Palestinians. Defense Minister Ya’alon warned that Iran may seek to use the recent presidential election to advance the […]

Iraq

Al Qaeda in Iraq killed 15 Iraqis in attacks across the country; in Fallujah, three Iraqi policemen were killed in a suicide bombing. Al Qaeda also assassinated a senior Sunni cleric in Ramadi. The Mukhtar Army claimed it attacked the Mujahedeen-e-Khalq.

Palestinian Territories

Hamas called on Hezbollah to get its fighters out of the Syrian civil war. Cairo-based Mousa Abu Marzouk said that Hezbollah should aim its weapons against Israel. A senior Hamas official said the group hopes to move forward with its ties with Iran following the recent presidential election.