Eye on Extremism

August 24, 2023 

Garowe Online: Ethiopian Troops Edge Out Al-Shabaab In Strategic Towns In Somalia

“The Ethiopian National Defense Forces [ENDF] has stepped up operations against Al-Shabaab militants in southern Somalia, with the soldiers now aiming at strategic towns where the militants were dominant, derailing economic activities in the process. On Tuesday, African Union Transition Mission in Somalia [ATMIS] Force Commander Lt. Gen Sam Okiding and Chief of Staff Brigadier General Kindu Gezu Tegegn visited ENDF troops serving ATMIS, hailing them for escalating operations to Al-Shabaab strongholds. At Mahas Forward Operating Base [FOB], the two generals lauded Sector IV troops for helping in neutralizing Al-Shabaab militants, adding that ATMIS is committed to helping Somalia to stabilize, following years of Al-Shabaab menace in different parts of the country. The Force Commander also reiterated troops' vigilance and readiness at all times to deny Al-Shabaab freedom of movement and action through maximization of force protection, vigilance, and enhanced Patrols, according to state media reports.”

Voice Of America: US Sees IS Effectiveness Decreasing, But Analysts Warn Resurgence Still Possible

“While the Islamic State terror group continues to lose influence in Iraq, U.S. Major General Matthew W. McFarlane recently warned that IS remnants still pose a threat to areas not under the protection of the U.S.-led coalition, including parts of Syria. Analysts see Islamic State expanding into Africa and Asia. McFarlane commands the Combined Joint Task Force-Operation Inherent Resolve based in Iraq, working to defeat Islamic State militants and prevent their resurgence. In an online briefing to journalists this month, McFarlane, calling the group ISIS as well as the Arab acronym Daesh, said Islamic State no longer controls any territory, has lost leaders and fighters, and carries out fewer attacks than in the past. He said there was a 65% reduction in Islamic State activity this year compared to last year.”

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United States

Air Force Times: A ‘Lethal Threat’: Why The Far Right Sees More Scrutiny Than The Left

“…One reason for the discrepancy is the far right’s efforts to recruit veterans and service members to their cause, said Josh Lipowsky, a researcher with the Counter Extremism Project who authored a report last year about far-left extremism. Lipowsky determined that today’s far-left groups lack the organizational structure used by the far right.”

Afghanistan

Voice Of America: Taliban Reportedly Stop 100 Afghan Female Students From Flying To UAE For Studies

“The Taliban have allegedly barred a group of young girls from leaving Afghanistan for the United Arab Emirates, where they were expected to complete university studies. Khalaf Al Habtoor, a prominent Emirati businessman, said in a video message on X, formerly Twitter, that he had sponsored about 100 Afghan female students to enable them to pursue their education in collaboration with the University of Dubai. But he said that his office received "the uncomfortable news" Wednesday morning that Taliban authorities prevented the girls from boarding a plane waiting for them at Kabul airport. "This has left me lost for words to describe the disappointment I currently feel," said Al Habtoor, the founder and chairman of Al Habtoor Group, described as one the UAE's most respected and successful businesses. He said that he was "sad today" because the students could not reach Dubai, where his organization had already arranged university admissions, accommodation, transport, and security for the group after months of efforts.”

Middle East

i24: Gaza Terrorist Groups Fear Resumption Of Targeted Killings By Israel - Report

“After two terror attacks that caused the death of three Israelis in recent days, Palestinian terrorist groups in Gaza are on heightened alert, fearing that the Israeli army will resume its strategy of targeted eliminations of their leaders, according to Lebanese newspaper Al Akhbar.  This tactic was previously implemented during Israel’s Operation "Shield and Arrow." An unnamed source within the terrorist organizations issued a stern warning to Israel, stating that any response to the targeted killings would not only be swift, but would "exceed Israel's expectations" in terms of power and method. The source added that such eliminations could trigger a considerable escalation, potentially affecting all fronts of the conflict between Israel and the Palestinian armed groups.”

Nigeria

Associated Press: Extremists Abduct More Than 40 Women In Latest Attack In Northeast Nigeria

“At least 42 women have been abducted by Islamic extremist rebels during an attack in northeast Nigeria’s Borno state, locals told The Associated Press on Wednesday. The rebels attacked the women as they gathered firewood in the Jere district of Borno, which is the epicenter of a 14-year-long insurgency launched by the extremist group known as Boko Haram, according to a member of the Civilian Joint Task Force local security group who identified himself as Abba. Locals also said the victims were from a camp for internally displaced persons in the neighboring Mafa district and had been selling firewood to boost their income as economic hardship in Nigeria under the new president bites harder. Kachalla Maidugu, a government spokesman in the district, confirmed the incident that occurred on Tuesday but was only reported late Wednesday. “We received information yesterday that 46 women were abducted, but only four were allowed to return home while 42 were held back,” said Maidugu.”

United Kingdom

BBC: Coventry Student Built Drone To Deliver A Bomb For Islamic State, Court Told

“Mohamad Al-Bared was a supporter of the group and the device was found in a bedroom at his Coventry home when he was arrested in January. The University of Birmingham student had filled in an IS application form, Birmingham Crown Court heard. He denies engaging in conduct in preparation for terrorism. The 26-year-old mechanical engineering graduate was arrested at the same time as a raid was carried out at the home he shared with his parents on Kare Road. Several devices were seized and analysed and a 3D printer was also found at the property, which could be used to make parts for the drone, prosecutor Michelle Heeley KC said. "He says he is not responsible for filling in the application form, but we say how else has it got there?" Ms Heeley asked. The drone was shown to jurors and Ms Heeley said it had landing gear and a small digital camera.”

The Independent: UK And Iraq Strengthen Partnership To Combat Crime And Terrorism

“The UK and Iraq have strengthened their partnership to combat crime and terrorism as security minister Tom Tugendhat wraps up a three-day visit to the region. The agreement, reached with the government of Iraq and the Kurdistan regional government, seeks to reinforce the UK’s efforts to tackle serious organised crime, including organised immigration crime, human trafficking and narcotics. Both countries are preparing to sign a statement of intent to tackle shared organised-crime threats in the coming weeks. Mr Tugendhat’s visit, from August 21 to 23, saw him engaged in high-level discussions in Baghdad with prime minister Mohammad Shia Al-Sudani, foreign affairs minister Fuad Hussein and interior minister Lt Gen Abdul-Amir Al-Shammeri. He also travelled to Erbil, the capital of the semi-autonomous Kurdistan region of Iraq, where he was welcomed by the region’s president Nechirvan Barzani.”

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