Email from Counter Extremism Project (CEP) Global News on Extremism and Terrorism Eye on Extremism April 11, 2025   Top Stories New York Times: How Hamas and the U.S. Tried to Strike a Hostage Deal It all started, and ended, in March. Even though the United States has backed Israel in its campaign in Gaza against Hamas, which launched the Oct. 7, 2023, attack that killed some 1,200 people in Israel, Trump administration officials met with senior Hamas officials in Qatar three times, the four people said. The meetings were a break with longstanding U.S. policy against contact with the armed group, which the United States considers a terrorist organization. The March talks underscored the Trump administration’s ad hoc approach to diplomacy. But in the face of furious Israeli opposition, Hamas’s hesitation and the Trump administration’s shifting position, an agreement to free the hostage, Edan Alexander, never came together. The Free Press: Will the U.S. Strike a Deal with Iran This Weekend? Last month, Donald Trump sat at his desk in the Oval Office and personally edited the final draft of a letter to Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, whose government allegedly plotted to kill Trump last year. Trump scratched out lines and phrases in a back-and-forth with aides over a missive that expressed his desire to hold direct talks with Tehran over its advancing nuclear program. The letter was then shared with diplomatic intermediaries from the United Arab Emirates, who ferried it to Tehran. Trump’s overture to Khamenei, an 85-year-old Shi’ite cleric, also came with a warning, senior administration officials told The Free Press. In the letter, Trump offered just a two-month window through which to enter a serious negotiation, beginning in March. Otherwise, the U.S. could support an Israeli strike on Iran’s nuclear sites, or potentially do it alone.   S4 E6: US State Department and the Taliban; Stockholm truck attack anniversary; Iran nuclear deal; and release of 7/7 convicted terrorist. In this season's finale, Ian and Edmund discuss why the US State Department may drop bounties on Taliban leaders; the anniversary of the Islamist terrorist truck attack in Stockholm; options for the US-Iran nuclear talks; and the release from a UK mental hospital of a convicted terrorist connected to the London 7/7 bombings. Listen here.   CEP Mentions In Polen: The dangerous gap ARD Poland correspondents Kristin Joachim and Martin Adam were traveling this time. They traveled to the north and south of Poland. They describe their experiences and insights in the current episode of "In Poland." Kristin was on the border with Kaliningrad and Lithuania, at the so-called Suwalki Gap. It is considered one of the most militarily flammable regions in Europe. In the event of a military conflict with Russia, it could prove to be NATO's weak point. Construction is currently underway there on the "Tarzca Wschód," the Eastern Shield. The elaborate border fortifications are to be built along the entire border with Russia and Belarus. How exactly is this supposed to work? What do people there think about the situation, and how likely is a Russian attack? And Martin was near Krakow, in a house that some may have already seen in the movies: the house where Rudolf Höss, commandant of Auschwitz, lived with his family. The film "The Zone of Interest" made the building instantly world famous. Martin was visiting because a rather exciting project is currently being developed there. While many people are wondering why right-wing populism is gaining ground everywhere, they are considering – in the house of Nazi Höß, of all places – how to take action against extremism and hate. United States New York Times: Trump Team Divided Over Future of U.S. Counterterrorism Operations in Somalia Recent battlefield gains by an Islamist insurgency in Somalia have prompted some State Department officials to propose closing the U.S. embassy in Mogadishu and withdrawing most American personnel as a security precaution, according to officials familiar with internal deliberations. But other Trump administration officials, centered in the National Security Council, are worried that shutting the embassy could diminish confidence in Somalia’s central government and inadvertently incite a rapid collapse. Instead, they want to double down on U.S. operations in the war-torn country as it seeks to counter the militant group, Al Shabab, the officials said. Fox News: American victims of terrorism could soon sue international orgs if Cruz's bill passes Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, is introducing legislation that would allow American victims of terror groups to hold the organizations that fund those groups accountable in a court of law. The Texas Republican is reintroducing the Limiting Immunity for Assisting Backers of Lethal Extremism (LIABLE) Act, which is similar to a bill he introduced during the last Congress. That version had the backing of then-Sen. Marco Rubio. Times of Israel: Report: US envoy held direct talks with Hamas to try to give Trump win before speech The Trump administration rushed to hammer out an agreement in direct talks with Hamas in March to free US citizen Edan Alexander in order to give the US president a win in time for the State of the Union address, The New York Times reported on Thursday. The talks were ongoing even as President Donald Trump reached the US Capitol on March 5 to deliver the address, according to the report. Failing to make a deal, Trump only mentioned the hostages in one brief sentence during his speech. CBS: Florida to charge would-be Trump assassination suspect Ryan Routh with state-level attempted first-degree murder, terrorism A man already jailed on federal charges of attempting to assassinate then-presidential candidate President Mr. Trump as he golfed last fall will face additional state terrorism and attempted murder charges, Florida's attorney general said Thursday. Ryan Routh tried to undermine the country's political system and will face state attempted first-degree murder and terrorism charges, Attorney General James Uthmeier said. New York Post: Trump administration wants judge to enforce Columbia’s antisemitism reforms The Trump administration wants a judge to enforce Columbia University’s antisemitism reforms to ensure they are carried out as promised, according to a report. Citing people familiar with the matter, the Wall Street Journal writes that the administration is exploring the possibility of entering into a consent decree with the Ivy League school. Such an arrangement — which the university would have to agree to enter — would give a federal judge oversight into whether Columbia holds up its end of the bargain it struck with the administration last month under threat of losing hundreds of millions in federal funding, the outlet writes. If the judge rules the university is out of compliance, it could be held in contempt of court and subject to penalties including fines. Fox News: Trump announces picks for ambassadorships to combat antisemitism and promote religious freedom President Donald Trump announced a handful of nominations and appointments Thursday, including a position to combat antisemitism. Trump selected Yehuda Kaploun, a prominent Miami-based businessman and longtime confidant of the president, to serve as the U.S. special envoy to monitor and combat antisemitism as an ambassador-at-large. Jewish Insider: House Education Committee to hold another antisemitism hearing with college presidents The House Education & Workforce Committee will hold another hearing on campus antisemitism next month, its first such hearing since the beginning of this Congress, and the next in a series of high-profile showdowns that have led to the firings of multiple college presidents. The hearing, scheduled for May 7, will focus on colleges beyond the most elite and well-known, featuring the presidents of California Polytechnic State University (San Luis Obispo), Haverford College and DePaul University — Jeffrey Armstrong, Wendy Raymond and Robert Manuel, respectively. Politico: Trump administration begins interviewing UC faculty as part of antisemitism probe Federal officials have begun contacting University of California faculty members for an antisemitism probe after the school complied with a subpoena from the Trump administration seeking the personal information of around 900 faculty members, two UC employees with knowledge of the situation told POLITICO. The employees, who were granted anonymity to speak candidly, said federal officials have begun reaching out and speaking with faculty members last week, raising concern from faculty that the federal government is trying to pit them against each other as President Donald Trump continues to cut funding from top universities around the country. New York Post: Palestinian-American billionaire quits Harvard post after lawsuit claims he helped build Hamas terror tunnels A billionaire Palestinian-American developer accused by Oct. 7 victims’ families of “aiding and abetting” Hamas has resigned from his position on the dean’s council at Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government, The Post can reveal, with the school acknowledging the civil complaint “raises serious allegations.” Bashar Masri stepped down from his post at the Ivy League university days after nearly 200 family members of victims of the deadly attack in Israel sued him in Washington, DC, federal court for allegedly aiding the construction of tunnels and rocket launchers at Gaza-based properties. Jewish Telegraphic Agency: Mahmoud Khalil’s ‘otherwise lawful’ behavior undermines US policy against antisemitism, Marco Rubio says In advance of a pivotal court hearing this week in the deportation case of Mahmoud Khalil, the Palestinian protest leader at Columbia University, a judge demanded that the State Department lay out its case against him. Now, Secretary of State Marco Rubio has done so, in a two-page memo that says Khalil’s “beliefs” are at odds with U.S. foreign policy interests and that they alone are sufficient to justify his deportation. It does not allege any criminal behavior and instead implies that Khalil’s behavior and statements were “otherwise lawful.” CNN: The far-right extremist with a ‘retribution list’ Far-right extremist Ivan Raiklin spreads the false claim that the January 6 Capitol attack was a setup, and he’s keeping a “retribution list” that includes Rep. Nancy Pelosi. CNN's Donie O’Sullivan confronts him in "MisinfoNation: Extreme America," airing Sunday at 8pm ET/PT on "The Whole Story with Anderson Cooper." St. Louis Public Radio: Missouri House passes bill to define and prohibit antisemitism on campus The Missouri House passed a bill Thursday aiming to combat antisemitism on college campuses.House Bill 937 would add the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance definition of antisemitism into state law and require that schools incorporate it into their codes of conduct. That definition states: “Antisemitism is a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred toward Jews. Rhetorical and physical manifestations of antisemitism are directed toward Jewish or non-Jewish individuals and/or their property, toward Jewish community institutions and religious facilities.” Chicago Sun-Times: ADL report shows rise in hate crimes across Illinois Hate crimes, intimidation and extremism are on the rise in Illinois, according to a report released Wednesday by the Anti-Defamation League. The report, which tracks hate incidents aimed at immigrant, Black, Jewish, Muslim and LGBTQ+ communities, highlighted 1,054 cases of hate, extremism, terrorism and antisemitism in Illinois between 2020-24. Overall, the number of hate crimes in the state rose from 98 in 2021 to 347 in 2023, according to FBI statistics. Fox News: Tesla attacks are low-level acts of 'domestic terrorism,' chief editor decries National Review editor-in-chief Rich Lowry and PragerU personality Xaviaer Durousseau discuss evidence of 'assassination culture' spreading on the left on 'The Bottom Line.' France New York Times: Marine Le Pen’s ‘Witch Hunt’ Talk Echoes Trump. Will It Work in France? Since a Paris court barred her from standing for public office, Marine Le Pen has denounced a “witch hunt,” accused “the system” of deploying “a nuclear bomb” against her, evoked “judicial tyranny,” and suggested her followers are treated as “subhuman.” In short, the French far-right leader, having spent the past 15 years trying to shed the extreme image and views of her party and make it more palatable to the political mainstream, has paused her makeover. She has embraced a Trump-like fury against “the system,” now used as a byword for the alleged plotting of the deep state and political judges against her. Germany Spiegel International: How Germany’s AfD intends to boost its influence Indeed, the AfD's polling numbers have not been reduced since the election. On the contrary, while the right-wing extremist party won 20.8 percent of the vote in February, it is now polling between 21 and 24 percent in nationwide surveys, depending on the institute. And it is creeping closer and closer to the Union. That fact hung like a cloud over the just-completed coalition negotiations between the Union and the SPD. Particularly when it comes to the big issues of migration, finances, war and peace, the negotiators not only had to consider what their decisions would mean for the country and for the voters. But also for the future prospects of the AfD. Spain Informativos Telecinco: María Isabel Peralta, leader of the neo-Nazi group Bastión Frontal, has been sentenced to one year in prison for a hate crime against immigrants. The Provincial Court of Madrid has sentenced María Isabel Medina Peralta, leader of NS Bastión Frontal, to one year in prison for a hate crime against immigrants. The judges found that Peralta committed the crime of inciting discrimination and hatred and also imposed a penalty of 1,080 euros. United Kingdom The Standard: IT worker faces jail for anti-Islam cyber attack on WiFi at London train stations An IT worker who hijacked the WiFi at train stations around the country with messages about terrorist attacks and a claim that Islam is “taking over Europe” is facing jail. John Andreas Wik, 36, hacked the system so that members of the public who went online saw information about the Manchester Arena bombing, the London Bridge attack, as well as terror attacks in Paris and Stockholm. Dorset Eye: Why Did MI5 Recruit a Neo-Nazi? Lawyers acting for the Attorney General were forced to answer questions in the High Court on 12 February 2025, after it was revealed that a deputy director of MI5 had made a false statement in proceedings about an MI5 recruit who had terrorised his girlfriend, ‘Beth’. MI5 issued an “unreserved apology” to the BBC, accepting that three separate courts had been misled by their witness and acknowledging that what had happened was a “serious error” for which “MI5 took full responsibility”. The Centre for Women’s Justice, acting for Beth, expressed hope that the hearing would mark the first step towards reversing MI5’s attempt to conceal from both the victim herself and the public the extent to which they had been aware of a key informant perpetrating serious violence against her. LBC: Warwickshire woman, 36, jailed for life after plot to join ISIS in Afghanistan Farishta Jami, 36, from Stratford-upon-Avon, was sentenced to life in prison today at Leicester Crown Court after being found guilty of two counts of engaging in conduct in preparation for terrorism under Section 5 of the Terrorism Act 2006. During the trial, the court heard how Jami intended to martyr herself and was also planning to take her children with her. She had saved £1,200 to fund one-way flights to Afghanistan and carried out extensive research into available travel routes. A search of her home uncovered multiple devices, sim cards hidden in a bag down the side of her bed, stashed cash, and efforts to conceal passports. Police also found evidence of her sharing violent and extremist material online between September 2022 and January 2024. Jami had been active across numerous pro-Daesh channels and groups, some with over 700 members. Yahoo! News: Cheshire man denies having terrorist material about weapons and explosives A CHESHIRE man has denied having a stash of terrorist material about homemade weapons and explosives. Jonathan Wilson, of Abbey Road in Macclesfield, faces nine charges of collecting information contrary to the Terrorism Act 2000. The charges allege that the 47-year-old possessed a record containing information useful to terrorism on December 21, 2023. Titles allegedly include manuals on the manufacture of homemade firearms, including a 9mm submachine gun, explosives, and a 3D-printed firearm. BBC: Man denies having stash of terrorist material A 47-year-old man has denied having a stash of terrorist material about homemade weapons and explosives. Appearing at the Old Bailey in London, Jonathan Wilson pleaded not guilty to nine charges of collecting information contrary to the 2000 Terrorism Act. Mr Wilson, from Macclesfield in Cheshire, is alleged to have possessed a record containing information useful to terrorism on 21 December 2023. He is accused of having manuals on the manufacture of homemade firearms including a 9mm submachine gun, explosives and a 3D-printed firearm. Israel Associated Press: Israelis mark another Passover hoping for Gaza captives to be freed Relatives of hostages in Gaza say they feel the absence of their loved ones acutely during Passover, which commemorates the Exodus of the Israelites from Egypt and their liberation from slavery. Jews around the world will mark the beginning of the weeklong holiday Saturday night, gathering for a meal called a Seder that features symbolic foods and rituals to help recount a biblical story about bitter times, a flight from tyranny and, eventually, freedom. In Israel, the second Passover since Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023, deadly attack stirs up a mix of complicated emotions — especially for those whose family members are among the 59 still in captivity in Gaza. Jerusalem Post: Trump says Gaza hostage deal is close, Israeli officials note movement US President Donald Trump told reporters on Thursday that the US is "close to getting hostages in Gaza back," while Israeli officials told The Jerusalem Post that there has been "some movement" from Hamas's side concerning the negotiations, and there is a higher chance of reaching a deal before. In recent days, talks have been held between Israel, Egypt, and the US on bringing the Egyptian proposal closer to the Israeli proposal. These talks were without the involvement of Hamas. Hamas has not yet seen the proposal, and there is currently no indication whether it will agree to it, an official with knowledge told the Post. Jewish News Syndicate: IDF arrests 85 terror suspects in Judea and Samaria Israeli security forces arrested approximately 85 wanted individuals and seized many weapons during counter-terrorism operations across Judea and Samaria this week, the IDF said on Friday. The arrests were carried out in three brigade-level operations, including overnight raids in the Samaria, Menashe and Binyamin Brigade areas of deployment. In Balata on the outskirts of Nablus, and in Tubas, dozens of suspects linked to terrorism in northern Samaria were detained. Lebanon Times of Israel: In reported first, Lebanese army enters Hezbollah bases north of Litani The Lebanese army has for the first time ever entered Hezbollah bases north of the Litani River, and has nearly completed dismantling Hezbollah infrastructure in the south of the country, the Lebanese Al Jadeed network reports. The report notes that Hezbollah has never before surrendered bases to the Lebanese army north of the river. Middle East Monitor: US warns Gulf countries against providing aid to Lebanon The United States has reportedly warned Gulf countries, including Qatar and Saudi Arabia, against providing financial aid to Lebanon, local newspaper Al-Akhbar reported. As part of its effort to weaken Hezbollah, Washington has also informed Gulf states of a ban on money transfers to Lebanon and Syria. The paper cited an “informed” source as saying that the United States is seeking to resolve the Arab-Israeli conflict to achieve its greater goals in the Middle East and its conflict with China, not just for Israel’s interests. Naharnet: No reconstruction or aid unless Hezbollah disarmed, Rajji says Lebanon has been clearly informed that it can't rebuild what Israel has destroyed in more than a year of war with Hezbollah unless Hezbollah is disarmed. Foreign Minister Youssef Rajji told Asharq al-Awsat, in remarks published Friday, that Deputy U.S. Special Envoy for Middle East Morgan Ortagus has herself, among others before her, told Lebanese leaders that Lebanon will not receive foreign aid before disarming Hezbollah. "The U.S. administration wants to help Lebanon liberate its land, rebuild (war-hit regions), and revive its economy, but in return two things are required of us - economic reforms and arms monopoly," Rajji said, adding that Ortagus did not mention a timeframe but said these prerequisites must be achieved as soon as possible and that what has been done is "good but not enough." Naharnet: Aoun-Hezbollah talks over arms: Latest developments President Joseph Aoun is communicating with Hezbollah’s leadership to “coordinate over the issue of Hezbollah’s arms south of the Litani River and over the mechanism that the Lebanese Army Command is adopting to remove Hezbollah’s weapons,” al-Binaa newspaper reported on Friday. “There is also communication on certain levels between the president and Hezbollah over the group’s weapons north of Litani and the defense or national security strategy, ahead of bilateral and direct dialogue between the president and Hezbollah representatives to seriously discuss the issues of arms and the defense strategy,” the daily added. Jewish News Syndicate: Beirut pays Hezbollah men, families benefits ‘similar to soldiers’ wages’ Reports published in Lebanon over the past year indicate that, for the last 25 years, operatives of the Hezbollah terrorist organization have enjoyed status equal to that of soldiers in the Lebanese Armed Forces. The government pays pensions and compensation to them and their families, and provides economic benefits to a large segment of the organization’s supporters and operatives (transfers often referred to as “pay-to-slay”). Syria Reuters: Syria's Sharaa grants three-month extension to committee probing coastal killings Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa has extended a deadline for a fact-finding committee to produce its report on the killings of Alawites on Syria's coast last month, the deadliest episode of sectarian violence since Sunni Islamist rebels seized power. Hundreds of Alawites were killed in Syria's western coastal region in early March in apparent retribution for a deadly ambush on Syria's new security forces by armed loyalists to toppled Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, an Alawite. Associated Press: South Korea establishes diplomatic relations with Syria, a longtime friend of rival North Korea South Korea has established diplomatic relations with Syria’s new Islamist government, Seoul’s foreign ministry said Friday, months after a rebel coalition ousted President Bashar Assad, who had maintained close ties with North Korea. South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul traveled to Damascus on Thursday to sign a joint communique with Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani establishing formal diplomatic relations — a move the South Korean ministry said opens new opportunities for bilateral cooperation previously hindered by Syria’s “close ties with North Korea.” Turkey New York Times: Turkey and Israel Aim to Avoid Clashes in Syria as Tensions Rise Turkey and Israel have started talks to prevent conflicts between their troops in Syria, as an Israeli military campaign and a growing rivalry for influence have raised tensions. The Turkish and Israeli governments said in statements that a meeting took place on Wednesday in Azerbaijan. The meeting between military and security officials was aimed at working out a way “to prevent undesired incidents in Syria,” a Turkish Defense Ministry statement said. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said the two sides had agreed to keep up a dialogue. The meeting came just ahead of a planned visit by Syria’s new leader, President Ahmed al-Shara, to Turkey on Friday to discuss security and military cooperation, Syrian television reported. Iraq Deutsche Welle: What to do with Iraq's 'IS families' returning from Syria? By 2019, the IS group had been almost completely defeated in both Iraq and Syria. If not killed during final battles, IS fighters were arrested and imprisoned. Left behind were their wives, children and other civilian supporters. Many of these ended up imprisoned in what's known as al-Hol, a "closed camp," in north-eastern Syria near the Iraqi border. In 2019, the camp, which previously held around 10,000 displaced people, saw its population swell to over 73,000. The United Nations estimates around half of the inhabitants are Iraqis. There are likely several different categories of people in al-Hol, explains Raed Aldulaimi, a professor of political studies at Al-Imam Al-Adham University College in Baghdad. "Those families who believe in IS, those families who had a member join IS — and it doesn't mean the rest of the family agrees with it — who were then worried about being punished for that; and then also people who had no affiliation with IS but were looking for safety and ended up there." The New Arab: Iraq's fight against ISIS makes progress amid debates over US military withdrawal As Iraq prepares for the scheduled withdrawal of US forces by September, concerns are mounting about the country's ability to maintain security in its fight against the Islamic State group (ISIS). While Iraqi officials initially suggested the ISIS threat had been sufficiently contained, recent political shifts have led some factions, particularly those aligned with Iran, to reconsider the necessity of continued US support. Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani has instructed security commanders to review their strategies and ensure tactical adjustments in areas where ISIS remains active. While Iraq's military has made significant strides in dismantling ISIS remnants, experts warn that continued US support remains critical to ensuring the group's final defeat and long-term stability. Yemen Jerusalem Post: Houthi leader accuses Israel of violating Syrian, Iraqi airspace In a statement, Houthi leader Abdul-Malik Badr al-Din al-Houthi addressed recent developments in the Middle East, singling out Israel’s operations in Syria, its friction with Turkey, and what he claims is a broader Israeli strategic objective targeting of Iraq. “The crimes committed by Israel in Syria demonstrate clearly to our entire nation that Israel is an aggressive entity, acting solely based on its own ambitions and strategic designs,” al-Houthi declared. “No amount of flattery or concessions will ever satisfy the Israeli enemy, which is driven by its own agenda.” India BBC: Mumbai terror attacks accused extradited by US arrives in India A Pakistan-born Chicago businessman wanted in India for his role in the 2008 terror attacks in Mumbai city has been brought to the country after being extradited from the US. Tahawwur Rana, a Canadian citizen, landed in Delhi on Thursday. India's National Investigation Agency confirmed his extradition had been successful. In 2011, a US court cleared him of a direct role in helping plot the attacks that killed 166 people, but convicted him for supporting a militant group blamed for the attacks. Sentenced to 14 years in prison in 2013, the 64-year-old was released in 2020 on health grounds but was re-arrested later that year after India's extradition request. Pakistan Amu: Pakistan says terrorism remains key obstacle in ties with Taliban Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry stated that terrorism continues to hinder the improvement of bilateral relations with the Taliban authorities in Afghanistan, citing concerns over militant sanctuaries across the border. Foreign Office spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan said that while Pakistan remains committed to engaging with the Taliban, security concerns remain a major roadblock. “We have been trying to improve relations, but the major obstacle remains the security situation and the sanctuaries enjoyed by terrorists,” Khan said during a weekly press briefing. Telegrafi: The Taliban align themselves with ISIS The Pakistani Taliban have publicly expressed their support for Islamic State militants, who have overrun entire regions in Iraq and Syria. In their statement, which came during Eid al-Adha celebrations, the Pakistani Taliban group appealed to Islamists in the Middle East region to join ISIS extremists to fight "the enemy", referring to the US-led alliance. The Islamic State is also fighting rival militant groups linked to al-Qaeda in the region. Afghanistan Amu: Taliban leader calls for obedience amid reports of internal rifts Amid growing reports of internal divisions within the Taliban, their reclusive supreme leader, Hibatullah Akhundzada, has called on his provincial officials to obey central authority, according to a statement issued by a Taliban spokesperson. In a meeting with Mehrullah Hamad, the Taliban governor of Paktia province, Akhundzada emphasized the importance of adhering to the directives of Taliban leadership. The meeting was also attended by the province’s police chief, intelligence director, and head of the council of clerics, Zabihullah Mujahid, the Taliban’s chief spokesman, said in a post on X. Amu: Blast reported in Kunduz An explosion struck the northern city of Kunduz on Thursday evening, targeting a Taliban patrol unit, local sources told Amu. The blast occurred at approximately 8:05 p.m. in Hilal Alley, located in the second police district (PD2) of the provincial capital, the sources said. They added that the explosion appeared to have been aimed at a Taliban night patrol operating in the area. AFP: Three people executed for murder on Taliban orders: Afghan court Afghanistan’s Supreme Court said three convicted murderers were executed on Friday by order of Taliban authorities, bringing the number of men publicly put to death since their return to power to nine, according to an AFP tally. Two men were shot multiple times — around six to seven rounds — by a male relative of their victims in front of spectators in Qala-i-Naw, the capital of Badghis province, witnesses told AFP. A third man was executed in Zaranj, the capital of Nimroz province, according to a statement from the Supreme Court posted on social media platform X. Amu: Sources: Taliban to carry out public execution in Farah Taliban are expected to conduct a public execution on Friday in the western province of Farah, according to sources familiar with the matter. The execution, described as qisas — a form of retributive justice — is scheduled to take place at 7 a.m. in a sports stadium in central Farah, the sources told Amu. The Taliban have reportedly summoned local residents, civil servants, and military officials to attend the event. In preparation for the gathering, Taliban authorities have banned spectators from carrying weapons, smartphones, or any devices capable of recording or photographing the execution, the sources said. Nigeria France 24: Boko Haram and ISWAP are 'on their last legs', Nigerian information minister says In an interview with FRANCE 24, Nigeria's minister of information and national orientation discussed fears of a global trade war, the situation in post-coup Niger and the security situation in West Africa. Mohammed Idris said that the terrorist groups Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) were "on their last legs". Daily Post: We’re eradicating terrorism, not ignoring Borno security crisis – Minister Idris The Office of the Minister of Information and National Orientation has refuted a misleading caption published by an online media outlet, which suggested that Minister, Mohammed Idris dismissed the recent concerns raised by Governor Babagana Umara Zulum of Borno State regarding the security situation in the state. In a statement issued by Rabiu Ibrahim, Special Assistant (Media) to the Minister of Information and National Orientation, the ministry categorically denied the accuracy of the headline, which claimed that Minister Idris had said, “Ignore Zulum, Boko Haram is not taking over Borno.” Australia  The Guardian: ‘Brutal business’: Brisbane boy charged over alleged terror plot targeting Peter Dutton The prime minister has reached out to Peter Dutton after allegations the opposition leader was the target of a terror plot. A Brisbane schoolboy allegedly planned an attack involving the Coalition leader in the first half of 2024 before being arrested in August, according to News Corp. The 16-year-old was on Thursday committed to stand trial in Brisbane’s supreme court after being charged with a commonwealth offence of committing acts done “in preparation for, or planning, a terrorist act”. The Counter Extremism Project (CEP) is a nonprofit and non-partisan international policy organization working to combat the growing threat posed by extremist ideologies. CEP depends on the generosity of its supporters. If you value what we do, please consider making a donation. DONATE Were you forwarded this email? Subscribe for yourself here. Counter Extremism Project (CEP) | PO Box 3980 | NEW YORK, NY 10185 US Unsubscribe | Update Profile | Constant Contact Data Notice