“The Taliban on Sunday officially banned the cultivation of poppy, which
provides the raw material for heroin and other opiates, as the group strives

 

 


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Eye on Extremism


April 4, 2022

 

The Wall Street Journal: Afghanistan’s Taliban Ban Poppy Cultivation
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“The Taliban on Sunday officially banned the cultivation of poppy, which
provides the raw material for heroin and other opiates, as the group strives to
be recognized as Afghanistan’s legitimate government by an international
community dismayed by its increasingly repressive rule. Afghanistan is by far
the world’s largest opium producer, and the ban fulfills a monthslong promise
by the Taliban to outlaw the trade. But it could also undermine the livelihoods
of thousands of Afghan farmers, push them deeper into a devastating
humanitarian crisis, and foment anger against the struggling Taliban
government. “Afghans are informed that from now on, cultivation of poppy has
been strictly prohibited across the country,” Taliban spokesman and deputy
information minister Zabiullah Mujahid said at a news conference at the Afghan
interior ministry Sunday, reading from a decree issued by the group’s supreme
leader, Haibatullah Akhundzada. “If anyone violates the decree, the crop will
be destroyed immediately and the violator will be treated according to Shariah
law,” Mr. Mujahid said, without elaborating, referring to Islamic law, which
the Taliban are known to interpret harshly. The decree could undermine the
livelihoods of Afghan farmers who grow poppy.”

 

Bloomberg: UN Concerned About Civilians Amid Mali Militant Crackdown
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“The UN peacekeeping mission in Mali voiced concern Saturday over reported
violence against civilians, hours after the military said it killed over 200
terrorists in a week-long raid in the country’s center. Mali has intensified
operations against armed groups with links to al-Qaeda and the Islamic State in
recent weeks, and the military has also boosted its capabilities with reported
assistance by Russia’s Wagner Group.  The statement from the army chief of
staff, released April 1, didn’t make clear which group was the target of the
March 23-31 operation in the central Mali village of Moura that killed 203
militants. Another 51 terrorists were arrested, it said. The fight against the
Islamist militants in the West African nation has also raised concerns abroad
about potential human rights violations by the military and Wagner Group. Last
month, the government banned two French broadcasters after they reported on
allegations of civilian deaths. The UN and Human Rights Watch have
independently launched investigations into the claims. The UN mission in Mali,
known as MINUSMA, in a tweet Saturday said it’s “very concerned about the
allegations of violence against civilians” following last month’s military
operation. Wagner deployed to Mali last year, according to French and U.S.
officials, although Mali denies they’re in the country.”

 

United States

 

The Independent: Man Charged For Making Terrorist Threats Towards Jewish
School He Worked At
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“An Ohio man who worked as a security guard at a Jewish school has been
charged with making terrorist threats to shoot its pupils in the playground and
their parents. Former National Guardsman Thomas Develin, 24, is accused of
posting pictures of himself posing with a semi-automatic handgun on 11 March as
he worked at the Columbus Torah Academy in Columbus, Ohio. Court papers say
that the posts were discovered on the Discord social media platform, and that
he stated, “I’m at a Jewish school and about to make it everyone’s problem.” He
is also accused of saying that “The playground is about to turn into a
self-defense situation” and that he “wanted to shoot parents coming to pick up
their children”. The suspect was arrested and is being held on a $1m bond at
Franklin County Jail. A hearing in the case will be held on 8 April.
Prosecutors say that he has been fired form the school and also suspended from
the National Guard. In the wake of the arrest, the Columbus Division of Police
provided security at the school. The Columbus Torah Academy told 10TV that
immediate action was taken to identify the source of the threat and there was
no risk to the campus. JewishColumbus released a statement, calling the
incident a “cowardly act of intimidation.” “For far too long Jews have been
mentally and physically intimidated in spaces online, at schools, universities
and in our community,” they said.”

 

Daily Mail: Terror Suspect Imprisoned At Guantanamo Bay For Nearly 20 Years Is
Released And Sent Back To His Algerian Homeland
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“A terror suspect imprisoned at the Guantanamo Bay detention centre for nearly
20 years has been released and sent back to his homeland. The US Department of
Defense announced on Saturday that Algerian Sufyian Barhoumi had been
repatriated with assurances from the Algerian government that he would be
treated humanely. The Algerian authorities also said security measures would be
imposed to reduce the risk that he could pose a threat in the future. The
Pentagon did not provide details about those security measures, which could
include restrictions on travel. Barhoumi was captured in Pakistan and taken to
the US naval base on Cuba in 2002. The US eventually decided he was involved
with various extremist groups but was not a member of Al Qaeda or the Taliban,
according to a report by a review board at the prison that approved his release
in 2016. US authorities attempted to prosecute Barhoumi in 2008 but this was
dropped amid legal challenges. Shayana Kadidal, of the US Center for
Constitutional Rights, said: 'I will dearly miss his constant good humour and
empathy for the suffering of others in Guantanamo.' Barhoumi's release brings
the total held there to 37 men, including 18 deemed eligible for repatriation
or resettlement in a third country.”

 

Syria

 

Al Jazeera: In Syria, Russia Leads Effort To Recruit Fighters For Ukraine
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“…Gregory Waters, an analyst at the Counter Extremism Project and nonresident
fellow at the Middle East Institute, said there are more than a dozen
recruitment centres in Syria run by Moscow-backed private pro-government armed
groups. Meanwhile, in the eastern Deir Az Zor province, the Wagner Group and
allied Syrian forces have directly started recruiting Syrians to volunteer in
Ukraine, Abu Layla said. Salaries start as low as $200-$300 per month for
volunteers to work as security guards to protect installations, but those with
greater military experience are paid higher rates, exceeding $1,000 per month,
he said. It is an attractive pay in a country where 90 percent of the
population lives in poverty, and where access to adequate food and heating is
becoming more out of reach. Abu Layla said many Syrians volunteering are not
just in it for the money. “Some of these Syrian militias are hoping to get
higher positions, and believe that they could do this if they show loyalty to
Russia,” he explained. “But with many others in Syria hoping to emigrate to
Europe, they see this as their golden ticket.” Meanwhile, brokers claiming to
help speed up recruitment for Syrians have swarmed Facebook groups and other
social media platforms, including one called Job Opportunities with Our Russian
Friends.”

 

Iran

 

The Washington Post: Iran Nuclear Talks At Stalemate Over Terrorism Issue
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“Tehran’s demand that the United States lift its designation of the Iranian
Revolutionary Guard Corps as a foreign terrorist organization, and U.S. refusal
so far to do that, have brought the year-long negotiations over reviving the
Iran nuclear deal to a halt, with no new meetings scheduled and little obvious
room for compromise. Since talks being held in Vienna adjourned last month,
European participants have shuttled between Washington and Tehran in a vain
search for accommodation from both sides. “At this point, nothing mutually
acceptable” has been proposed, according to a U.S. official knowledgeable about
the issue who, like others, spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss the
sensitive diplomatic and political matter. Whether the United States will yield
in any way is up to President Biden, and “the president hasn’t made a
decision,” the official said. “Politically, we know that it’s an extremely
difficult step to take.” For the moment, head U.S. negotiator Robert Malley
said at a foreign policy forum last weekend, success “is not just around the
corner, and not inevitable.” Those beyond the inner circles in the two capitals
are growing increasingly worried. “We must conclude this negotiation. Much is
at stake,” Enrique Mora, the European Union deputy foreign policy chief wrote
on Twitter last week before visits to both Washington and Tehran early this
week.”

 

Afghanistan

 

Associated Press: Officials: Blast In Afghan Capital Kills 1, Wounds Dozens
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“An explosion in the center of the Afghan capital of Kabul on Sunday killed
one person and wounded at least 59 others, hospital officials said. In a tweet,
Kabul's Emergency Hospital said one body was received at the hospital and 59
people were treated, with 30 of the wounded being admitted for further
treatment. It did not specify the injuries. A spokesman for the Taliban's Kabul
police, Khalid Zadran, said the explosion was caused by a hand grenade thrown
by a would-be thief who wanted to rob the money changers in the area. He said
10 people were injured. There was no immediate explanation for the discrepancy
in the number of wounded. Zadran said police have launched an investigation.
Video shot by AP showed wounded being removed from the site, carried by
passersby. Wais Ahmad, a money changer, said the explosion happened inside a
market where money changers operate. The market was closed immediately after
the explosion and Taliban security surrounded the area. The blast was the first
in the Afghan capital in months. Afghanistan's Taliban rulers have stepped up
security throughout most of the country since sweeping to power in August.
Taliban troops man dozens of checkpoints throughout the city.”

 

The New Yorker: A New Video Shows A Missing American Hostage Pleading For Help
In Taliban Custody
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“When the Biden Administration pulled all U.S. forces out of Afghanistan last
August, Mark Frerichs was believed to be the only American hostage remaining in
Taliban custody. Frerichs, a fifty-nine-year- old civil engineer and Navy
veteran, had been abducted on the streets of Kabul in 2020. Members of his
family have repeatedly pleaded with the Taliban and the Biden Administration to
negotiate his release, but, for more than two years, no evidence had publicly
emerged that Frerichs was alive. The New Yorker has obtained a new video, from
an unidentified individual in Afghanistan, that shows Frerichs in captivity and
pleading for his freedom. “I’ve been patiently waiting for my release,”
Frerichs says, apparently reading from a script held in front of him. “I’d like
to ask the leadership of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, please, release
me.” The video, which Frerichs states was recorded on November 28, 2021, is
about thirty seconds long. A dark cloth hangs behind Frerichs, an Illinois
native who spent a decade in Afghanistan working on aid projects before being
abducted. He is seated, dressed in Afghan clothes, and wearing a short beard.
Frerichs concludes the video with a simple appeal and seems grateful for the
opportunity to have contact with the outside world. “Release me so that I may
be reunited with my family,” he says. “Thank you.”

 

Middle East

 

France 24: Israeli Security Forces Kill Three Militants In West Bank Amid
Surge Of Violence
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“Israeli security forces killed three Islamic Jihad militants when they came
under fire Saturday during a raid in the West Bank, police said, the latest
deaths in a surge of violence. The bloodshed comes amid heightened tensions
ahead of the start of the holy Muslim month of Ramadan, that has seen violence
spiral in Israel and the occupied West Bank. Last year during Ramadan, clashes
that flared between Israeli forces and Palestinians visiting Al-Aqsa mosque in
annexed east Jerusalem led to 11 days of devastating conflict between Israel
and the Gaza Strip's Islamist rulers Hamas. On Saturday, Israeli police said
security forces killed three members of the Islamic Jihad militant group who
had opened fire during an operation to arrest them near the northern West Bank
city of Jenin. Four Israeli soldiers were wounded during the operation, one of
them seriously, the police said. The Israeli forces had intercepted “a
terrorist cell on its way to an attack, and stopped the car in which they were
travelling between Jenin and Tulkarem”, the police said in a statement. The
Islamic Jihad confirmed the three deaths. “We mourn the death of our three hero
fighters,” the armed wing of the Islamist movement said, adding that two of
them were from Jenin and one from Tulkarem.”

 

Haaretz: 200 Israeli Citizens Identify With The Islamic State, Defense
Officials Say
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“Israel's defense establishment estimates that some 200 Israeli Arabs identify
with the Islamic State, 20 of whom they believe might carry out attacks in
Israel in the organization’s name. At a situation assessment on Sunday, defense
officials briefed politicians on their large-scale intelligence effort to
monitor social media and take other steps to identify potential suspects. To
date, six Israeli Arabs who identify with the organization have been served
with orders restricting their movement, while another round of orders currently
await judicial approval. Defense officials also say a few dozen Israeli Arabs
have traveled to Syria, Iraq or Sinai to join the Islamic State there. Their
identities are known, and they would be arrested if they ever return to Israel.
A few of them are known to have been killed while fighting in the
organization’s ranks. In a nod to the security echelon's digital front in
combatting attacks, officials believe that videos posted on social media from
the scene of recent attacks are a driver of copycat attacks. In a bid to
prevent videos of attacks from circulating, officials have asked the government
to consider passing a law that would forbid Israeli citizens to do so, similar
to the law that bans posting content associated with pedophilia. While
officials say their goal during Ramadan is to thwart attacks, they emphasized
that they want to avoid flooding the West Bank with soldiers or conducting
operations in broad daylight in an effort to temper growing flames.”

 

Nigeria

 

CNN: 'Gunshots Everywhere': Survivor Of Train Ambushed By Armed Gang In
Nigeria Reveals Harrowing Details
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“Chilling details have emerged about an armed gang's attack on a train in
northern Nigeria which left eight people dead and more than two dozen injured.
Musa Bashir Usman was one of more than 300 people traveling on a train from
Nigeria's capital Abuja to the northern city of Kaduna when it was targeted by
an armed gang on Monday. In a statement posted to Facebook by Samuel Aruwan,
the commissioner of Kaduna State's Ministry of Internal Security and Home
Affairs, and signed by Muyiwa Adekeye, special adviser to the governor, the
incident was described as a terror attack. Usman told CNN Thursday that the
train was hit by two explosions before the gunmen opened fire on trapped
passengers. “About 25 minutes to the end of the journey, there was the first
blast. It was dark and the electrical system of the train went off... All we
could see were explosion lights (fireworks). The train was still moving and
within 30 seconds, there was a second explosion that derailed the train. The
next thing we heard were sporadic gunshots ... gunshots everywhere, through the
windows,” Usman said. After bombing the tracks, the gunmen surrounded the
carriages and opened fire, said Usman.”

 

Sahara Reporters: Why Boko Haram, Iswap, Bandits Will Terrorise Nigerians
Beyond 2023— Report
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“A report by the Sementix Global Concept has revealed insurgency and banditry
will not end in Nigeria anytime soon. According to the report, the insecurity
challenge in Nigeria will extend beyond the 2023 presidential elections as
against the expectation of many people. The report which highlighted four
reasons for the extension of insecurity in the country noted that there were
only about 300, 000 security personnel saddled with the protection of over 200
million people. This, it said, is inadequate, particularly with the
peculiarities of the security challenges in the country. It further noted that
time is running out for President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration to combat
insecurity with the fast-approaching 2023 elections. However, it noted that the
administration is more interested in keeping the All Progressives Party (APC)
in power than focusing on the insecurity challenges confronting the country.
The report also highlighted the non-involvement of religious leaders in the
fight against insecurity as a major challenge. It reads, “End of the Buhari's
administration and election year. The combination of two factors is working
against Buhari's administration's resolve to end all insurgency in its time.
“Time is fast running out on the government as it has less than a year to
leave. Then it is also preparing for elections and trying to ensure that its
party, the APC remains in power.”

 

Somalia

 

All Africa: Somalia: Somali National Army Special Forces Of Danab Kill 7
Al-Shabab Militants, Seize Cache Of Weapons
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“Somali National Army SNA special commandos (Danab) has killed 7 Alshabab
militants in a security operation near Wasil town in Mudug region. During
operation, the Army captured 2 injured militants, 4 IEDs, 4 rifles and
vehicles, SNA Chief, Ge. Odawa confirmed. Somali National Army has in the
recent days intensified sting operations against the insurgents across the
country as the Horn of Africa Nation grapples with the conclusion of
Parliamentary elections which started in mid last year. Several Alshabab
militants have also been surrendering to the Army in the recent weeks whilst
decrying about the problems the terror group poses to the innocent civilians.”

 

Mali

 

Reuters: Mali Says Military Operation In Moura Area Kills 200 Militants
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“Mali's military said it has killed over 200 Islamist militants in an
operation in the centre of the West African country, the latest clash in a
month of escalating violence. The strikes, carried out in late March by land
and air troops, targeted the area of Moura which the military says is a
stronghold of jihadist groups that have waged a decade-long fight for territory
in central and northern Mali. “This operation follows very precise information
that made it possible to locate the holding of a meeting between various
(militants) in Moura,” a military statement said. Mali has been in turmoil
since 2012 when Islamist insurgents took over a northern separatist rebellion.
Local affiliates of Islamic State and al Qaeda have used the area as a launch
pad for attacks in neighbouring Burkina Faso and Niger, killing thousands. A
spate of violence by Islamic State in the Greater Sahara in March claimed the
lives of hundreds of civilians. The military responded with airstrikes, and the
United Nations peacekeeping force in Mali deployed two units to the zone.
Rights groups have expressed concern about the plight of civilians caught in
the crossfire or wrongly accused of being militants. Soldiers killed at least
71 civilians between December and March, New York-based Human Rights Watch said
in a report last month.”

 

Africa

 

Bloomberg: Mozambique Gas Bonanza In Limbo As Islamist Insurgency Simmers
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“Southern African nations are considering extending the deployment of troops
fighting an Islamic State-linked insurgency in Mozambique’s northern Cabo
Delgado province that prompted TotalEnergies SE to stall a $20 billion natural
gas project. Ministers from the 16-member Southern African Development
Community will meet in South Africa’s capital, Pretoria, on Sunday to discuss
the bloc’s mission, which is due to expire on April 14. Heads of state were
supposed to decide Monday whether to extend it, but their talks were postponed
and have yet to be rescheduled. SADC first dispatched soldiers in July to help
restore peace, joining troops sent by Rwanda, which isn’t a member. Mozambican
President Filipe Nyusi asked SADC and Rwanda for military help after a March
2021 raid on Palma, the town closest to the TotalEnergies site, that left
dozens of people dead. The attack prompted the company to withdraw staff and
declare force majeure on its project, which is one of Africa’s biggest private
investments and has the potential to transform the economy of the word’s
third-poorest nation. It will only restart once there is lasting peace and
displaced people return home, Chief Executive Officer Patrick Pouyanne said in
February.”

 

United Kingdom

 

The National: UK Terrorism Watchdog Vows To Tackle Child Terrorists Amid
Rising Figures
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“The UK’s terrorism watchdog has pledged to tackle child terrorists as arrest
figures have risen. Jonathan Hall QC, the independent terrorism reviewer, has
unveiled three core areas he will review in his 2022 report, predominantly
focusing on online terrorism. Last year a record number of children were
arrested on suspicion of terror offences in Britain, which experts have linked
to online radicalisation following the shutdown of schools during the pandemic.
Under-18s accounted for 13 per cent of all terrorist arrests last year, up from
8 per cent. “There has been a significant increase in the number of
terrorism-related arrests of children,” he said. “Much of this is related to
internet activity, and many of these children are neuro-divergent and/or suffer
from poor mental health.” He said one of the key areas he will be investigating
is whether there are ways of “avoiding criminalising children while protecting
the public”. He is also examining terrorism acts online and the way terrorism
is investigated. “My annual report this year is devoted to the operation of the
terrorism acts online,” he said. “Terrorist content online — Most standards are
set by internet services operating overseas. Does UK terrorism legislation set
the right standards (including by criminalising online speech)? “Could UK
terrorism legislation do more to promote acceptable standards (as it does, for
example, by proscription of terrorist groups with an online presence)?”

 

Europe

 

Associated Press: Albania Charges Iranian Man For Alleged Terror Links
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“Albanian prosecutor’s office said Friday it has charged an Iranian man of
supporting terror organizations and abusing computer data. The Special
Structure Against Corruption and Organized Crime, a prosecutor’s office in
charge of special crimes and those committed by senior officials, said the case
against Bijan Pooladrag has been sent to the court. The statement did not give
more details on the defendant or when he was arrested. More than two years ago,
Albania expelled two Iranian diplomats for allegedly engaging in illegal
activities while violating their diplomatic status and threatening the
country’s security. The Iranians were suspected of illegal activities related
to a World Cup qualifying match between Albania and Israel in 2018. About 20
people were arrested in Albania and Kosovo following that match, which
officials say was threatened by an alleged terrorist plot. Albania is also home
to more than 2,000 members of the Iranian exile opposition group Mujahedin
el-Khalk, which moved there from Iraq.”

 

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