Eye on Extremism
September 26, 2022
Bloomberg: Suicide Bombing Kills At Least 11 At Army Camp In Somalia
“A suicide bombing by al-Qaeda-linked militants killed at least 11 people at a Somali army training camp, the latest assault to rock the capital as the president vows to stamp out a years-long insurgency. The blast at the facility in Mogadishu on Sunday occurred during the recruitment of new troops, according to army officer Jama Hassan, who gave the death toll. Another 18 people were wounded. Al-Shabaab, the Islamist group that’s been fighting Somalia’s government for the past decade, took responsibility for the bombing, according to Radio Andalus, a broadcaster that supports its goals. The attack comes as Somalia’s government under President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud steps up its fight against the militants in the center and south of the Horn of Africa nation that’s been ravaged by decades of conflict. In May, US President Joe Biden authorized the US military to send Special Operations troops back to Somalia on a “persistent” basis to revive a counter-terrorism mission that was ended during Donald Trump’s administration. The US last week said it killed 27 al-Shabaab members in an air-strike. Mogadishu is a regular target of al-Shabaab attacks. In August, its fighters stormed a popular hotel, sparking a siege that ended with at least 20 people dead.”
Associated Press: Taliban: Car Bomb Near Kabul Mosque Kills 7, Wounds 41
“A car bomb went off Friday as worshippers were leaving a Kabul mosque, killing at least seven people and wounding 41, including several children, a Taliban official said. No one immediately claimed responsibility for the bombing, the latest in a steady stream of attacks since the Taliban seized power in Afghanistan just over a year ago. A column of black smoke rose into the sky and shots rang out several minutes after the explosion near the mosque, located in a high-profile diplomatic neighborhood of the Afghan capital. A Taliban-appointed Interior Ministry spokesman, Abdul Nafi Takor, said the vehicle with explosives was parked by the roadside near the mosque and detonated as worshippers were coming out after Friday prayers. He added that an investigation was underway, with police at the site. “Many people were martyred or wounded,” said Mohammad Basir, an eyewitness. “I don’t know if there were explosives placed on the roadside or if it was a car bomb, but there was an explosion, and all the people were in a bad situation.” Another eyewitness, Allah Noor, said the blast was very strong. “I came out and had crossed the street when an explosion happened,” he said. “Right after the explosion, people nervously started evacuating wounded victims to hospital.”
United States
NBC News: CIA Reveals Model Used To Plan Strike Against Al-Qaeda Leader Zawahiri
“The CIA on Saturday unveiled the model of Ayman al-Zawahiri’s safe house in Kabul used to plan the U.S. drone strike that killed the Al-Qaeda leader last month. The scale model of Zawahiri’s house was shown to reporters as part of a tour of a newly refurbished museum at the agency's headquarters. “This was the model that was used to brief President Biden on the Zawahiri mission,” said Janelle Neises, deputy director of the CIA museum. The model, about a foot long with precise detail, shows a miniature four-story white structure surrounded by a wall topped with concertina wire. Zawahiri was struck by a Hellfire missile as he stood on the balcony of the house, U.S. officials say. A balcony is clearly visible on the model. Biden gave the green light for the drone strike after he was assured that there was a low risk of civilian casualties given the weapon to be used and the structure of the house, U.S. officials say. In announcing the successful strike, Biden described al-Zawahiri as a “mastermind” of the 9/11 attacks and said he also played a key role in the bombings of U.S. embassies in Kenya and Tanzania in 1998. “He carved a trail of murder and violence against American citizens, American service members, American diplomats and American interests,” Biden said.”
Syria
Asharq Al-Awsat: SDF, Int’l Coalition Launch Anti-ISIS Campaign In Eastern Syria
“The Syria Democratic Forces (SDF), backed by the international coalition forces, stormed Friday al-Zarr village in Dier Ezzor countryside as helicopters searched for ISIS cells, a war monitor reported. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) said clashes erupted between the SDF and suspects as some of them escaped to al-Kassar area in northern Deir Ezzor. Thirteen people were arrested during the operation, nine of whom were released after investigation. On Tuesday, SOHR activists reported that the SDF, backed by the international coalition forces, carried out a similar operation in al-Baidar village in al-Karamah district in eastern al-Raqqah countryside. Two ISIS leaders were arrested. Later, clashes erupted between the raiding force and the wanted men, leaving an ISIS member and his son dead, and another son injured. This coincided with ISIS retaliatory attacks following the Operation Humanity and Security, which was launched by Asayish in the overcrowded refugee camp on August 25, in light of the increase in acts of murder and violence. The camp, located 45 km east of al-Hasakah city in northeastern Syria, is considered one of the largest refugee camps in Syria. It houses about 56,000 people, most of whom are displaced Syrians and Iraqi refugees.”
Iran
Bloomberg: Iran Launches Artillery Against Militants In Northern Iraq
“Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps launched artillery fire on Iraq’s northern Kurdistan region, targeting groups it accuses of fanning recent violent protests within its borders, state TV said in a statement. The IRGC’s ground forces targeted the headquarters of the Komala Party of Iranian Kurdistan and the Democratic Party of Iranian Kurdistan in Iraq on Saturday, semi-official Tasnim news agency said in a separate report. The opposition groups had deployed armed forces and smuggled weapons into Iran’s border towns to “stoke unrest” in the country amid recent protests in Iran sparked by the death of a young woman in police custody, Tasnim said. Thirty five people have been killed since the start of the protests more than a week ago, state TV reported. Iranian security forces have identified 1,200 people it considers “provocateurs and agents of unrest” and hundreds have been arrested, Tasnim said.”
Yemen
Yemen Online: Former UK Ambassador To Yemen Warns Of More ISIS Jailbreak Attempts
“In a webinar focused on the terror threat to Europe, hosted by the Counter Extremism Project think tank, Mr Fitton-Brown revealed the risk presently posed by ISIS. Following the group's attack on Syria's Al Sina prison, which lasted nine days and allowed for several terrorist fighters to escape, Mr Fitton-Brown said that this could happen again. “The ISIS jail break gave it a significant propaganda boost and more jailbreak attempts should be expected, particularly in north-east Syria, and it is a jarring reminder of the precariousness of the holding arrangements in Syria,” he said. He also raised concerns surrounding the detention of foreign terrorist fighters in camps and said international efforts to deal with the situation were “insufficient”, describing the situation as a “ticking time bomb”. “ISIS and Al Qaeda might be weakened by a succession of leadership losses but member states still worry they will continue to exploit instability in Syria and Afghanistan,” Mr Fitton-Brown said. “International efforts to address internally displaced camps and detention facilities in north-east Syria are still insufficient to address the seriousness of the issue. “Besides the humanitarian issue, this is a ticking time bomb in security terms. There is a risk of thousands not having any chance of rehabilitation and creating a multiplying threat that will still be with us in 20 years.”
Middle East
Reuters: Israeli Forces Kill Palestinian Militant In West Bank
“Israeli forces shot and killed a Palestinian militant on Sunday during an army operation in the occupied West Bank, Palestinian officials said, in the latest in a series of incidents in recent months around the volatile town of Nablus. “The Dens of Lions”, a Palestinian umbrella group formed of militants from different factions, said the man, Said Al-Kawni, was a “hero of resistance” and died during “clashes with occupation forces”. Medical workers said three other Palestinians were wounded by Israeli gunfire in the incident, which was confirmed by the Israeli military. “Overnight, during IDF (Israel Defense Forces) routine activity, IDF soldiers spotted armed suspects driving in a vehicle and motorcycle adjacent to the city of Nablus,” the military said. “IDF soldiers responded by firing towards the armed suspects. Hits were identified.” The latest in a near-daily series of incidents around Nablus and the nearby town of Jenin underlined once more the volatile security climate on the West Bank as Israel heads towards elections on Nov. 1. In Nablus, site of one of the largest refugee camps in the West Bank, most shops were closed on Sunday after militant factions called for a general strike. About 70 Palestinians have been killed in the West Bank since the Israeli military launched its Operation Breakwater against militants on March 31 in response to a string of fatal Palestinian street attacks in Israel.”
The Times Of Israel: Hamas Says Shin Bet Warnings On Terror Crackdown ‘Don’t Scare The Resistance’
“Hamas on Sunday lashed out at the chief of the Shin Bet internal security service, after Ronen Bar issued a warning to the head of the terror group in Gaza. The exchange of verbal fire came after the Shin Bet, Israel’s domestic security service, arrested several Hamas members in separate West Bank raids in recent weeks, accusing them of carrying out or planning terror attacks. “The threats by the head of the Shin Bet against leader Yahya Sinwar are not new,” said Hamas spokesperson Fauzi Barhum. “They don’t scare our Palestinian nation or the resistance leadership,” Barhum said. “They reflect the political, security and military impasse in which the occupation leaders suffer.” The Shin Bet has reportedly identified an uptick in Hamas operatives directing attacks in the West Bank. According to Israel’s Channel 12 news, Bar responded to those attacks by lashing out at Sinwar in internal communications. “Yahya Sinwar needs to decide between rehabilitating Gaza or the path of resistance. We won’t allow both at the same time,” he reportedly said.”
The National: UAE Calls For Building Bridges In Middle East And Fighting Terrorism
“Strengthening stability, ending double standards in implementing international law, and easing Middle East conflicts were the core themes the UAE Minister of State for International Co-operation, Reem Al Hashimy, addressed in her speech to the UN General Assembly. Ms Al Hashimy said the UAE’s priorities focused on peace and partnerships. “At the precipice of a new era for the world order, the UAE has chosen [to embrace] peace, recovery and prosperity within an international system that is supported by an open and robust network of partnerships,” she said. The speech to the 77th UNGA comes as the UAE sits on the Security Council for a two-year term and will serve as its President in June 2023. It is also the first time a woman has delivered a speech for the UAE at the UN General Assembly. “We will launch new pathways for co-operation in fields of economics, sustainable development, advanced technology, and scientific research,” Ms Al Hashimy said. “This is the underlying premise that guides my country’s foreign policy, governs our bilateral and multilateral engagements, and inspires our membership throughout our Security Council term.” While echoing concerns over the increasing level of polarisation in today’s international system and the growing number of conflicts and crises, she spoke of the benefits of the current world order.”
Nigeria
Sahara Reporters: ISWAP Terrorist Group Says It Killed Two Nigerian Soldiers During Attack On Military Checkpoint In Ex-Army Chief, Buratai’s Town
“The Islamic State-backed faction of Boko Haram, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), formerly known as Jamā'at Ahl as-Sunnah lid-Da'wah wa'l-Jihād, has claimed that its fighters killed two soldiers during an attack on a military checkpoint in Buratai village, Biu Local Government Area of Borno State. Buratai is the country home of a former Chief of Army Staff and Chieftain of the ruling All Progressives Congress, Yusuf Buratai. The community is situated some 215km from Maiduguri, the Borno State capital. ISWAP in a statement sighted by SaharaReporters on Friday said two soldiers were killed while others were injured during an attack on a checkpoint in the community during the week. The terrorist group also claimed responsibility for a September 17 bomb attack targeting a Nigerian army patrol on the road linking the towns of Damboa and Maiduguri, also in Borno State. Since the death of JAS leader, Abubakar Shekau, ISWAP has been consolidating its grip in locations around Lake Chad. The sect’s membership has swollen with the defection of hundreds of Boko Haram fighters under Shekau. The Nigerian army has repeatedly claimed that the insurgency has been largely defeated.”
Somalia
Voice Of America: Somalia Will Eliminate Terrorism, President Tells Un General Assembly
“Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud vowed this week that his government will eradicate the threat of al-Shabab and other terrorist groups in his country. “We are now confident that with enhanced public support, our government will eliminate terrorism from Somalia,” Mohamud said in his address Sept. 22, 2022, to the U.N. General Assembly in New York. Somali army forces backed by local militias have retaken dozens of villages from the al-Shabab militant group in recent weeks, mostly in the central Hiran and Galgudud regions. The U.S. military, which has backed the Somali government with airstrikes against Islamist militants for a decade, said Wednesday it had killed 27 fighters from al-Shabab in an airstrike in the Hiran region. Mohamud said that the Somali government will take a leading role in the fight against terrorism and will continue to work with all its partners, including the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia, but added that Somalia needs international support to implement its plans. “We are fully committed to doing the heavy lifting to secure our future,” Mohamud said. “In Somalia we have a wise saying and it is: 'One finger cannot wash the whole face.' If we work together sincerely, collaboratively as a community of nations — no challenge, no matter how big it is — is insurmountable.”
Africa
Voice Of America: Jihadist Attack Kills Four In Burkina Faso
“At least two soldiers and two civilian auxiliaries died in a “terrorist” attack on a patrol in eastern Burkina Faso, the army said Sunday. A military unit and VDP volunteer auxiliaries were ambushed on Saturday between Sakoani and Sampieri in Tapoa province, bordering Niger and Benin, an army statement said. “The fighting unfortunately cost the lives of two soldiers and two VDPs,” it added. However, a security source told AFP the death toll was four soldiers and two volunteers. A VDP official confirmed two dead from the volunteer ranks with “some still missing.” Another security source said the jihadists also suffered losses, without giving a figure for the dead. Lieutenant-Colonel Paul-Henri Sandaogo Damiba seized power in a January coup, ousting Burkina 's elected leader and promising to rein in the jihadists. But the violence has raged on as in neighboring countries stoked by insurgents affiliated to al-Qaida and the Islamic State group. Thousands have died and about 2 million been displaced by the fighting in landlocked Burkina since 2015.”
France
RFI: Survivors Of Nice Terror Attack Try To Put Words On The Unspeakable
“This week, the Nice terror trial has started hearing the testimonies of the civil plaintiffs, those who were bereaved or injured or traumatised when Mohamed Lahouaiej-Bouhlel drove a truck into the crowd celebrating Bastille Day in 2016, killing 86 people, injuring hundreds of others. It took four minutes and 17 seconds. An eternity. In that time, 86 people lost their lives, hundreds were injured, and possibly thousands traumatised by the sights and sounds of mass murder perpetrated by a man at the wheel of a heavy vehicle. The special criminal court in Paris this week began offering a space for the bereaved and broken to make their suffering part of the legal record. There are no easy days at a trial like this. But, as was the case at the so-called Bataclan trial, the public suffering of the bereaved is especially difficult. Much of the rest of the process is handled by legal professionals. The police and medical evidence is presented by individuals hardened by professional experience. These witnesses are ordinary people, still grieving, many of them unused to speaking in public, certainly not about the intimacy of loss. Some 280 plaintiffs have indicated their intention to address the court, at the rate of 15 per day. The process is expected to take five weeks. An eternity.”
Germany
The New York Times: Where Online Hate Speech Can Bring The Police To Your Door
“When the police pounded the door before dawn at a home in northwest Germany, a bleary-eyed young man in his boxer shorts answered. The officers asked for his father, who was at work. They told him that his 51-year-old father was accused of violating laws against online hate speech, insults and misinformation. He had shared an image on Facebook with an inflammatory statement about immigration falsely attributed to a German politician. “Just because someone rapes, robs or is a serious criminal is not a reason for deportation,” the fake remark said. The police then scoured the home for about 30 minutes, seizing a laptop and tablet as evidence, prosecutors said. At that exact moment in March, a similar scene was playing out at about 100 other homes across Germany, part of a coordinated nationwide crackdown that continues to this day. After sharing images circulating on Facebook that carried a fake statement, the perpetrators had devices confiscated and some were fined. “We are making it clear that anyone who posts hate messages must expect the police to be at the front door afterward,” Holger Münch, the head of the Federal Criminal Police Office, said after the March raids. Hate speech, extremism, misogyny and misinformation are well-known byproducts of the internet.”
Europe
Reuters: Two More Suspects Arrested Over Oslo Gay Bar Shooting
“Norwegian police said on Monday two men had been arrested on Sunday on suspicion of involvement in a mass shooting that killed two people and wounded 21 in and around an Oslo gay bar in June. A Somali citizen in his 40s and a Norwegian one in his 30s, each with prior involvement in criminal activity, were arrested by police on Sunday, Oslo police said in a statement. Only one suspect, named by police as Zaniar Matapour, was arrested at the scene of the June 25 shooting, while an international arrest warrant has been issued for a fourth suspect. Police last week said its hypothesis that the shooting was an act of terrorism had been strengthened during its investigation.”
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