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Syria’s counterterrorism dilemma: Who can Washington trust?
A deadly attack on a Christian funeral in Jordan and subsequent Jordanian airstrikes in Syria have sparked a diplomatic dispute between Amman and Damascus. Bill Roggio is joined by FDD Senior Research Analyst Ahmad Sharawi to discuss the Islamic State’s possible involvement, the deteriorating security situation in southern Syria, and the implications for US counterterrorism policy in the region.
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Syria hosts Iraqi PM for visit amid security challenges in north and south
Syrian President Ahmad al Sharaa hosted Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al Zaidi in Damascus on October 28 for talks aimed at strengthening bilateral relations, expanding trade, and reviving energy cooperation. The historic visit came as Syria faces continuing security challenges, including a deadly Jordanian airstrike in the south, clashes with foreign jihadists in Idlib, and tensions surrounding the return of displaced Kurds in northern Syria.
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Florida teenager arrested in an Islamic State-linked bomb plot
A 15-year-old student in Gainesville, Florida, allegedly sought guidance from Islamic State members and supporters on building drones and explosives to attack people at an unidentified indoor location.
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One war, many fronts: Iran and its proxies
The war with Iran is far from over, and the fight extends well beyond the Strait of Hormuz. Bill Roggio is joined by FDD Senior Fellow and former British Ambassador to Yemen Edmund Fitton-Brown to assess the status of the US-Iran conflict, Tehran’s efforts to break the American naval blockade, and the growing role of…
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Afghanistan-Pakistan border clashes continue amid reported Pakistani outreach to anti-Taliban groups
Taliban and Pakistani forces have clashed at least three times since October 19, amid reports that Pakistani military and intelligence officials have met with members of Afghanistan’s anti-Taliban resistance to discuss possible support.
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Poland selected to host Patriot Advanced Capability-3 missile maintenance facility
Poland will host Europe’s first dedicated maintenance facility for the Patriot air defense system’s PAC-3 missiles, reducing repair and servicing times while strengthening regional air defense readiness. The initiative comes amid growing shortages of critical munitions and Poland’s broader efforts to expand its role in US weapons production and maintenance.
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Jordanian Air Force strikes targets in Syria in retaliation for deadly church attack
On October 26, the Jordanian Air Force conducted multiple strikes against suspected Islamic State positions in southern Syria, targeting militants Jordan linked to an October 23 attack on a church in Karak that killed nine people and wounded dozens. Jordan said the strikes killed more than 20 militants, while Syrian authorities reported seven civilian deaths.
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Iraq juggles border security and ties with Iran, Syria, and Jordan
Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al Zaidi is seeking to strengthen border security and regional cooperation amid tensions with Iran over the closure of a key crossing in Iraq’s Maysan province, while also pursuing closer ties with Jordan and Syria. The developments come as Baghdad continues to face threats from Iranian-backed militias, concerns over instability along…
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Pakistani outreach presents a dilemma for Afghanistan’s anti-Taliban resistance
Pakistan’s reported outreach to anti-Taliban resistance groups reflects deteriorating ties with its longtime ally. But accepting Pakistani support could deepen divisions in the resistance and undermine its standing among Afghans who blame Islamabad for decades of bloodshed.
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Iraqi parliament approves most remaining cabinet appointments, including Iran-backed militia figures
After five months of negotiations, almost all remaining spots in Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al Zaidi’s cabinet were approved by the parliament on October 15. Among the three deputy prime ministers is Laith al Khazali, whom the US State Department designated a Specially Designated Global Terrorist in 2020.
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The Houthis’ Red Sea power play
The Houthis are on the offensive in Yemen, threatening one of the world’s most important maritime chokepoints and bringing the war back to Saudi Arabia’s doorstep. Bill Roggio is joined by FDD research analyst and Long War Journal contributor Bridget Toomey to discuss the Iranian-backed group’s renewed campaign to conquer Yemen, its advances along the…
All Articles
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Syria
Syria foils “terrorist” attack on US embassy
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Philippines
Reports indicate Jemaah Islamyah leader Umar Patek has been killed in fighting. The MILF is working to confirm as well. Over 6,000 Filipino soldiers and 8 battalions are engaged in the fight. The Filipino Army has seized computers and documents of high intelligence value during the fighting. A former JI leader says the group has “annual attacks” planned.
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Sudan
al Qaeda has set up a cell in Sudan. Abu Hafs al-Sudani, the leader of al Qaeda in Sudan and Africa, claims to have beheaded a pro-government editor of a Sudanese paper. Sudan continues to bomb villages in North Darfur
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Bosnia
Bosnia’s wartime president, the late Alija Izetbegovic, linked to al Qaeda
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Philippines
9/11: The Philippine Connection Part 7 (a series)
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India
Muslim brothers found guilty in 1993 Mumbai blasts
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Pakistan
The Taliban violates the ‘truce’ yet again. A headless body was discovered in South Waziristan and another tribal elder who “maintained good relations with Afghan officials” was killed. The pro-Taliban and al Qaeda MMA party denounces claims Osama bin Laden is in the tribal areas. Pakistan’s Foreign Office claims the deal in Waziristan was between the government and tribal elders, not the Taliban.
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Palestinian Territories
Hamas and Fatah Forming Joint Government
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Iran
Iran’s imperial vision
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Israel
Israeli UAVs still flying over Lebanon
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Afghanistan
U.S. Forces capture HIG chief and al Qaeda ally Gulbuddin Hekmatyar. Afghan and Coalition forces retake Garmsir in Helmand province, killing 20 Taliban. NATO requested reserve force of 1,000 troops over 18 months ago.
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Afghanistan
Afghan army recaptures district in S. Afghanistan
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The Black Guard
al Qaeda’s praetorian guards and al Qaeda high command the target of the March 2006 strike at Danda Saidgai Osama bin Laden escorted by the Black Guard. Click image to view. Task Force 145, the special operations group responsible for the hunt for al Qaeda in Iraq leadership and the death of Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, has been active in Pakistan’s tribal belts. The recent capture of Gulbuddin Hekmatyar is very likely a TF-145 operation. Two incidents earlier in the year, the strike against high level al Qaeda and Taliban leaders at a dinner in Damadola, and the assault on al…
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Indonesia
Terror guide spread in Indonesia
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Gulbuddin Hekmatyar Reported Captured [Updated]
The initial report was incorrect, Hekmatyar has not been captured, see the correction for details. On the day of the fifth anniversary of the 9-11 attack, Coalition forces score a high value target in Afghanistan. Gulbuddin Hekmatyar, the commander of Hezb-i-Islami and ally of al Qaeda and the Taliban, has been captured during a joint U.S. and Afghan Army raid in “eastern Afghanistan.” Hekmatyar, contrary to his rhetoric gave up to the Coalition forces without a fight. Hekmatyar’s arrest is said to be part of an ‘ongoing operation.’ Hekmatyar has been designated by the U.S. Department of State as a…
![Gulbuddin Hekmatyar Reported Captured [Updated]](http://billroggio.com/images/hekmatyar_gulbuddin.jpg)
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Al Qaeda
The hunt for Osama bin Laden
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Lebanon
Cyprus finds air defense systems on Syria-bound ship
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Somalia
The Islamic Courts are training recruits in the in Middle Jubba region, about 500km south of Mogadishu. An email chain in private security contractor circles indicates the U.S. is conducting black operations inside Somalia. IGAD continues to plan to deploy a Somali peacekeeping force.
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Sudan
Sudan: More Bombs Dropped On North Darfur Villages
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Afghanistan
Sunday’s Taliban death toll has been revised upwards to 186 (see related post, which has been updated). Canada is sending an additional 15 tanks and 120 troops to Afghanistan. The Afghan Ambassador to the U.S. says Osama “is spending most of his time in Pakistan.” A suicide bomber strikes at the funeral of Hakim Taniwal, the governor of Paktia province, murdering 5 and wounding 10. Taniwal was killed during a suicide attack because “He’d managed to ease out a number of rather obnoxious militia.
