• Airstrike targeted Al Qaeda leadership in Syria, U.S. military says

    U.S. Central Command says an airstrike targeted al Qaeda in Syria (AQ-S) “leadership at a facility north of Idlib, Syria” earlier today. Jihadis on social media say the facility belonged to Ansar al-Tawhid, which is one of several al Qaeda-affiliated groups in Syria.

    Airstrike targeted Al Qaeda leadership in Syria, U.S. military says
  • String of attacks in Saudi Arabia claimed by Houthis

    Since Aug. 24, Yemen’s Houthi insurgents have claimed a series of attacks inside Saudi territory.

    String of attacks in Saudi Arabia claimed by Houthis
  • US announces rewards for 3 Islamic State leaders

    On Aug. 21, the US State Department Rewards for Justice Program announced rewards of up to $5 million each for information concerning three wanted Islamic State leaders. The three jihadists are “legacy” members of the group and serve as a money man, a senior ideologue, and an explosives expert.

    US announces rewards for 3 Islamic State leaders
  • Al Qaeda veteran reportedly killed in Idlib

    Abu Khallad al-Muhandis, an al Qaeda veteran, was reportedly killed in a mysterious explosion in Idlib, Syria earlier today. Muhandis’s jihadi career covered Afghanistan, Iraq, and Syria. He was also detained inside Iran for a time.

    Al Qaeda veteran reportedly killed in Idlib
  • Houthis claim major drone operation near the UAE

    The confirmed drone strikes near the Saudi borders with the UAE is a worrying development in the conflict.

    Houthis claim major drone operation near the UAE
  • Analysis: Houthi naval attacks in the Red Sea

    Since 2015, the Houthi insurgency in Yemen has claimed dozens of attacks on ships in the Red Sea. FDD’s Long War Journal has mapped these strikes.

    Analysis: Houthi naval attacks in the Red Sea
  • Wanted al Qaeda leader warns of Turkish influence on jihad in Syria

    Al Qaeda Telegram channels have shared a statement attributed to Saif al-Adel. He writes that the jihadis modify their military program to take into account Turkey’s influence.

    Wanted al Qaeda leader warns of Turkish influence on jihad in Syria
  • Shabaab’s jihad against the ‘leaders of disbelief’

    Shabaab’s “Then Fight the Leaders of Disbelief” video series features clips of various al Qaeda figures from the past and present. Shabaab argues that Somali hotels are legitimate targets because they serve as “heavily fortified bases” for the government and its allies.

    Shabaab’s jihad against the ‘leaders of disbelief’
  • Competing narratives over the death of a Houthi leader

    Houthi sources stated Ibrahim al Houthi was killed by the Saudi-led coalition, while Saudi sources state he was killed by a rival faction.

    Competing narratives over the death of a Houthi leader
  • Taliban leader quashes Eid cease fire, urges followers to continue jihad

    Mullah Hibatullah also continued to call for the “establishment of a true Islamic system,” which is merely code for the restoration of the Taliban’s Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan.

    Taliban leader quashes Eid cease fire, urges followers to continue jihad
  • Islamic State wages desert-based insurgency in Iraq and Syria

    According to a new report released by the Pentagon’s inspector general, ISIS has devised a three-part “overarching strategy” for its “desert-based insurgency” in Iraq and Syria. The three parts are: “sahara” (desert), “sahwat” (meaning awakenings — a derogatory reference to any Sunni Muslims who oppose the group), and “sawlat” (“hit-and-run operations”).

    Islamic State wages desert-based insurgency in Iraq and Syria
  • Analysis: Houthi drone strikes in Saudi Arabia and Yemen

    Beginning last year, the Houthis have launched dozens of drone strikes inside Saudi Arabia and Yemen. FDD’s Long War Journal has mapped these strikes.

    Analysis: Houthi drone strikes in Saudi Arabia and Yemen
  • JNIM hits French base with suicide assault

    JNIM took credit for last month’s suicide assault in Gao, Mali. According to the French, however, the attack was largely a failure.

    JNIM hits French base with suicide assault
  • Taliban threatens Panjshir province

    While the common narrative among US military and diplomatic officials is that the Taliban is taking control of districts to boost its negotiating position in so-called peace talks, the reality is that the Taliban has a long term military plan to gain control of strategic areas in order to reestablish its Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan.

    Taliban threatens Panjshir province