All articles tagged with #al qaeda
Ahmed al-Sharaa, a former militant linked to al-Qaeda who fought U.S. forces and was imprisoned, met with President Trump at the White House, marking a historic shift as he now seeks international trust and aims to rebuild Syria after leading rebel forces that ousted Bashar al-Assad.
The article discusses the rebranding of Abu Mohammad al-Julani, leader of the Al-Qaeda offshoot Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), amid his group's strategic importance to US operations in Syria. Despite HTS's terrorist designation, Julani's transformation is portrayed as a PR move to align with Western interests, particularly in destabilizing Syria. The piece highlights the US and its allies' historical support for Julani and similar groups, emphasizing the geopolitical motivations behind these alliances.
The article discusses the rebranding efforts of Abu Mohammad al-Julani, leader of the Al-Qaeda offshoot Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), amid his group's strategic importance to US operations in Syria. Despite HTS being on the US terror list, Julani is portrayed as a "diversity friendly" figure by Western media, while his group's past atrocities and current role as a US "asset" in Syria are highlighted. The piece critiques the geopolitical maneuvers involving the US, Israel, and other Western powers in supporting Julani's rise and the broader destabilization of Syria.
Hayat Tahrir al Sham (HTS), a major Syrian rebel group with historical ties to Al Qaeda, led the offensive that deposed Bashar al Assad's regime in Syria. Despite HTS's claims of disassociation from Al Qaeda, it remains listed as a Foreign Terrorist Organization by the US. The Biden administration is reportedly debating whether to delist HTS, citing its potential role in Syria's new government and its claimed moderation. However, HTS's alliances with various jihadist groups, many still linked to Al Qaeda, complicate this consideration.
The article explores the potential transformation of Syrian rebel leader Abu Mohammad al-Golani, who was once affiliated with al Qaeda, in the context of the recent political shifts following the ouster of Syrian dictator Bashar Assad. It examines the implications for regional power dynamics, including the roles of Turkey and other key players, and questions whether Assad's downfall was solely due to internal weaknesses or if there was collaboration with rebel forces.
Al-Shabab, an Al-Qaeda-linked armed group, claimed responsibility for an attack on a UAE military training mission in Somalia, killing three Emirati troops and a Bahraini military officer. The group views the UAE as an enemy for supporting the Somali government. The attack targeted the General Gordon military base in Mogadishu, with details on casualties still scarce. Al-Shabab has been battling the Somali government and the AU-led peacekeeping mission, routinely carrying out bombings in densely populated areas. The UAE's increasing investments in East Africa, including in Somalia, align with its broader security concerns in the region.
Families of British rugby players killed in the 2002 Bali bombings have traveled to Guantanamo Bay to witness the sentencing of two men involved in the attack. The accused will serve six years as part of a plea deal. The families have endured a long struggle for justice and delivered victim impact statements at the special military courtroom. Despite the grueling legal process, they hope the hearings will expose the role of al-Qaeda in the attack and bring closure.
Al-Qaeda has released a video threatening attacks on Western and Jewish targets, specifically mentioning several major airlines. U.S. federal authorities, including the TSA and FBI, are aware of the threats and are on high alert, although no credible threats have been identified. Security measures are being enhanced, especially as large crowds are expected for New Year's Eve celebrations. Law enforcement agencies are coordinating efforts to ensure public safety, and the public is urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities.
Democratic strategist James Carville has expressed concern over Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson and other "Christian nationalists," stating that they pose a greater threat to the United States than al-Qaeda. Carville believes that their beliefs and influence, including their potential impact on Supreme Court appointments, undermine the principles of democracy and the Constitution. Carville's remarks echo those of Bill Maher, who has criticized Johnson's religious beliefs and accused him of fanaticism. Maher and Carville argue that Johnson's views align with Christian nationalism, which they see as a dangerous ideology that challenges the secular foundations of the country.
The Syrian army has reportedly killed nine civilians, including six children, in the rebel-held northwestern Idlib province. The attack occurred during ground bombardments in the village of Qoqfin, where the civilians were picking olives. The area has been witnessing ongoing clashes, and Al-Qaeda's former Syria branch, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), launched an attack on regime-controlled territory following the strike. HTS controls parts of Idlib province and neighboring areas and is considered a terrorist group by Damascus, the United States, and the United Nations. The region has seen increased fighting, including airstrikes by Russia, the US, and reported strikes by Israel against Iran-backed groups.
The ideological differences between Hamas and global jihadi groups like Al Qaeda and ISIS limit the extent to which the jihadi movement can seize the opportunity to reenergize itself in the wake of the recent conflict between Israel and Hamas. While there are concerns that the conflict could deepen resentment and provide a window of opportunity for jihadi groups, Hamas and these groups are deeply at odds ideologically. Al Qaeda has celebrated Hamas's recent attack but has a history of reproaching Hamas over their differences in ideology. ISIS considers Hamas an apostate group and has routinely condemned it. The war in Gaza may provoke individual jihadi sympathizers to commit violent acts, but it is less likely to energize the larger jihadi movement, as both Al Qaeda and ISIS face challenges in their respective regions of influence.
Five United Nations security staff members who were kidnapped by al Qaeda militants in Yemen 18 months ago have been released. The UN Secretary-General welcomed their release and called for the perpetrators to be held accountable. The staff members, four from Yemen and one from Bangladesh, are in good health despite enduring a difficult period of isolation. The incident highlights the increasing threat posed by Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) in Yemen, which has been embroiled in conflict since 2014.
Five United Nations staff members who were kidnapped in Yemen 18 months ago have been released and are in good health, according to a spokesman for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. The identities of the kidnappers were not revealed. Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) has been active in southern Yemen and is considered one of the most dangerous branches of the global network. Kidnappings are frequent in Yemen, where armed tribesmen and groups often take hostages for ransom or prisoner exchanges. The country's ongoing civil war has allowed AQAP to strengthen its presence.
A suspected al-Qaeda attack in southern Yemen has killed a military commander and three soldiers from a secessionist group, the Security Belt Forces. The attack took place in Abyan governorate, and while AQAP has not claimed responsibility, it is believed to be behind the attack. The secessionist Southern Transitional Council, backed by the UAE, controls much of Yemen's south and has called for the country to be split. AQAP has taken advantage of Yemen's civil war to strengthen its presence in the country.
A Romanian national who was kidnapped by an Al-Qaeda affiliate in Burkina Faso in 2015 has been released after eight years in captivity. The Romanian government expressed gratitude to Morocco for its support in securing the release. The man's family, who had not heard from him in eight years, expressed joy and relief at his return. He is believed to have been one of the last remaining Western hostages in the troubled Sahel region.