Al-Qaida Fights Back in North Africa

Al-Qaida's North African branch has expanded recruitment efforts, even as it faces increased military cooperation by regional governments, according a news site run by the United States Africa Command. In particular, Al-Qaida in the Islamic Maghreb [AQIM] has focused on building its membership in the wild areas in between Africa's Saharan nations.

"Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb has been organizing exhortatory and religious lectures that end with inviting people to engage in holy war, especially the young people," said a local Mauritanian trader, Sidi Mohamed, who frequently crossed the border into Mali.

"The lectures started being organised just before the latest attack of the Mauritanian army. But after the attack of the army on al-Qaeda in the Wagadou Forest [in late June], it carried on organizing lectures," he said. "What was surprising, is that the lectures were taking place close to the Malian military barracks, and even in front of the Malian gendarmerie at a few meters away sometimes."

Another witness, Malian Oumar Ould Brahim described how he saw terrorist recruitment as a trader in country's weekly markets.

"They were asking people to engage in jihad and read poems for Osama bin Laden, for his jihad in the name of God, and they were asking young Mauritanians 'Why don't you give yourself to God and struggle in his name'," Ould Brahim recounted, noting that some of the terrorists were carrying camcorders to film their efforts.

"In a Malian village called Laranp, al-Qaeda gave a lecture to the residents and the people visiting the weekly market just 700 metres from the barracks of the Malian gendarmerie, as they were watching the elements of the armed organisation from the balconies of the building," he added. This shocked local residents, particularly women who were not wearing head coverings, and gave him the impression that Malian forces weren't serious about fighting AQIM.

AQIM's terrorist recruitment has become particularly common in Mali. "[It] is no longer a matter of debate because all the residents of those areas are witnesses of it," said local terrorism specialist Bechir Ould Babana

Nabbed Hamas Bomb Maker Spills Beans

A Hamas fighter nabbed earlier this year by Israeli security forces has provided valuable information on the group's modus operandi, its willingness to clash with Israel, and its attempts to improve its rocket range. The revelations, published by Israeli daily Yediot Aharonot, also revealed Hamas connections with the Muslim Brotherhood and training in foreign countries.

"An analysis of the war with Israel was undertaken. It found that a large number of Hamas activists ran away from their positions. A failure occurred in decision-making coupled with an inability to use arms during the battle – because of fear," Dirar Abu Sisi, a former top Hamas "engineer" reportedly told Israeli officials. "A program of study had to be created, in order to improve the situation."

Recently released records of his interrogation show that the group's regimented hierarchy learned from these mistakes and established an academy to improve military training. Instruction on combat methods and tactics were undertaken in Gaza mosques, while Hamas men passed final exams in local universities and religious facilities.

"The books and academic materials did not bear the Hamas name or logo," Abu Sisi said. "Instructors include university lecturers, education ministry officials, merchants and others," noted Yediot Aharonot. Further instruction was given to selected graduates of Hamas' program at military academies in Syria, Yemen, Sudan, and Iran. Abu Sisi aided the group in making mathematical calculations for rocket development, including the ability of metal pipes to withstand heat and pressure.

Abu Sisi claimed that he had come to regret his actions, following his kidnapping in the Ukraine by Israeli agents. "I greatly regret my affiliation with the Muslim Brotherhood and Hamas Movement, my work to develop the missile range, my part in establishing Hamas' military academy, and all the information I handed over to Hamas that can threaten the security of Israel and its citizens," he said. "I know the missiles are lethal and take the lives of others, without distinguishing between Arabs and Jews."

He is charged with nine criminal counts, including membership in a terrorist organization, attempted murder, and illegal arms production.

Islamic Jihad Employs Handicapped Fighters

The Palestinian Islamic Jihad [PIJ] in Gaza released pictures of handicapped fighters participating in a military exercise, reports the Israeli paper Yediot Aharonot. The group has been trying to raise its position in relation to rival militants Hamas by employing all means at its disposal.

"The bombings against it and cutting off of our legs will not stop the Jihad," the website of PIJ's military wing quoted a wounded fighter saying. "We will continue to fight even after our bodies will be broken into pieces."

The website quoted another fighter named Abu Abdul Rahman, who lost his legs during an Israeli army bombing. "We rely on the way of the Jihad and we will not change it. There is not changing of the Jihad and its resistance, until all of the Palestinian land is liberated from the criminal Zionists," the wounded fighter said in reference to the destruction of Israel. He had made a promise to himself to return to battle after he was released from medical care.

Yediot Aharonot's analysis of the pictures showed a "great doubt" if the men would actually be able to fight. However, it also noted that the pictures, and the Islamist movement's increasing media consciousness, indicate that it wants to prove itself as a viable alternative to other movements. "While the wounds may injury our body, they don't do the same to our will," PIJ's website quoted Abu Abdul Rahman as saying.

Islamists See Opportunity in London Riots

Jihadist and Islamist commentators are advocating exploiting the rioting in England, both for stepping up operations and for increasing calls to spread Sharia law. Other jihadist posts are claiming that three Muslims were killed while trying to protect a mosque, portraying the acts as part of the war on Islam and a media cover-up of Muslim deaths.

A spokesman for the England-based International Shariah Movement posted a YouTube video about the riots, noting that they were the failure of democracy and Western values. "In reality, we can see the failure of the British government, we can see the failure of the British police, we can see the failure of the mayor, we can see the failure of the whole system of democracy, because… these are the fruits of democracy," the spokesman said.

"In the end of the day we need to understand that the whole of the Muslim youth have shown that Islam is a solution, Islam is a solution for the youth inside of this country. And if the government doesn't heed to those calls to the youth coming back to Islam and embracing Islam, then ultimately I think the government is going to continue to pay a very big price, from the actions of their 'democratic youth' in this country," he added.

An August 8 post on the al-Qaida linked Shumukh al-Islam forum called for terrorists to take advantage of the riots in London, which were keeping the police busy. The would-be "mujahideen" should strengthen their position in England, "like what happened in Libya and what is happening in Syria," according to a report by the Middle East Media Research Institute (MEMRI).

New Gaza Jihadist Group Seeks Unity

A new jihadist group with historic ties to the Palestinian Fatah movement has announced its formation in the Gaza Strip. Claiming thousands of members, the group advocates Palestinian unity to free their people violently from the "Israeli enemy and occupier."

"We have strong ties with all Palestinian faction[s] especially Hamas and Fatah, since we were from Fatah and executed joint jihad missions with Hamas and other armed factions," said group spokesman Abu Bilal. "We have stood against the Palestinian division from its start and asked for Palestinian unity because united we are stronger.

"Both Hamas and Fatah and other factions are a part of Palestine, the Palestinian cause and the Palestinian process. We should all unite for Palestine," Abu Bilal said. The group claims its origin as part of Shuhada Al-Aqsa, a Fatah-affiliated armed faction, but states that it left because the Fatah-group become involved in "vandalism and personal interest."

The Gaza-based group is also claims that it wants to minimize problems between its hard-line views and the ruling Hamas group, which fought running battles with Salafists allying themselves with al-Qaida. "Hamas will not have a problem with us; we are not here to fight Hamas or spread chaos. Hamas joined us in the past during the joint jihad missions," he said. "They know us well and they know our Islamic Jihad method."

Unusually, the group also pledges to work with Fatah, which contains secularist and Islamist elements. "We don't have a problem with Fatah either. We just wish to see the Palestinian reconciliation active again and advancing soon before September," he added, in reference to the date that the Palestinian Authority will seek recognition from the United Nations.

Jihadist Forum Postings Lead to Guilty Plea

A Pennsylvania man who was "an active moderator" on an English-language jihadist web forum pleaded guilty Tuesday to soliciting people to carry out terrorist attacks within the United States and to a weapons charge.

Emerson Begolly, 22, faces up to five years in prison when he is sentenced in late November. His plea agreement is sealed, but according to the indictment, Begolly made a series of posts on the Ansar al-Mujahideen English-language forum starting in July 2010 which urged people to carry out terrorist attacks in the United States. He suggested targeting "police stations, post offices, synagogues, military facilities" and utilities.

"Too often prosecutions arise only after a perpetrator commits actions ending in tragedy," said David J. Hickton, U.S. Attorney in Western Pennsylvania, in a statement. "On this occasion, I commend the FBI for taking proactive steps to protect the people of the United States before any such tragedy could occur."

Begolly bit two FBI agents who tried to question him in January regarding his online solicitations. He also tried to draw a loaded handgun, which seemed to match the aggressive message in his Ansar al-Mujahideen posts.

"Peaceful protests do not work," he wrote. "The kuffar see war as a solution to their problems, so we must see was as the solution to our[s]. No peace. But bullets, bombs and martyrdom operations."

A lone attacker killing a few people can be better than failing in plans for a massive attack that ends in arrest, he wrote at a different time. "Allah," he wrote, "commands us to terrorize [the average American]."

Man Charged With Trying to Send Goods to Iranian Military

A Dutch man has been charged in a New Jersey court for trying to export goods to the Iranian military without authorization from the U.S. government.

Ulrich Davis, a former manager of a Netherlands-based freight forwarding company, was arrested Saturday as he tried to fly to the Netherlands from Newark Liberty International Airport.

Davis is charged with violating the Iranian Transactions Regulations that fall under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, which prohibits sending goods to Iran without a license from the Treasury Department.

According to the criminal complaint, Davis was involved in exporting aircraft parts, peroxide and aerosols and other items, to Iran between August 2007 and January 2008. He tried to hide the contents by "neutralizing" packages - asking invoices and lists to be removed from boxes - and misrepresenting the final destinations of shipments on Commerce Department forms.

In a 2008 email, Davis wrote that "99% of these goods were destined to be send to Teheran[sic]/Iran, which was and still is a very difficult destination due to political reasons." A shipment of aircraft parts, the complaint alleges, was sent to an Iranian government entity which manufactures Iranian Military Aircrafts.

"The violation of export laws designed to keep American munitions out of the wrong hands is more than shady business practice," said U.S. Attorney Paul J. Fishman, "it is a threat to national security."

The Obama administration last month accused Iran of having a 'secret deal' with al-Qaida in Pakistan. U.S. Department of Treasury documents said that Iran has been providing both money and recruits to the terrorist organization. The U.S. has previously imposed sanctions on Iran for its pursuit of nuclear arms and support of terrorist groups.

Davis was not charged on any counts related to terrorism. He faces 20 years in prison and a $1 million penalty if convicted.

Abdulmutallab's Defense Gets Aggressive

Accused underwear bomber Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab wants his terrorism trial moved out of Michigan and wants a federal judge to keep statements he gave to FBI agents kept away from jurors.

In a series of motions filed Friday, an attorney assisting the Nigerian national with his defense hinted at misconduct by FBI officials. According to one motion, they interviewed Abdulmutallab in a hospital room over the objection of medical staff, who said he was under the influence of a painkiller called fentanyl. In addition, wrote attorney Anthony Chambers, agents failed to read Abdulmutallab his Miranda rights.

In a separate motion, Chambers acknowledged Abdulmutallab "made incriminating statements" during plea negotiations with federal officials, after they promised nothing from those talks would be used against him at trial. It's not clear whether prosecutors plan to use any such statements when the trial begins in October. The motion seeks to ensure that cannot happen.

"Allowing the government to use these statements at trial will violate the government's agreement with Defendant," Chambers wrote.

The motion to move the trial cites the intense publicity surrounding the attempted bombing of a Northwest Airlines flight from Amsterdam to Detroit on Christmas Day 2009. Abdulmutallab was detained by fellow passengers after a bomb sewn into his underwear started smoking but failed to detonate.

He suffered burns as a result, requiring hospitalization and pain medication.

In yet another motion, Chambers asked for access to grand jury records, which rarely are released, because he claims federal agents made "inconsistent statements" in different reports and witnesses may have "embellished facts and contradicted their own reports" during grand jury testimony.

The motion did not offer examples.

Palestinian Journalist Targeted by PA

Palestinian security forces raided the house of a Palestinian journalist Saturday and arresting her brothers in an apparent attempt to force her to surrender, reports Maan News. Majdoline Hassouneh refused a summons from the Palestinian Authority [PA], which questioned her coverage of demonstrations by the families of political prisoners.

The PA's persecution and detention of journalists "amounts to restrictions of fundamental freedoms and freedom of expression," the Palestinian Media Association said that in a statement. An attempt to silence Hassouneh and other reporters "requires a firm stand from all the media and their respective representatives to end such practices," the PMA's statement added.

Hassouneh has twice refused to report for interrogation at the PA's Preventive Security Force headquarters in Nablus. The award-winning journalist claims that the PA wants to force her to sign a document limiting her freedom of expression in her reports. After her refusal, police raided her family's home. "They arrested my two brothers because I wasn't at home," she said. "I'm not going to report for interrogation."

Intimidation of journalists remains an issue in the Palestinian Authority. In January, the PA charged reporter Mamdouh Hamamreh with libel and slander for allegedly insulting President Mahmoud Abbas on his Facebook Page. Last year, another journalist was arrested for reporting on a dispute between PA President Mahmoud Abbas and Fatah strongman Muhammad Dahlan, the Jerusalem Post noted.

Al-Shabaab Retreats from Somali Capital

African peacekeepers have secured control over much of Mogadishu after terrorists from al-Shabaab withdrew from the Somali capital over the weekend. Although the group vows to return, pressure from government offensives and American drone strikes has forced al-Shabaab into retreat on many fronts.

The news that the organization had "completely vacated Mogadishu for tactical purposes," came from spokesman Ali Mohamed Rage, who also pledged the adoption of a new strategy of "hit-and-run attacks." Other media sources speculate that al-Shabaab may launch a bloody suicide bombing campaign on government and civilian targets.

On the ground, African forces quickly wiped out scattered fighters and seized over 90% of the city. Elsewhere, dozens of pickup trucks full of the group's fighters abandoned all positions and fled for the group's other strongholds in southern Somalia.

Some jihadist websites tried to spin the news as a trap for Somali government forces, including claims that al-Shabaab had heavily booby-trapped their old positions. But government troops occupied new positions throughout the city with little resistance. "We have been dreaming of this day for the last three years," said Somalia's new Prime Minister Abdiweli Mohamed Ali.

Critically, the departure of al-Shabaab gives an opportunity to provide aid for hundreds of thousands of starving refugees, who are suffering from a drought that has been labeled the world's worst humanitarian disaster. Despite the positive news, rampant corruption and inefficiency are likely to hinder some efforts and endanger gains. Al-Shabaab also previously bounced back from an offensive by Ethiopian forces from 2006 to 2009.

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