CTC Sentinel Objective

february 2010 . Vol 3 . Issue 2

Combating Terrorism Center at West Point CTC Sentinel Objective . Relevant . Rigorous

Contents A Beacon for Extremists:

FEATURE ARTICLE 1 A Beacon for Extremists: The Ansar al-Mujahideen The Ansar al-Mujahideen Web Forum By Evan Kohlmann Web Forum By Evan Kohlmann Reports 5 Al-Qa`ida and Hamas: The Limits of Salafi-Jihadi Pragmatism By Mary Habeck 8 Lebanon at Risk from Salafi-Jihadi Terrorist Cells By Bilal Y. Saab 11 The Changing Scene in Londonistan By Raffaello Pantucci 13 Political Islam in Central Asia: The Role of Hizb al-Tahrir By Emmanuel Karagiannis 16 How Terrorist Groups End By Leonard Weinberg and Arie Perliger

18 Recent Highlights in Terrorist Activity 20 CTC Sentinel Staff & Contacts

uring the last decade, a terrorists have taken to the internet in virtual revolution has quietly force, employing jihadist-themed social taken place in the world networking forums as a new base for of international terrorism. propaganda, communication, and even DThe traditional hubs of logistical recruitment. It was only in retrospect, activity—radical mosques, bookstores years after this phenomenon began, that and guesthouses—have been strictly governments recognized the degree to monitored by law enforcement and which al-Qaìda’s leadership was aware of intelligence agencies. As a result, in a the existence of these social networking strategy pioneered by eager cyber-savvy forums—and the extent of their interest youth such as London resident Younis in using them to harness the power of the About the CTC Sentinel Tsouli (known as “Irhabi 007”),1 aspiring web. The Combating Terrorism Center is an independent educational and research Although official scrutiny initially institution based in the Department of Social 1 In July 2007, Younis Tsouli and two co-defendants pled focused on Arabic-language websites Sciences at the United States Military Academy, guilty to charges filed by British prosecutors accusing with clear connections to al-Qaìda, West Point. The CTC Sentinel harnesses them of “inciting another person to commit an act of ter- recent events have forced a reappraisal of the Center’s global network of scholars and rorism wholly or partly outside the UK contrary to Section this relatively limited approach. Whether practitioners to understand and confront 59(1) Terrorism Act 2000.” The charges stemmed from, it is Fort Hood shooter Major Nidal contemporary threats posed by terrorism and among other activities, Tsouli’s high-profile online role as Malik Hasan’s passion for the English- other forms of political violence. the internet media coordinator for al-Qaìda in Iraq. Part language blog of Yemeni-American cleric of this mission included using web social networking fo- Anwar al-Àwlaqi, or conversely the rums to help link up prospective jihadist recruits with al- online ramblings of the failed Christmas The views expressed in this report are those of Qaìda contacts based in Damascus, Syria. For more, see Day airline bomber Umar Farouk the authors and not of the U.S. Military Academy, “Three Men Admit to Using Internet to Incite Terrorism the Department of the Army, or any other agency of the U.S. Government. in First British Case,” United Kingdom Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), press release, July 5, 2007.

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Abdulmutallab,2 it is increasingly women dedicate countless hours of its creation. “I am one of those so-called second- and third-tier extremist their own personal time—often with ‘New Muslims,’” wrote Abu Omar al- social networking forums managed little reward or acknowledgement—to Maqdisi. by unaffiliated fringe activists—many translating and redistributing jihadist of them offering dedicated English- propaganda and instructional materials, For years of my life I was living language chat rooms—that appear to promoting the mission of al-Qaìda, and in ignorance and God guided play pivotal roles in the indoctrination establishing new online sanctuaries for me so I gave myself to Him after and radicalization of some of today’s jihadist activists. I understood the meaning of most notorious aspiring terrorists. This how God graces and puts faith is a significant shift that has yet to be As a result of the tireless efforts of its in someone’s heart, and since I fully understood, as it could herald in a administrators, in less than two full years originally work in the media, I new generation of English-speaking or of operation the Ansar al-Mujahideen thought about starting some work Westernized violent extremists. Arabic-language forum has accumulated for the victory of the mujahidin... 3,784 registered users, 13,845 All that we want is the glory of Indeed, while certain discussion forums discussion threads, and nearly 57,000 this religion, and to encourage receive substantial endorsements and individual message posts.3 Beyond the believers to fight, and to patronage directly from al-Qaìda, many these already impressive numbers, spend money and offer victorious others are the product of independent Ansar al-Mujahideen administrators words for the mujahidin…We efforts by loyal, web-savvy grassroots enjoyed further viral success upon were ordinary members at the supporters who simply possess an the launch of mirrored Ansar forums al-Ekhlaas forum and we learned overflowing passion for Usama bin dedicated exclusively to English- and a lot from the brothers who took Ladin and the subculture of jihad. German-language users. Unveiled charge of jihadi media work before Occasionally, this self-selecting form of months after the Arabic parent site was us—and it is only normal for us to internet-based terrorism can become so already active and open for business, start our own active campaign at significant as to arguably even rival that its English-language Ansar cousin has the first chance we got. And that’s which has been blessed by al-Qaìda rapidly closed the distance, amassing what we did, so we established this itself. These websites may not rank nearly 15,000 threads and 60,000 site, and told everyone we knew at the top of the conventional online individual message posts. As such, the from the al-Ekhlaas network about jihadist hierarchy, but understanding multi-layered Ansar al-Mujahideen this forum…We went outside the the methodology and mindset of the network has become a key beacon for usual jihadi media route, but we idealistic web entrepreneurs behind lone wolf extremists originating from terrorize in the real world as much the forums has nonetheless become a wide array of communities, including as we terrorize online, so whoever essential in countering a new wave Asia, the Middle East, Western Europe, wishes to join is welcome, and of international terrorism—both the and North America. those who don’t should hold their organized and disorganized variety. tongues about us and go away. Yet, the somewhat amateurish origins of And although low in number, we This sobering lesson is clearly reflected the Ansar al-Mujahideen network have are strong in determination, and in the brief yet meteoric rise of one also become an unwitting Achilles heel. anyone who joins us will realize contemporary jihadist discussion forum During their path to success, the forum’s that immediately.4 in particular: the Ansar al-Mujahideen administrators made a litany of costly website. The website began in 2008 as a software installation errors, allowing The ruffling of Abu Omar’s feathers came rather low-frills, Arabic-language clone outsiders brief access to the website’s amid a torrent of online gossip in late forum with questionable credibility user database. Along with various 2008 concerning the trustworthiness and a membership of mostly silent Internet Protocol (IP) addresses—and of the Ansar al-Mujahideen forum, observers. Today, however, the Ansar much heated invective and rhetoric—the and rumors that the al-Fajr Media al-Mujahideen forum has blossomed data stored in the forum offers a clear Center—the official group responsible into a prolific, multi-language picture of how Ansar al-Mujahideen was for media distribution and other online enterprise with an enviable following of created, and what purpose it serves in logistical tasks on behalf of al-Qaìda— skilled and highly-motivated English- the greater context of terrorist activity was questioning its legitimacy.5 Abu speaking members. These men and on the internet. Omar haughtily rejected these charges and the perceived backstabbing by 2 Under the username “Farouk1986,” Umar Farouk The Rise of the Ansar al-Mujahideen Forum the “snobs” at al-Fajr: “None of us is Abdulmutallab posted scores of messages to at least one Created in 2008, Ansar al-Mujahideen more privileged than any other, except third-tier English-language Islamic forum, the “Gawaher was established by a group of “ordinary through his zeal for his religion and Network,” in 2005 and 2006. The postings included ex- members” from the well-known al- supporting the mujahidin. Our work 6 pressions of sympathy for the Guantanamo Bay detain- Ekhlaas forum. In a private retort sent to serves as testament to our credibility.” ees, anger at the U.S. invasions of Iraq and Afghanistan, an online critic of Ansar al-Mujahideen, descriptions of travel to Yemen, and his lamentations the self-declared “Media Amir” of the about leading the life of a solitary bachelor. For details, forum, Abu Omar al-Maqdisi, explained 4 This quote was available at www.as-ansar.com/vb/pri- see Philip Rucker and Julie Tate, “In Online Posts Ap- vate.php?do=showpm&pmid=502. parently by Detroit Subject, Religious Ideals Collide,” 3 This information, drawn from www.as-ansar.com/vb, 5 Ibid. Washington Post, December 29, 2009. was accurate as of February 2010. 6 Ibid.

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He admitted, attempts at website maintenance, an youths in West to awake and take English-speaking deputy administrator the path of glory-jihad. Our forum maybe some of my productions nicknamed “Insurgent” explained to should do the maximum it can, to have some basic mistakes…but that up-and-coming forum contributor achieve this…i hope by the grace doesn’t mean I am on an untruthful “Terrorist 001” that of allah we can bring the english path…We are located in al-Ansar forum to a better position and room on PalTalk alongside the we need a lot of brothers who are thus providing a great service to jihadi Shaykh Abu Abdulrahman, ready to do something fi sabielellah, the mujahideen in spreading their may Allah protect him, one of and of course you can look out words, and making the audience the commanders in Somalia—so for more brothers who can cut aware of what is happeining [sic] why would he trust us and allow videos and audio too. We need to in the ongoing global jihad.11 us to record and broadcast his develop our skills and this cannot interview? We also have brothers be achieved when every one of us These sentiments square neatly with the from the Islamic State of Iraq, working alone, no discussions, no ever increasing demand by al-Qaìda Chechnya, and Dagestan.7 ideas…We need to adopt the way and its global affiliates for Westernized of thinking of our enemies and we operatives who defy traditional Abu Omar professed his growing need each other to strengthen each stereotypes and are capable of evading “boredom” with online “work” and his other…our mission is very long heightened security measures. desire “to join the battlefields to fight and dangerous…It’s not just about with my weapon, and with my camera copying and pasting…we need to To put their plan into action, Ansar and computer so I ask God to grace us. develop our media skills, produce al-Mujahideen administrators such as All I want now is a strong and solid media more videos and audio releases “Insurgent” and Abu Omar al-Maqdisi network operating at an elite level in order in arabic and also in english, and began to systematically identify to terrorize our enemies and uncover the other languages if it possible. and recruit individuals within their truth.”8 Abu Omar further scoffed: Doing this is gonna improve the immediate social network to help quality and the professionality contribute in spreading the word of Why have the brothers become [sic] of the brothers and sisters jihad in alternative languages. Abu scared of their own shadows? If and you know very well how Omar sent a private message over the you really perceive yourself to be important media is.10 forum to one such user, inviting him to in danger here [on the Ansar al- support the mission: Mujahideen forum] according to His statement reflects the what these brothers have told you, decentralization of online jihadist Dear brother, i guess i know you then don’t come in here again…We propaganda. It is also evidence from several jihadi forums and i don’t need you or anyone else… of the continued attraction of al- realized your activity to support just ask the brothers at the al- Qaìda’s narrative, and the efforts of our brothers on jihad fronts and Tahadi forum to vouch for us…I propagandists to influence Muslims therefore I am inviting you to join say, if any of the brothers at al- living in Western countries. me on the chat program…to discuss Fajr Media wishes to receive with you the responsibility of the assurances about us and if you are Providing Propaganda in Multiple Languages english german section on our in communication with them, then The Ansar al-Mujahideen forum forum, if you are ready to make inform them that we would like administrators have recognized more differences in this important to meet with them. We ask them to the utility of providing jihadist historical time which we are living come here and distribute a bulletin propaganda in multiple languages. In in. I am waiting for you now if outlining the action plan for the al- his own messages to other users, the you are ready. We speak arabic, Ansar network—and we are willing administrator known as “Insurgent” english, spanish, german.12 to blow ourselves up near the repeatedly emphasized the importance infidels at any moment, and if they of making hardcore al-Qaìda content The “work” that Abu Omar al- have enough resources to provide available to English-speaking Muslims: Maqdisi spoke of extended far beyond us with the necessary financing, merely translating Arabic-language then a terrorist is ready.9 i think a very important problem propaganda. When Abu Omar expressed our english readers today have is, his desire to identify potential volunteers Indeed, rather than turn to al-Qaìda lack of english subtitled videos and willing to create advertising banners for essential guidance and support, the if we make subtitles to important and promotional material for the Ansar Ansar al-Mujahideen administrators videos, that will be a great help to al-Mujahideen forum, his aide-de-camp relied on the pooled volunteer efforts the mujahideen, by spreading their “Insurgent” suggested, “i know a sister of their membership and each other. words to the West. mujahideen in another forum who is capable in During another private chat accidentally releases more deserved to be graphic designing. but i have to contact revealed to the world during fumbling watched by the West than arabs… it will help the muslims [sic] 11 This quote was available at www.as-ansar.com/vb/ 7 Ibid. private.php?do=showpm&pmid=62. 8 Ibid. 10 This quote was available at www.as-ansar.com/vb/ 12 This quote was available at www.as-ansar.com/vb/ 9 Ibid. private.php?do=showpm&pmid=121. private.php?do=showpm&pmid=15.

3 february 2010 . Vol 3 . Issue 2 her through the administration of that Beyond the formal activities being speak about this issue, and Allah forum.”13 As promised, “Insurgent” sent organized by administrators, the murky knows that I am being honest.20 a message to the “sister” asking her for sanctuaries afforded by the private help, effusing, “im really very happy chat rooms on the Ansar al-Mujahideen Implications that you came forward to help us. May forum have also been used by seemingly The covert activities taking place allah reward you greatly for that…Good ordinary users to craft their own behind the scenes on the Ansar al- luck in your studies.”14 elaborate plans and plots. Two such Mujahideen forum reveal important users—a Moroccan and a resident of lessons about how terrorists are Offering Assistance and Facilitating Jihad Saudi Arabia—became enmeshed in a actually using the internet, and how the Abu Omar al-Maqdisi has also identified deep discussion of how best to travel to growing phenomenon of decentralized, emerging opportunities to work with nearby Somalia and join the emerging self-selecting “homegrown” terrorism nascent mujahidin organizations in the al-Shabab movement. “Nasruddin at- has found such a resilient base for itself field that lack established ties to major Tamimi” wrote to “Abu Aeisha,” “My on the web. Even now, some analysts pre-existing online jihadist logistics dear brother, I used to think you were continue to treat the denizens of Ansar groups (such as the al-Fajr Media Center from Somalia, and I ask you to contact al-Mujahideen and other similar online or the Global Islamic Media Front). In the brothers and make sure about the “troll factories” as nothing more than this sense, Abu Omar envisions Ansar journey.”18 Abu Aeisha replied: useless “armchair jihadists.” al-Mujahideen not merely as a fixed online discussion forum, but as a multi- I can arrange with one of the It is dangerous, however, to write off tiered rival to al-Fajr and the GIMF in brothers, but I don’t know this the threat posed by members of the the competitive jihadist media market. brother well, and I don’t want Ansar al-Mujahideen forum. While He contacted a representative of a to throw away what I have here their language and approach may seem fringe Palestinian militant faction in without some assurances and immature, and even juvenile at times, Gaza known as “Jaish al-Ummah” and reliability, and I am in nature very the often unsung accomplishments of the reported back that “they are in need of careful dealing with the security administrators and users are beginning support to produce their productions, aspect, and I don’t speak about to have a measurable impact in terms and they ask us for this.”15 Abu Omar these issues until I am certain. But of promoting terrorism and terrorist forwarded an excerpt from their formal with you, despite the fact that I organizations—and these young men request to other forum administrators: haven’t known you for more than a and women have repeatedly declared “Brothers, we ask you to prepare an month or so, my heart feels warmth their intention to carry their mission introductory segment for our films, and a towards you, and I ask Allah to into the real world. Their postings echo conclusion…while leaving suitable space group me with you in the highest precisely the same language of Jordanian in the introduction to write on it the name ranks of paradise. Brother, just as a doctor Humam al-Balawi (also known of each new operation we undertake.”16 reminder, I know one of the Somali as Abu Dujana al-Khurasani), who was brothers who I met in another once a prominent online “jihobbyist”21 The various endeavors undertaken country, and this brother resides in and was likewise written off as an by Abu Omar and other Ansar al- the city of Medina—can he transport eccentric until he blew himself up at Mujahideen administrators appear to be the brothers to Somalia! And since a Central Intelligence Agency base in bearing fruit and gaining momentum. you are a resident in Medina, I’ll southeastern Afghanistan at the behest An official communiqué distributed by send you the brother’s name and his of the Pakistani Taliban. the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (the description so you can ask him for Afghan Taliban) on October 7, 2009 his phone number, and so I can call Certainly, the fringe threats flourishing identified the Ansar al-Mujahideen him, and Inshallah he will assist on jihadist web forums may seem a bit website as one of only three online us.19 overly ambitious and theatrical, but in discussion forums recommended as the wake of recent troubling incidents, suitable venues to obtain the latest Abu Aeisha added, such as the suicide attack by Humam al- statements and video from the Afghan Balawi and the Ft. Hood massacre, they mujahidin.17 It may not have been an I give you another piece of cannot be taken lightly. official endorsement, but it was a clear information, that I am from recognition of how high the star of Morocco, meaning from Africa, Evan Kohlmann is a co-founder and senior Ansar al-Mujahideen has risen, despite and the distance between me and consultant with Flashpoint Global Partners. its rather humble origins. Somalia isn’t easy. I had prepared Mr. Kohlmann holds a B.S.F.S. from the for this once before with another School of Foreign Service at Georgetown brother, but Allah eased our fate. University, and a J.D. from the University 13 This quote was available at www.as-ansar.com/vb/ Yes, we have adopted the methods of Pennsylvania Law School. He currently private.php?do=showpm&pmid=74. of high technology, and I ask of works as a terrorism analyst for the NEFA 14 Ibid. you brother for your address on Foundation and NBC News. 15 This quote was available at www.as-ansar.com/vb/ [Instant] Messenger so we can private.php?do=showpm&pmid=166. 20 This quote was available at www.as-ansar.com/vb/ 16 Ibid. 18 This quote was available at www.as-ansar.com/vb/ private.php?do=showpm&pmid=411. 17 This was posted on www.alfalojaweb.info/vb/ private.php?do=showpm&pmid=391. 21 “Jihobbyist” is a term coined by counterterrorism ana- showthread.php?t=87055 on October 7, 2009. 19 Ibid. lyst Jarret Brachman.