july 2010 . Vol 3 . Issue 7

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

Contents The Mysterious Relationship

FEATURE ARTICLE 1 The Mysterious Relationship Between Between Al-Qa`ida and Iran Al-Qa`ida and Iran By Bruce Riedel By Bruce Riedel

Reports 4 Al-Shabab’s Agenda in the Wake of the Kampala Suicide Attacks By Tim Pippard 6 The Punjabi Taliban: Causes and Consequences of Turning Against the State By Ben Brandt 10 The Ghazi Force: A Threat to Pakistan’s Urban Centers By Syed Manzar Abbas Zaidi 12 Pakistan’s Challenges in Orakzai Agency By Tayyab Ali Shah 14 The Growing Threat of Female Suicide Attacks in Western Countries By Houriya Ahmed 18 Countering Terrorist Financing: Successes and Setbacks in the Years Since 9/11 By Michael Jonsson he relationship between al- al-Qa`ida and its Taliban allies may 21 Recent Highlights in Terrorist Activity Qa`ida and Iran is shrouded be outweighed by a desire to find ways 24 CTC Sentinel Staff & Contacts in mystery. Before and after to spoil U.S. interests in the region. the September 11 attacks on Similarly, as Washington ratchets up the Tthe United States, al-Qa`ida operatives pressure on al-Qa`ida in Pakistan, Usama transited Iran, and some found sanctuary bin Ladin and al-Qa`ida may find Iran a in the country after fleeing Afghanistan more attractive partner. Thus, what has in late 2001. Yet the hints of occasional been a hostile relationship could become operational cooperation between al- a more collaborative one. About the CTC Sentinel Qa`ida and Iran are outweighed by the The Combating Terrorism Center is an considerable and public evidence of the This article reviews the historical independent educational and research deep animosity between Sunni extremist relationship between al-Qa`ida and Iran institution based in the Department of Social al-Qa`ida and Shi`a extremist Iran. before examining the factors that could Sciences at the United States Military Academy, Antipathy for each other is at the root of cause the two entities to work together West Point. The CTC Sentinel harnesses their ideologies and narratives, and it has against the United States and its allies. the Center’s global network of scholars and been most visible in their competition for practitioners to understand and confront influence in Iraq and Afghanistan. Background contemporary threats posed by terrorism and The evidence for a secret relationship other forms of political violence. This dynamic may change, however, between al-Qa`ida and Iran is significant, if the United States and Iran move but largely limited and the facts quite toward confrontation or even conflict murky. The 9/11 Commission’s report The views expressed in this report are those of over the Iranian government’s nuclear concluded that there is evidence of the authors and not of the U.S. Military Academy, weapons ambitions. As tensions between contacts among al-Qa`ida, the Iranian the Department of the Army, or any other agency Washington and Tehran increase, Shi`a government and Iran’s Lebanese Hizb of the U.S. Government. antipathy for Sunni jihadists such as Allah ally dating back to Usama bin

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Ladin’s years in Khartoum in the mid- with an associate of a senior Hizb Allah Bin Ladin’s son, Sa`ad, reportedly left 1990s.1 During this time, it is possible official.6 Khalid Shaykh Muhammad Iran in 2008.12 The circumstances are that Hizb Allah provided some training and Ramzi bin al-Shibh, two captured unclear about whether he was released to future al-Qa`ida operatives, as Sudan al-Qa`ida operatives, confirmed that by Iranian authorities or if he escaped. was a watering hole for virtually every 8-10 of the 9/11 hijackers at some point One of Bin Ladin’s daughters left Iran terrorist and extremist group in the Middle between October 2000 and February for Saudi Arabia this year via Syria.13 East. As a result, it would not be surprising 2001 transited Iran on their way to or After the U.S. invasion of Iraq in 2003, for the nascent al-Qa`ida group to have from Afghanistan “taking advantage it is clear that al-Qa`ida messengers encountered the Iranian Revolutionary of the Iranian practice of not stamping transited Iran to get from Pakistan to Guard Corps (IRGC) and the Iranian Saudi passports.”7 What is not clear in Iraq. The Iranian authorities apparently Ministry of Intelligence (MOIS). the report is whether Iran gave these at least tolerated such transit if not travelers any treatment different from facilitated it; they likely see such Some sources, including the 9/11 that provided to other Saudis transiting transfers as a relatively low risk method Commission, have suggested more than Iran to Afghanistan in 2001.8 to keep the United States bogged down mere contact, alleging that the two may in two wars and therefore less likely to have collaborated in the attack on the The bottom line of the 9/11 Commission’s focus its attention on Iran. U.S. Air Force barracks in Khobar, report, however, is unequivocal. It states Saudi Arabia in 1996. In the CTC that both Khalid Shaykh Muhammad Hostile Enemies? and Ramzi bin al-Shibh categorically On the other side of the ledger, the denied any relationship between the animosity between Iran and al-Qa`ida “Al-Qa`ida’s rebuke to hijackers and Hizb Allah. On Iran, the is public and abundantly clear. For Hizb Allah and Iran for commission concluded, “we have found al-Qa`ida and its allies such as the no evidence that Iran or Hizballah was Taliban, Shi`a are not true Muslims and being ‘soft’ on Israel may aware of the planning for what later should be treated as outcasts at best, if strike many in the West as became the 9/11 attack.”9 not apostates. For Iran, the Taliban and al-Qa`ida are bigots who abuse Shi`a. peculiar, but it is a visible After 9/11: Al-Qa`ida Operatives in Iran The Taliban harshly repressed Afghan manifestation of the depth After September 2001, several al-Qa`ida Hazara Shi`a in the 1990s, murdering operatives, including one of Bin Ladin’s thousands when it took over their of divide between the sons and other relatives, fled to Iran to towns and cities in 1998. The Taliban Sunni and Shi`a jihads.” escape the debacle of the collapse of the murdered several Iranian diplomats as Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan. Some well in 1998, and the two almost went to of these individuals have remained war over the incident.14 in Iran ever since. Their status has Sentinel, however, Thomas Hegghammer never been clear; some reports suggest Al-Qa`ida was an enthusiastic and made clear that the evidence for they are under house arrest or even in public supporter of the Taliban in its such collaboration is unconvincing.2 prison. Other reports say they are free conflict with Tehran, a lonely voice of Moreover, evidence that emerged in the to operate. It has been reported that support at the time that probably helped decade after the attack, reviewed by the these Iran-based al-Qa`ida cells played cement Bin Ladin’s relationship with author, also suggests that al-Qa`ida did a support role in the al-Qa`ida attacks Taliban leader Mullah Omar. Al-Qa`ida not have involvement in the Khobar on foreigners living in Riyadh on May provided troops and money for the fight attacks.3 Bin Ladin has said the same.4 12, 2003 that killed 35 people, including against Iran’s Northern Alliance allies. eight Americans.10 It has also been The IRGC and MOIS were consistent The 9/11 Commission’s report also found suggested that the Iranian government supporters of al-Qa`ida’s Afghan that a senior Hizb Allah official visited may be using its al-Qa`ida detainees enemy, the Northern Alliance, and Saudi Arabia in October 2000 to assist as hostages to help dissuade the had operatives in Afghanistan before Saudis traveling to Afghanistan.5 Three terrorist group from attacking Iranian and after 9/11. When the first Central of the 9/11 hijackers reportedly traveled interests. Tehran may also have hoped Intelligence Agency team arrived in the from Saudi Arabia to Beirut, then to to trade them to the United States for Pansjhir Valley in late 2001 to overthrow Iran and into Afghanistan on a flight Mujahidin-i-Khalq leaders captured in the Taliban and al-Qa`ida, they found Iraq in 2003.11 Their value to the Iranian that the Iranians were already active in 15 1 The 9/11 Commission Report­ (New York: W.W. Norton government may change over time. the area. & Co., 2004). 2 Thomas Hegghammer, “Deconstructing the Myth 6 Ibid. 12 “Bin Laden Son Saad Left Iran, Now in Pakistan-US,” about al-Qa`ida and Khobar,” CTC Sentinel 1:3 (2008). 7 Ibid. Reuters, January 16, 2009. 3 The author was present at the Khobar Towers hours 8 Ibid. 13 “Bin Laden’s Daughter Set Free from Iran,” CBS/AP, after the attack. During the next decade, the author re- 9 Ibid. March 23, 2010. viewed all the available evidence on the attack and did 10 Douglas Jehl and Eric Schmitt, “US Suggests a Qaeda 14 “Taliban Threatens Retaliation if Iran Strikes,” CNN, not find an al-Qa`ida hand in the operation. Cell in Iran Directed Saudi Bombings,” New York Times, September 15, 1998. 4 Bruce Lawrence ed., Messages to the World, The State­ May 21, 2003. 15 Gary Schroen, First In: An Insider’s Account of How the ments of Osama Bin Laden (London: Verso, 2005), p. 52. 11 The Mujahidin-i-Khalq is an organization that advo- CIA Spearheaded the War on Terror in Afghanistan (New 5 The 9/11 Commission Report­ . cates the overthrow of the Islamic Republic of Iran. York: Ballantine, 2006), p. 89.

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Since 2003, al-Qa`ida’s franchise in the Muslims in the back” when the of small quantities of Iranian arms Iraq has killed thousands of Iraqi Shi`a Ottomans were at the gates of Vienna in provided to the Taliban and of the IRGC and scores of senior Shi`a leaders. Al- 1683.19 Memories are long in al-Qa`ida. training Taliban operatives.20 Iran has Qa`ida argues that the Shi`a are pawns kept its options open in Afghanistan and of Iran seeking to restore “Safavid” During and since the 2006 war between has positioned itself to be more helpful control of the country, a reference to Hizb Allah and Israel, al-Qa`ida to the Taliban should it decide to adopt the first Shi`a Persian dynasty that leaders, including al-Zawahiri, have this strategy. On the whole, Iran has fought the Ottoman Empire for control been critical of Hizb Allah for accepting been an ally of the Karzai government a cease-fire with Israel and allowing in Kabul since 2001 and has invested United Nations peacekeepers to operate significantly in western Afghanistan “The evidence of a hostile on Lebanese territory. Al-Qa`ida’s to help stabilize the border region. For relationship is much more rebuke to Hizb Allah and Iran for being example, the largest Afghan city in the “soft” on Israel may strike many in west, Herat, is linked to the Iranian compelling than evidence the West as peculiar, but it is a visible electrical grid. Yet Iran could choose to for a collaborative one. manifestation of the depth of divide “turn off the lights” if it wanted to make between the Sunni and Shi`a jihads. the already difficult Afghan mission Nevertheless, that does not Since 2009, al-Qa`ida media outlets even harder for the United States and preclude the possibility have reproached the Palestinian Sunni NATO. The Italian military, which terrorist group Hamas for accepting aid patrols Herat, is extremely conscious of of occasional operational from Iran in its fight with Israel. its vulnerability to Iranian mischief. collusion. Yet it does not On balance, the evidence of a hostile Increasing aid to the Taliban while suggest a partnership or relationship is much more compelling making life in western Afghanistan alliance.” than evidence for a collaborative one. unpleasant for NATO would be a fairly Nevertheless, that does not preclude simple and relatively low risk way the possibility of occasional operational of signaling to Washington that Iran collusion; terrorists often seek help can play hardball. Another path could of Iraq in the 17th century. Al-Qa`ida’s from criminals and drug dealers, and be allowing al-Qa`ida greater use of first leader in Iraq, Abu Mus`ab al- therefore from other terrorists as well. Iranian territory for travel transit or Zarqawi, was notoriously vicious in Yet it does not suggest a partnership or safe haven. Indeed, to the extent that his hatred for the Shi`a, even earning alliance. the United States puts pressure on a private reproach from Bin Ladin’s al-Qa`ida’s safe haven in Pakistan, deputy, Ayman al-Zawahiri, for his Possible Change of Dynamics the terrorists will likely look for an indiscriminate attacks on Shi`a leaders, This dynamic could change in the alternative sanctuary. Iran is next door, mosques and processions. near future. The United States and and if allowed al-Qa`ida might find the Iran are on a collision course over change of venue attractive at least for Al-Zarqawi wrote to al-Zawahiri Tehran’s determination to develop a parts of its infrastructure. While greater to explain his view of the “heretic” nuclear weapons capability. As this cooperation with the Taliban and al- Shi`a. It is worth looking at this letter, confrontation worsens, Iran will be Qa`ida could backfire and isolate Iran intercepted by U.S. intelligence, for looking for ways to damage U.S. interests further, Tehran may consider the price an understanding of how al-Qa`ida in the region, especially through means worth paying in the face of Western views Iran and the Shi`a. Al-Zarqawi that bog the United States down further aggression against its nuclear program. began by saying that the Shi`a are “an in Iraq and Afghanistan. Since the insurmountable obstacle, a lurking United States is withdrawing forces Bruce Riedel is a Senior Fellow in the snake, a crafty and malicious scorpion, from Iraq, Afghanistan is probably the Saban Center for Middle East Policy at the a spying enemy and a mortal venom.”16 best venue to strike. Moreover, as the Brookings Institution and a professor at For al-Zarqawi, “Shiism is a looming war in Afghanistan is now “Obama’s Georgetown University. He has advised four danger and a true challenge that has war”—where he has tripled U.S. troop U.S. presidents on Afghanistan and was nothing in common with Islam.”17 Iran’s numbers—the temptation to make asked by President Barack Obama in January goal is to create a “heretical state from the war harder may be impossible for 2009 to chair an interagency strategic review Iran through Iraq, Syria and Lebanon Tehran to resist. of American policy toward Afghanistan and to the cardboard kingdom of the Gulf.”18 Pakistan, which was completed in March He even quoted a European specialist For several years, Iran has had a low- 2009. He is the author of The Search for as saying that if the “Safavids had not level relationship with its old nemesis, Al Qaeda: its Leadership, Ideology and existed, we in Europe would be reading the Afghan Taliban. Since 2007, Future. the Quran just as the Algerians do” American and British commanders in because the Shi`a empire “stabbed Afghanistan have reported evidence

16 “Text from Abu Mus’ab al-Zarqawi Letter,” GlobalSe- 19 “Letter to Bin Laden and Zawahiri,” in Gilles Kepel 20 Damien McElroy, “Iran Helping the Taliban, US Am- curity.org, undated. and Jean-Pierre Milelli eds., Al Qaeda in its Own Words bassador Claims,” Telegraph, December 17, 2009; Sajjan 17 Ibid. (Cambridge, NJ: Harvard University Press, 2008), pp. M. Gohel, “Iran’s Ambiguous Role in Afghanistan,” CTC 18 Ibid. 251-267. Sentinel 3:3 (2010).

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Al-Shabab’s Agenda in Therefore, the Kampala attacks—al- continuation of the Ethiopian invasion, Shabab’s first successful major foreign and thus Ethiopia too remains a key al- the Wake of the Kampala operation—constitute an important Shabab adversary. Suicide Attacks development, raising questions about the extent to which al-Shabab is evolving In this respect, the Kampala attacks mark By Tim Pippard from an Islamic-nationalist group the continuation and intensification of claiming to operate on behalf of Somalis, al-Shabab’s rhetorical and operational the somali islamist group al-Shabab to one now seemingly incorporated campaign directed at Ugandan and demonstrated its expanding operational more fully into a broader pan-Islamic Burundian targets that has become reach when it executed simultaneous campaign. This article will examine the increasingly pronounced and coherent suicide bombings in the Ugandan capital, group’s capacity to pursue and sustain a in recent months. On July 9, 2010, Kampala, on July 11, 2010.1 The attacks— campaign outside of Somalia’s borders. just two days prior to the Kampala targeting a rugby club and an Ethiopian blasts, al-Shabab issued a statement restaurant in a neighborhood popular Al-Shabab’s Foreign Focus with expatriates as people watched the Al-Shabab emerged as an independent World Cup final—left 76 civilians dead, entity in early 2007 following the “The Kampala attacks including one U.S. citizen.2 While an collapse of the Islamic Courts Union mark the continuation investigation by Ugandan authorities (ICU), which controlled much of central into the attacks is ongoing (with some and southern Somalia during the latter and intensification of al- support from the U.S. Federal Bureau half of 2006 until an Ethiopian invasion Shabab’s rhetorical and of Investigation), U.S. Department in late December ousted the Islamists of State officials acknowledge that from power.6 Its central aims since that operational campaign initial evidence confirms the al-Shabab time have been to overthrow Somalia’s directed at Ugandan and connection to the blasts.3 Transitional Federal Government (TFG), implement Shari`a, and eject all foreign Burundian targets that Al-Shabab previously announced its security forces from the country. has become increasingly internationalist ambitions on February 1, 2010 when it formally aligned with The heavy presence of foreign military pronounced and coherent al-Qa`ida, stressing in a media release personnel in Somalia is one of the in recent months.” that the “jihad of the Horn of Africa key drivers of al-Shabab’s campaign, must be combined with the international ensuring that the group has always jihad led by the al-Qa`ida network.”4 incorporated a foreign-focused element. Yet for the most part, this move had The African Union Mission in Somalia encouraging Islamist militants in minimal immediate impact on al- (AMISOM) is currently the only force Chechnya, Pakistan, Afghanistan and Shabab’s operational activities. Aside capable of challenging al-Shabab’s elsewhere to attack the diplomatic from a handful of minor incursions into ascendency in Mogadishu, having missions of Uganda and Burundi in northern and northeastern Kenya, the replaced Ethiopian troops in early 2007 response to their continued support for group has retained a focus on Somalia to bolster the TFG.7 Critically, of the the TFG.9 Specific threats targeting the and foreign military and political targets 6,000 AMISOM military personnel Ugandan and Burundian capital cities in the capital city Mogadishu, as well as currently deployed in Somalia, all but also featured in an al-Shabab statement parts of central and southern Somalia.5 four military staff officers have been dated October 22, 2009, in which senior provided by Uganda and Burundi—a al-Shabab commander Shaykh Ali 1 Alisha Ryu, “Al-Shabab Leader Threatens More At- level of involvement guaranteeing that Mohamed Hussein stressed: “We shall tacks in Uganda,” Voice of America, July 15, 2010. both countries remain priority targets make their people cry. We will attack 8 2 “Somali Militants Claim Kampala World Cup Blasts,” for Somali Islamists. Al-Shabab has Bujumbura and Kampala…We will move BBC, July 12, 2010; “Worldwide Alert Issued to Identify also characterized AMISOM as a mere our fighting to those two cities and we 10 Kampala Suicide Bombers,” Voice of America, July 18, will destroy them.” 2010. 6 “Somalia: The Tough Part is Ahead,” International 3 Al-Shabab also officially claimed responsibility for the Crisis Group, January 26, 2007; Ravi Somaiya, “Who is Ugandan and Burundian troops have blasts. Separately, Ugandan police announced on July 13 Al-Shabab?” Newsweek, July 12, 2010. also come under sustained attack in al- that they had found an explosives-laden vest (rigged to 7 Will Hartley, “Terrorism Trends – Jane’s Intelligence Shabab-controlled areas of Mogadishu in detonate by cell phone) at a nightclub in Kampala, pos- Centre Seminar,” IHS Jane’s, June 22, 2010. IED attacks, raids, ambushes, targeted sibly preventing another explosion. For details, see Josh 8 Although AMISOM’s force size has failed to reach its assassinations, and stand-off weapon Kron, “Uganda Says it Thwarted Another Bombing,” mandated 8,000, Uganda’s deployment of a fourth bat- operations. In one such exchange on New York Times, July 13, 2010; Philip J. Crowley, daily talion in mid-March 2010 took the force size to 6,120 press briefing, U.S. State Department, July 12, 2010. troops. Of this total, Ghana, Cameroon, Senegal and Zam- 9 “Somalia’s Shabab Calls on Global Islamist Militants 4 Sarah Childress, “Somalia’s Al Shabaab to Ally With bia have contributed four military staff officers to AMI- to Attack Ugandan and Burundian Targets,” Jane’s Ter- Al Qaeda,” Wall Street Journal, February 2, 2010. SOM headquarters in Mogadishu. Nigeria, Sierra Leone rorism and insurgency Centre, July 9, 2010. 5 Fred Mukinda, “Al-Shabaab Attacks Kenya Territory,” and Zambia have also contributed to the 40-strong AMI- 10 “Shabab Threatens to Attack Burundian and Ugan- Daily Nation, March 31, 2010; “Shabab Militants Attack SOM civilian police deployment in Somalia. See “Report dan Capitals,” Jane’s Terrorism and Insurgency Centre, Village in Kenya’s North Eastern Province,” Jane’s Ter- of the Secretary-General on Somalia,” United Nations October 23, 2009; “Shabab Threatens Uganda and Bu- rorism and Insurgency Centre, May 29, 2010. Security Council, May 11, 2010. rundi,” al-Jazira, October 23, 2009.

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June 3, 2010, mortar fire between al- preparedness required to successfully on May 27.19 Speaking in English, the Shabab militants and TFG troops launch large-scale operations. narrator questions the involvement (backed by AMISOM peacekeepers) in of Ugandan and Burundian troops in the Kaaraan, Yaqshid and Abdiazziz In addition, al-Shabab has increasingly Somalia, accusing them of “fighting districts of the capital left 23 people incorporated tactics synonymous with America’s war in a foreign land.”20 dead and 66 others wounded; two of sophisticated al-Qa`ida operations—a those killed were Ugandan troops.11 progression common to local groups Diaspora Support seeking to solidify ties with al-Qa`ida.16 Al-Shabab is also actively seeking Radicalization and Centralization Several al-Shabab attacks have involved material and physical support from Al-Shabab’s operational capacity to multiple, simultaneous mass casualty Somali communities in Western Europe project its campaign beyond Somalia’s suicide explosions. On September 17, and the United States, further enhancing borders ultimately relates to a range of 2009, two al-Shabab suicide bombers its international characteristics. For shifts in the group’s internal dynamics infiltrated AMISOM’s headquarters instance, in February 2008 three Somali during the past two years, culminating in the capital city, killing 17 soldiers immigrants were arrested in Sweden in the emergence of a highly centralized and three in Norway on suspicion of and radicalized organization that is far financing terrorism (five individuals more capable of pursuing its extreme “Each of these attributes were subsequently released without Islamist ideology. suggests that al-Shabab charge; one Norwegian national was charged in October 2009 with collecting Most notably, al-Shabab’s loose network will continue to evolve into money for Somali terrorist groups).21 structure has been supplanted by a more a greater regional threat.” centralized organizational hierarchy Many of the individuals recruited coalesced around several key Somali into al-Shabab’s ranks or suspected extremists.12 These include the group’s of providing material support to the leader Ahmed Abdi Aw-Mahmoud (including Burundian Major General group are U.S. nationals, some of (known as “Godane”), Ibrahim Haji Juvenal Niyonguruza, AMISOM’s whom have become highly radicalized. Jama “al-Afghani,” and Shaykh Fuad deputy commander) and injuring On November 23, 2009, as part of Mohamed “Shongole.” These individuals another 40.17 On December 3, 2009, an ongoing U.S. investigation into are thought to be supported by several a suicide bomber blew himself up at Somali Islamist insurgent support foreign al-Qa`ida operatives implicated a graduation ceremony being held at networks, 14 individuals were charged in the 1998 U.S. Embassy bombings in Mogadishu’s Shamo Hotel, killing 24 with recruiting and financing some 20 Nairobi and Dar es Salaam, as well as the people, including four TFG officials.18 Somali men in the Minneapolis area of attacks on Israeli tourists in Mombasa Minnesota, who subsequently traveled in November 2002,13 principal among Al-Shabab has also crafted a vigorous to Somalia and trained at al-Shabab them being Fazul Abdullah Muhammad communications strategy designed camps.22 According to official court (al-Qa`ida’s leading figure in Somalia).14 to promote and garner domestic and documents, a Somali-American who Many of these foreign fighters have international support for its extreme traveled to Somalia, Shirwa Ahmed, was settled in al-Shabab camps in southern ideology, as well as discourage further one of five suicide bombers involved in Somalia and are involved in training external meddling in Somalia. Al- simultaneous suicide attacks in northern Somali militants.15 Their primacy in the Shabab’s media wing—the al-Kataib Somalia in October 2008.23 The central upper echelons of al-Shabab’s leadership Foundation for Media Productions— concern among U.S. counterterrorism hierarchy also facilitates and ensures the frequently issues high quality video and officials is that more members of the high degree of operational planning and audio statements containing threats Somali-American diaspora might of future attacks, or glorifying past embrace terrorism, and that al-Qa`ida 11 “Mortar Exchange Leaves 23 Dead in Somalia’s Mog- operations (particularly martyrdom will continue to exploit and develop its adishu,” Jane’s Terrorism and Insurgency Centre, June operations). A 10-minute video released base in southern Somalia from which to 24 3, 2010. by al-Shabab in early June 2010 titled target U.S. and Western interests. 12 “Somalia’s Divided Islamists,” International Crisis “The African Crusaders” is one of the Group, May 18, 2010. slickest productions to date, containing 19 “The African Crusaders,” al-Kataib Foundation for 13 Johnnie Carson, “Developing a Coordinated and footage and images of heavy clashes with Media Productions, June 2010. Sustainable U.S. Strategy Toward Somalia,” testimony AMISOM troops in northern Mogadishu 20 “Shabab Attacks AMISOM.” before the U.S. Senate Select Committee on Foreign Rela- 21 “Somalis Arrested in Sweden,” Ice News, March 11, tions, May 20, 2009. 2008; Christian Nils Larson and Michael Jonsson, “Tax 14 Fazul Abdullah Muhammad became al-Qa`ida’s 16 For instance, in Algeria the Salafist Group for Preach- Evasion – Dealing with the Shabab’s Funding,” Jane’s In­ lead operative in Somalia after the death of Salah Ali ing and Combat’s (GSPC) alignment with al-Qa`ida in telligence Review, February 9, 2010. Salah Nabhan in a U.S. raid on September 14, 2009. See late 2006 led to a resurgence in violence characterized 22 “Terror Charges Unsealed in Minneapolis Against “Shabab’s Mixed Messages,” Jane’s Terrorism and Secu­ by large-scale suicide attacks in April, September and Eight Men, Justice Department Announces,” U.S. De- rity Monitor, January 27, 2010; “Somalia’s Divided Isla- December 2007. See “JTIC Country Briefing – Algeria,” partment of Justice, November 23, 2009. mists.” Jane’s Terrorism and Insurgency Centre, June 1, 2009. 23 Ibid. 15 “Al Qaeda in Yemen and Somalia: A Ticking Time 17 “Shabab Attacks AMISOM,” Jane’s Terrorism and Se­ 24 Bronwyn Bruton, “In the Quicksands of Somalia,” Bomb,” report to the Committee on Foreign Relations, curity Monitor, July 12, 2010. Foreign Affairs 88:6 (2009); “Al Qaeda in Yemen and So- U.S. Senate, January 21, 2010. 18 “Somalia’s Divided Islamists.” malia: A Ticking Time Bomb.”

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Another U.S. national recruited to al- Al-Shabab is also coming under The Punjabi Taliban: Shabab, Omar Hammami (also known increasing pressure from other Somali Causes and Consequences as Abu Mansur al-Amriki), has emerged factions, particularly Hisbul Islamiyya as a high-profile media representative, (another of Somalia’s Islamist of Turning Against the appearing in numerous al-Shabab organizations that emerged from the State propaganda videos and providing a collapse of the ICU). Tensions between foreign face to the group.25 the two groups intensified in October By Ben Brandt 2009 when Hisbul Islamiyya and al- Conclusion Shabab militants fought each other for the kidnapping and murder of former Each of these attributes—an increasingly control of the strategically important Inter-Services Intelligence officer and radical agenda, a centralized leadership town of Kismayo.30 Consequently, Usama bin Ladin confidant Khalid structure, refined propaganda al-Shabab’s efforts are now largely Khwaja in March 2010 generated machinery, and a foreign support focused on re-establishing its political a wave of analysis throughout the network—suggests that al-Shabab and military credentials, and vying for counterterrorism community.1 Although will continue to evolve into a greater influence alongside other factions in analysts have offered a variety of regional threat. Indeed, on July 15, Somalia’s Islamist movement. theories regarding both the nature of 2010, al-Shabab threatened further the “Asian Tigers” group that executed attacks against Uganda and Burundi in As such, while al-Shabab’s successful Khwaja and their motives in killing an audio statement aired on Mogadishu execution of sporadic, large-scale him, most have correctly noted that radio stations, in which al-Shabab attacks abroad seems quite feasible in the the incident is symbolic of a broader insisted that “what has happened in future, a protracted foreign campaign— splintering between Punjabi militants Kampala was only the beginning. We in which al-Shabab develops and retains espousing allegiance to the Pakistani will keep revenging what your soldiers external networks responsible for state and a younger generation that has remorselessly did to our people.”26 launching attacks against Ugandan and aligned itself with al-Qa`ida and Tehrik- Burundian targets—appears beyond the i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), turning their Concurrently, however, al-Shabab’s group’s present capabilities. guns on the Pakistani government and evolution into a more overtly the West. It is important to understand internationalist organization has Tim Pippard is Senior Consultant in the the manifestations of this fracture, undercut some of its appeal and support Security and Military Intelligence Practice as well as its causes and potential base within Somalia.27 Al-Shabab’s hard of IHS Jane’s, and is currently Research consequences, to better gauge the threat line interpretation of Islam (in which Director of an IHS Jane’s study entitled posed to the United States by what is it is attempting to impose religious “Relationships and Rivalries: Assessing Al- frequently called the “Punjabi Taliban.”2 uniformity on Somali society at the Qa’ida’s Affiliate Network.” He is Assistant expense of traditional clan structures Editor of Perspectives on Terrorism (the Various Manifestations of Anti-State and beliefs) has failed to resonate with journal of the Terrorism Research Initiative), Sentiment many Somali citizens.28 In addition, and former managing editor of Jane’s Khalid Khwaja’s execution is perhaps while al-Shabab’s increasingly brutal Terrorism and Insurgency Center (JTIC). the most graphic manifestation of a operational tactics—specifically suicide trend that has been occurring for some bombings targeting civilians—have time, particularly within terrorist enabled it to retain territory in central groups that had previously designated and southern Somalia, such tactics have India or rival Muslim sects as their also caused public outrage and alienated targets. One of the best documented supporters, even in traditional al- fissures within a Pakistani terrorist Shabab strongholds.29 group dedicated to jihad against India is that which occurred within Jaysh-

1 For details, see Rahimullah Yusufzai, “The Kidnapping 25 Andrea Elliott, “The Jihadist Next Door,” New York and Execution of Khalid Khwaja in Pakistan,” CTC Senti­ Times, January 31, 2010. nel 3:5 (2010); Nicholas Schmidle, “How Did A Pakistan 26 Mohamed Olad Hassan, “Al-Shabab Leader Threat- Ex-Spy End Up Dead?” The New Republic, May 4, 2010. ens More Uganda Attacks,” Associated Press, July 15, 2 Hassan Abbas has defined the Punjabi Taliban as “a 2010. loose conglomeration of members of banned organiza- 27 “Somalia’s Divided Islamists.” tions of Punjabi origin” that work with Tehrik-i-Taliban 28 The International Crisis Group (ICG) has documented to execute attacks inside Pakistan. Abbas described the numerous instances of public disaffection at al-Shabab’s Punjabi Taliban as being primarily composed of mem- attempts to impose its extreme vision of Islam on Somali bers of the groups Sipah-i-Sahaba Pakistan, Lashkar-i- society. ICG researchers also note that public disillu- 30 Stig Jarle Hansen, “Faction Fluctuation – The Shift- Jhangvi, and Jaysh-i-Muhammad; disaffected anti-statist sion with al-Shabab is being further fueled by its poor ing Allegiances within Hizbul Islam,” Jane’s Intelligence members of several other groups such as Harkat-ul-Ji- governance record in southern Somalia. See “Somalia’s Review, March 11, 2010. Tensions between Hisbul Is- had-al-Islam, Lashkar-i-Tayyiba, and Harkat-ul-Muja- Divided Islamists.” lamiyya and al-Shabab commanders have continued, hidin may be considered part of the Punjabi Taliban as 29 Ibid.; Mark Landler, “After Attacks in Uganda, Worry with clashes between the two groups occurring into mid- well. For details, see Hassan Abbas, “Defining the Pun- Grows Over Group,” New York Times, July 12, 2010. 2010. jabi Taliban Network,” CTC Sentinel 2:4 (2009).

6 july 2010 . Vol 3 . Issue 7 i-Muhammad (JM) in 2002-2003. In The sectarian group Sipah-i-Sahaba ties to al-Qa`ida and the TTP.12 The 2002, members of JM were implicated Pakistan (SSP) has also seen members status of the sectarian group Lashkar- in a number of attacks targeting leave to attack targets associated with i-Jhangvi (LJ) appears to be similar to Pakistani Christians in Punjab, while the Pakistani state and the West.9 that of HuJI, as many of LJ’s amirs have in 2003 Masood Azhar, the founder of been implicated in plotting attacks the group, expelled a dozen ranking It is important to note that most Punjabi against the state.13 JM members after revelations that they militants sympathetic to al-Qa`ida and had organized attacks against Western the TTP move away from their parent The role of Lashkar-i-Tayyiba (LT, and Christian targets in Pakistan groups in less dramatic fashion than or LeT), perhaps Pakistan’s most without his authorization.3 In July of JuF and HuMA, and many appear to prominent terrorist group following the same year, he reportedly informed maintain links with both their original the 2008 Mumbai attacks, is less the Punjab governor that he had made organization and al-Qa`ida and the clear. Although the LT’s leadership the expulsions, that he should not be Pakistani Taliban. A report last year has remained relatively loyal to the held responsible for the actions of the Pakistani military, members of the expelled members, and that the expelled “The July 2007 storming of group have broken away to assist in members should be arrested.4 attacks against the state. An example Lal Masjid (Red Mosque), of this can be seen in the case of Umar Azhar’s decision caused a major a notorious center of Kundi, an LT member who left after schism within the group, as members quarreling with the group’s leadership deserted Azhar and joined the expelled Deobandi militant activity over its subservience to the Pakistani individuals to form Jamaat-ul- in Islamabad, is frequently government and later assisted in attacks Furqan (JuF).5 Members of JuF were against Pakistani law enforcement and consequently arrested in connection and correctly noted as intelligence facilities.14 LT’s decision to to an assassination attempt against an important catalyst in establish a presence in Pakistan’s tribal then-Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz in areas and interact with al-Qa`ida and 2004, and Rashid Rauf, who helped Punjabi militants’ decision TTP members operating there has likely mastermind the 2006 liquid explosives to strike the state.” facilitated this process.15 plot that targeted trans-Atlantic flights, was described by an intelligence source A 2009 LT plot to attack the U.S. and as having utilized cooperation from UK embassies in Dhaka, Bangladesh has members of JuF.6 Today, JuF is thought chronicled the saga of a JM commander given rise to rumors about the emergence to constitute part of the so-called wounded in a drone strike while of a faction within the group advocating Punjabi Taliban, which has executed meeting with Taliban leaders. He was open attacks against Western interests. attacks throughout Pakistan; Maulana protected from arrest by his men while The fact that a retired Pakistan Army Abdul Jabbar, who previously served recuperating in Bahawalpur10 and was major affiliated with LT helped David as Azhar’s deputy, is described as being later believed to have sought refuge Headley plot a terrorist attack in involved with training fighters for JuF in a JM seminary.11 His case shows the Denmark last year further amplifies in North Waziristan.7 overlapping memberships that many these concerns.16 If elements within individuals hold in the region. LT continue to plot increasingly brazen Other Pakistani terrorist groups attacks against Western interests, it focused on Kashmir have exhibited In the case of Harkat-ul-Jihad-al- could force an open schism within the noteworthy fissures as well. A group Islam (HuJI), the group’s leadership group, and drive members espousing calling itself Harkat-ul-Mujahidin al- appears to have been involved in the an anti-Western agenda into greater Alami (HuMA) emerged from Harkat- decision to turn against the state. Amir conflict with LT’s leadership and the ul-Mujahidin (HuM) in 2002, executing Qari Saifullah Akhtar and operational state. a string of attacks in Karachi against commander Ilyas Kashmiri currently Western businesses, the U.S. Consulate, reside in Waziristan and enjoy strong and then-President Pervez Musharraf.8

(HuMA),” located at www.satp.org. There is some de- 12 Bill Roggio, “Top Al Qaeda Leader Linked to 5 Ameri- 3 Amir Mir, “The Maulana’s Scattered Beads,” Outlook bate as to whether Harkat-ul-Mujahidin al-Alami rep- cans on Trial in Pakistan,” The Long War Journal, April India, September 1, 2003. resented a true splinter faction of Harkat-ul-Mujahidin, 17, 2010. 4 Ibid. or was merely a ruse used by the group to stage attacks. 13 LJ is closely affiliated with the SSP. For details, see 5 Ibid. Given the Asian Tigers’ recent vilification of Harkat-ul- “Obituary: Qari Mohammad Zafar,” BBC, March 2, 6 For more information, see the South Asia Terrorism Mujahidin and its long-time commander Fazlur Rahman 2010. Portal file on “Jaish-e-Mohammed (Army of the Proph- Khalil as “proxies” of the ISI, however, it appears reason- 14 Sabrina Tavernise and Waqar Gillani, “Frustrated et),” located at www.satp.org. able to assume that it represents a genuine splinter. Strivers in Pakistan Turn to Jihad,” New York Times, Feb- 7 Amir Mir, “South Punjab Threat,” The News Inter­ 9 Shahzad; Schmidle. ruary 27, 2010. national, October 25, 2009; Asif Shahzad, “Pakistani 10 Bahawalpur is a major hub for Jaysh-i-Muhammad; 15 Stephen Tankel, “Lashkar-e-Taiba in Perspective: An Militancy Spreads to Country’s Heartland,” Associated Masood Azhar was born in the city and currently resides Evolving Threat,” New America Foundation, February Press, June 16, 2010. there. 2010. 8 For more information, see the South Asia Terror- 11 Matthew Rosenberg, “Taliban Wages War on Police 16 U.S.A. v. Abdur Rehman Hashim Syed, “Criminal Com- ism Portal file on “Harakat-ul-Mujahideen Al-alami in Pakistan,” Wall Street Journal, May 28, 2009. plaint,” Northern District of Illinois, 2009.

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Causes for Splintering Among Punjabi Militant has noted that Abdul Rashid Ghazi Anger among members of Punjabi Groups stated two months prior to the storming terrorist groups was compounded by the Various factors have caused fissures of the mosque that organizations such Musharraf government’s acquiescence to within Punjabi terrorist groups and as SSP and JM were experiencing an the U.S. invasion, as well as its decision between these groups and the state. increasing number of defections among to assist the United States by curtailing The July 2007 storming of Lal Masjid their ranks.22 Multiple assassination militant operations in Kashmir to (Red Mosque), a notorious center of attempts against Musharraf in December improve relations with India.27 Members Deobandi militant activity in Islamabad, 2003 and other members of Pakistan’s scorned the corresponding acquiescence is frequently and correctly noted as an military and government by members of many leaders of terrorist groups to important catalyst in Punjabi militants’ of Punjabi terrorist groups prior to July Musharraf,28 despite their previous fiery decision to strike the state.17 This point 2007 also illustrate this phenomenon. denunciations of the United States.29 is graphically illustrated by the massive One particularly cutting comment on increase in mass casualty terrorist The relationship between many Punjabi this subject came from ranking JM attacks in Islamabad, Lahore, and terrorist groups and the former Taliban member Abdullah Shah Mazhar, who Rawalpindi since mid-2007. According government of Afghanistan is another gave as his reason for leaving the group: to data provided by the U.S. National cause for the ongoing rifts within “Maulana [Masood] Azhar has nothing Counterterrorism Center, for example, Pakistan’s jihadist community. During to do with jihad anymore and that terrorist attacks in Lahore killed a the Taliban’s rule of Afghanistan, a was why we broke away from him.”30 total of 30 people from May 2004-July large number of Deobandi terrorist Similarly, Punjab Law Minister Rana 2007, yet have killed approximately groups established strong relations with Sanaullah has stated that when leaders 229 people from August 2007-June al-Qa`ida and the Taliban government of SSP and LJ were flown in to negotiate 2010.18 Similarly, terrorist attacks in (which shared their adherence to with former members of their groups Islamabad killed 25 people from July Deobandi Islam23), established training when the latter attacked the Pakistan 2004-July 2007, yet 171 people since.19 camps in the country, and fought Army’s general headquarters last year, The significance of the attack on Lal alongside the Taliban against the the leaders were reportedly told, “You Masjid is also illustrated by the attack Northern Alliance and ethnic minorities are traitors, you have left the right on the Manawan Police Training School such as the Hazara.24 The tight linkages path.”31 outside Lahore in March 2009, where between the Pakistani groups and the attackers reportedly shouted “Oh red Taliban regime were exemplified by A final factor that may cause splintering mosque attackers, we have come” HuJI’s Qari Saifullah Akhtar’s reported among Punjabi terrorist groups is during their assault.20 Similarly, the status as political adviser to Mullah the influence of al-Qa`ida, which has Ghazi Force, which has staged several Omar, as well as by Masood Azhar’s visit to Mullah Omar following his attacks against the Pakistani state, was 27 Amir Mir, “The Jihad Lives On,” Asia Times Online, release from an Indian prison.25 The named for Abdul Rashid Ghazi, one of March 11, 2005; Tim McGirk, “The Monster Within,” U.S.-led invasion of Afghanistan in the two brothers who served as heads of Time Magazine, January 19, 2004. Musharraf noted in 21 2001 engendered strenuous resistance Lal Masjid. his autobiography, In the Line of Fire, that Mohammed by many Punjabi terrorist groups; Jamil, a suicide bomber who attempted to kill him in Amjad Farooqi (a member of HuJI later Despite the likely role of the Lal Masjid 2003, swore an oath against him after becoming embit- tied to an assassination plot against assault in furthering breaches between tered after fighting NATO forces in Afghanistan. Ahmed Musharraf) reportedly led fighters into militants, other factors have contributed Rashid described Jamil as a member of Jaysh-i-Muham- Afghanistan to battle NATO forces.26 as well. Journalist Nicholas Schmidle mad in his book Descent into Chaos. Some reports also suggest that members of Lashkar-i-Jhangvi joined with 17 The Deobandi militant groups reacted more ve- al-Qa`ida due to Musharraf’s decision to ban Lashkar-i- hemently to the storming of Lal Masjid than did LT. Jhangvi and engage in a major crackdown on the group. First, because LT is an Ahl-e-Hadith organization and For details, see Lakshman. therefore was not as well-connected to the pro-Taliban 22 Schmidle. 28 One example is Azam Tariq, then-amir of Sipah-i- Deobandi elements at Lal Masjid. Second, because of 23 LT did not enjoy similarly close ties to the Taliban Sahaba, who was released from prison and allowed to its Ahl-e-Hadith identity and organizational history of leadership due to its adherence to the Ahl-e-Hadith sit in Pakistan’s National Assembly, providing political abjuring attacks in Pakistan, LT was also less involved sect, but did train in the Afghan provinces of Kunar and support to Musharraf’s government until Tariq’s assas- with the Deobandi actors who constituted the already Nuristan during the 1990s. For details, see Daan Van Der sination by a Shi`a activist in 2003. brewing insurgency. This information is based on per- Schriek, “Nuristan: Insurgent Hideout in Afghanistan,” 29 According to the Indian government, Azhar called sonal interview, Stephen Tankel, July 2010. Terrorism Monitor 3:10 (2006). for “jihad” against the United States upon his release 18 Worldwide Incidents Tracking System, U.S. Nation- 24 See, for example, Ahmed Rashid, Taliban (New Ha- from an Indian prison. Similarly, Fazlur Rahman Khalil al Counterterrorism Center, accessed June 16, 2010. ven, CT: Yale University Press, 2001); Peter Bergen, Holy of Harkat-ul-Mujahidin was a signatory of Bin Ladin’s 19 Ibid. War Inc. (New York: Free Press, 2001); Kanchan Laksh- 1998 fatwa that called upon Muslims to kill Americans. 20 Sabrina Tavernise, Waqar Gillani, and Salman man, “Deep Roots to Pakistan’s Sectarian Terror,” Asia Also see Steve Coll, “Time Bomb,” New Yorker, January Masood, “Rampage in Pakistan Shows Reach of Mili- Times Online, July 9, 2003. 28, 2008. tants,” New York Times, March 30, 2009. 25 Amir Mir, “HUJI Chief Still at Large,” The News Inter­ 30 Muhammad Amir Rana, A to Z of Jehadi Organizations 21 Abdul Rashid Ghazi was killed in the security assault national, September 23, 2008. in Pakistan (Lahore: Mashal Books, 2004). on Lal Masjid. For details, see Animesh Roul, “Little- 26 Bill Roggio, “Taliban Claim Responsibility for Attack 31 Shahzad. Amir Mir reported that Fazlur Rahman Known Ghazi Brigade Now a Major Player in the Punjabi on Pakistan Army Headquarters,” The Long War Journal, Khalil of HuM and Mufti Abdul Rauf, younger brother of Jihad?” Terrorism Monitor 8:28 (2010). October 10, 2009. Masood Azhar, were flown in to negotiate as well.

8 july 2010 . Vol 3 . Issue 7 preached violence against both the Afghanistan were directly affected by Qa`ida risks further alienating these West and the Pakistani government.32 the U.S. invasion in 2001. groups by drawing closer to anti-statist As noted previously, members of elements. Al-Qa`ida’s affiliation with Punjabi terrorist groups developed Consequences and Future Trends the TTP and Punjabi militants has also ties to al-Qa`ida during their sojourns Various outcomes can be anticipated significantly damaged its image in the in Afghanistan, interacting with and from splintering within Punjabi eyes of Pakistanis: the Pew Research training alongside each other and thus terrorist groups and the alignment of Center recorded that the number of creating an opportunity for ideological many of their members with al-Qa`ida Pakistanis who viewed al-Qa`ida cross-fertilization.33 Lashkar-i-Tayyiba and Pakistani Taliban groups. The favorably dropped from 25% in 2008 possesses additional bonds with al- mainline factions of groups wishing to to 9% in 2009.41 This affiliation could Qa`ida, such as its adherence to avoid conflict with the state will likely potentially erode the group’s credibility the Salafi-like sect Ahl-e-Hadith, become marginalized as they continue among Muslims worldwide as well, and the reported role of al-Qa`ida- to hemorrhage members to anti-statist particularly if the Punjabi militants affiliated individuals in its founding.34 groups. A recent estimate from a minister aligning themselves with al-Qa`ida are Additional personal ties were forged in Punjab estimated that between 10- granted official permission to use the during the exodus of jihadists from 20% of JM, SSP, and LJ members have al-Qa`ida brand. A precedent for this Afghanistan following Operation joined the Punjabi Taliban.37 At the can be seen in the group’s previously Enduring Freedom. It is reported that same time, many dissidents may remain unpopular affiliation with Abu Mus`ab Amjad Farooqi developed ties with al- involved with their former organizations al-Zarqawi in Iraq.42 Qa`ida operations chief Abu Faraj al- to some extent, and attempt to co-opt Libi in this period, later leading to the their resources and personnel.38 The The consequences of the decision by two working together in attempts to extensive training of many members many Punjabi militants to turn against assassinate Musharraf.35 Al-Qa`ida’s of Punjabi terrorist groups and their their state sponsors and frequently away uncompromising adherence to struggle access to the resources of their former from their own militant organizations against the United States and its allies organizations helps augment the ability will continue to play out in the months in the Pakistani government likely of al-Qa`ida to train Westerners for and years to come. Although the proved attractive to Pakistani militants attacks overseas, and may help it activities of these groups and individuals frustrated with the relative inaction of mitigate the effects of drone strikes that may weaken al-Qa`ida’s global appeal their own leadership.36 Similarly, al- have killed many of the group’s most in the long-term, they pose challenges Qa`ida’s call for a global jihad against experienced operational commanders.39 to Pakistan’s internal stability and to the West gained stronger resonance As illustrated by the aforementioned LT the security of the United States in the when Punjabi groups operating in plot against the U.S. and UK embassies interim. in Dhaka, Punjabi militants aligned 32 Usama bin Ladin reportedly called for Musharraf’s with al-Qa`ida could potentially use Ben Brandt is currently a threat analyst overthrow in 2002, and Ayman al-Zawahiri did so in their organizations’ resources to strike in the private sector, prior to which he 2003, four months before twin assassination attempts against Western interests throughout monitored South Asian extremist issues against Musharraf. South Asia. at the NJ Office of Homeland Security and 33 As is well known, a 1998 cruise missile strike against Preparedness, and researched terrorist training camps in Afghanistan associated with Bin Ladin At the same time, many analysts have attack planning methodologies at Booz killed a number of Harkat-ul-Mujahidin members, while argued that al-Qa`ida’s involvement with Allen Hamilton. He holds an MA in Security Nicholas Schmidle reports that Qari Saifullah Akhtar ar- Pakistani militants engaged in bloody Studies from Georgetown University. ranged a meeting between Bin Ladin and Maulana Ab- attacks against Muslims has strained dullah of Lal Masjid in 1998. its relationship with its longtime allies 34 These include, for example, Usama bin Ladin’s men- among the Haqqani network and the 40 tor `Abdullah `Azzam and Bin Ladin associate Abu Ab- Afghan Taliban. If this is true, al- dul Aziz “Barbaros.” For details, see Bill Roggio, “Paki- stani Court Orders Release of Lashkar-e-Taiba Leader,” 37 Shahzad. It should be noted that the minister in ques- The Long War Journal, June 2, 2009; Evan F. Kohlmann, tion, Punjab Law Minister Rana Sanuallah, has been “Expert Witness: Synopsis of Testimony from Regina v. criticized for his ties to Sipah-i-Sahaba. Mohammed Ajmal Khan, Palvinder Singh, and Frzana 38 There is precedent for this form of cooption in the de- Khan,” NEFA Foundation, undated. cision of many Pakistani terrorist groups to recruit at the 35 Roggio, “Taliban Claim Responsibility for Attack on annual ijtema of the apolitical Deobandi movement Ta- Pakistan Army Headquarters.” blighi Jama`at. Similar trends have been spotted in other 36 The leadership of some groups, however, was in- theaters of operations as well: Noordin Top exploited his Fishman, “The Battle for Pakistan: Militancy and Con- volved in tacitly assisting al-Qa`ida directly after 9/11. connections with Jemaah Islamiya to build his splinter flict in North Waziristan,” New America Foundation, LT’s leadership directed elements within the organiza- group al-Qa`ida in the Malay Peninsula. April 2010; David S. Cloud and Julian S. Barnes, “Some tion to provide safe houses and other forms of logistical 39 The impressive tradecraft displayed by both David U.S. Officials See a Growing Taliban-Al Qaeda Rift,” Los support to foreign fighters, including members of al- Headley’s reconnaissance efforts and by the subsequent Angeles Times, May 11, 2010. Qa`ida, fleeing Afghanistan after 9/11. Personal - inter LT assault on Mumbai are indicative of the skills Pun- 41 “Pakistani Public Opinion,” Pew Global Attitudes view, Stephen Tankel, July 2010. Tankel is conducting jabi militants could conceivably leverage on behalf of al- Project, August 13, 2009. research for his book, Storming the World Stage: The Story Qa`ida. 42 “Confidence in Osama bin Laden,” Pew Global Atti- of Lashkar-e-Taiba. 40 Anand Gopal, Mansur Khan Mahsud, and Brian tudes Project, 2009.

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The Role of Lal Masjid in the Formation of the in South Waziristan.8 Fidaullah, who The Ghazi Force: A Threat to Ghazi Force was arrested by Pakistan’s authorities Pakistan’s Urban Centers For many years, Lal Masjid served in June 2009, also reportedly ordered as an indoctrination and waypoint the beheadings of three men in Buner By Syed Manzar Abbas Zaidi station for Islamic fighters traveling to District of the North-West Frontier Afghanistan during the jihad against Province (NWFP) on charges of spying pakistan is increasingly under siege the Soviet Union. More recently, the for security forces.9 from militant factions that are primarily mosque became a jihadist symbol based in the country’s northwest tribal of defiance against the Pakistan Niaz Raheem, the current leader of the region. Most attacks are blamed on government’s pro-Western and anti- group, came from Swat in Pakistan’s Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), an jihadist policies. Students at Lal Masjid northwest, and was a student of Jamia umbrella group of multiple Pakistani openly defied the writ of the state in the Faridia at Lal Masjid.10 During his time Taliban factions led by Hakimullah heart of Islamabad when they brazenly at the mosque, Niaz was in charge of Mehsud. Disaggregating the various commandeered government buildings, communications for the women’s wing militant factions part of the Pakistani kidnapped Chinese women who they of the Lal Masjid establishment, known Taliban is more difficult. Yet details are accused of being sex workers and emerging about a relatively new militant openly displayed weapons.4 The leading group that has undertaken a number of clerics at Lal Masjid, Abdul Rashid Ghazi “In accordance with deadly attacks on Pakistani government and his brother Maulana Abdul Aziz, the TTP’s tendency to and Western targets. Known as the were responsible for a 2004 fatwa that Ghazi Force, it emerged in the wake said Pakistani soldiers killed while outsource operations to of the government’s July 2007 siege of fighting the Taliban in South Waziristan other organizations, the Islamabad’s Lal Masjid (Red Mosque), Agency of the Federally Administered a bastion of extremist thought. The Tribal Areas (FATA) did not deserve Ghazi Force appears to be attack on Lal Masjid is largely considered a Muslim funeral or burial at Muslim the TTP’s ‘Delta Force’ in a turning point in Pakistan’s struggle cemeteries.5 against militancy, and the rise in Islamabad. Typically, those domestic attacks since 2007 is seen as a On July 10, 2007, after a security that undertake attacks in direct result of the incident.1 standoff, government troops stormed the facility, and there were heavy urban areas are locals who According to Islamabad’s inspector exchanges of gunfire between fighters know the area and are able general of police, the Ghazi Force in the mosque compound and security has been behind some of the capital’s forces. The operation infuriated radical to blend in with the city’s deadliest attacks since 2007.2 The Muslims throughout Pakistan and population.” official argues that the Ghazi Force is likely responsible for the rise in dispatched a suicide bomber to attack domestic attacks in the country. The the government’s commando unit Ghazi Force soon emerged, named involved in the Lal Masjid siege in after Abdul Rashid Ghazi, the leader as Jamia Hafsa.11 During the July 2007 September 2007, helped to recruit the of Lal Masjid who was slain during the security operation against Lal Masjid, Niaz suicide bomber who blew himself up in government operation.6 escaped the complex with other students the offices of the World Food Program and took refuge with Maulana Sher Ali in October 2009, was involved in a The Ghazi Force Enters the Jihadist Milieu Khan of the Akora Khatak seminary in deadly suicide bombing at the Marriott Due to limited intelligence on militant Attock District of the NWFP.12 While Hotel in Islamabad in September 2008 groups in South Asia in general, it is at Akora Khatak, Niaz founded a and attacked a NATO supply convoy in not completely clear how the Ghazi students’ organization of those who fled June 2010.3 Force developed. It is believed that Lal Masjid; this grouping was peaceful, Niaz Raheem and a militant known as however, and did not yet have militant This article profiles the Ghazi Force, Fidaullah co-founded the Ghazi Force overtones.13 He eventually traveled with identifies how the group was formed and with the support of two militants other Lal Masjid students to Swat, where assesses its future trajectory. It finds known as Habibullah and Ajmal.7 Niaz he reportedly came under the influence that this relatively new militant group is a former student at Lal Masjid, while of Maulana Fazlullah.14 Fazlullah then is posing a growing threat to Pakistan’s Fidaullah reportedly indoctrinated urban centers. students at Lal Masjid and convinced 8 Ibid. them to join suicide training camps 9 Ibid. 10 Lal Masjid had two seminaries—Jamia Faridia, the 1 Syed Manzar Abbas Zaidi, “‘Red Trigger’: Lal Masjid 4 Zaidi. male madrasa, and Jamia Hafsa, its female counterpart. and its Aftermath,” International Journal of Terrorism and 5 Ibid. 11 Personal interview, Amir Rana, director of Pakistan Political Hot Spots 4:1-2 (2009). 6 Maulana Abdul Aziz was taken into Pakistani custody Institute of Peace Studies and internationally acclaimed 2 Kathy Gannon, “The Ghazi Force: Vengeful New Mili- shortly before authorities stormed the mosque com- researcher on militancy in Pakistan, July 2010. tant Group Emerges in Pakistan,” Associated Press, July pound. 12 Ibid. 1, 2010. 7 Munawer Azeem, “Mastermind of Islamabad Suicide 13 Ibid. 3 Ibid. Attacks Arrested,” Dawn, June 1, 2009. 14 Ibid.

10 july 2010 . Vol 3 . Issue 7 introduced Niaz to Hakimullah Mehsud fluid organizational structure are more Second, the Ghazi Force is anti-Shi`a, in Orakzai Agency, who at the time important than numbers. The Ghazi which means its members can associate was the TTP’s deputy amir for the area. Force appears to be relying on cell-based themselves with a range of sectarian Hakimullah reportedly took Niaz under structures within the organization, groups in Pakistan that are operating his wing, and instructed him to set up which amplifies their terrorist potential on the same ideological underpinnings. the militant group that soon came to be and makes disruption more difficult. As a result, alliances with al-Qa`ida, known as the Ghazi Force.15 Moreover, the estimate of the Ghazi Jaysh-i-Muhammad, the Ilyas Kashmiri Force’s cadre size is based on police network, the Punjabi Taliban and other Although it is a distinct group, the interrogations with Fidaullah, who may groups are possible. Clear recognition Ghazi Force can be considered a faction have downplayed the group’s numbers. from these groups, however, will of the TTP umbrella organization. The Kathy Gannon, an Associated Press require the Ghazi Force to execute Ghazi Force is believed to be based journalist who did seminal work on the more significant attacks or increase in Orakzai Agency, with a possible Ghazi Force, believes that the group’s its numbers. Even though these bigger training camp in Guljo in the adjoining terrorist credentials are just the tip of groups are also in intimate contact Hangu District of the NWFP.16 The the iceberg, and that there is more to the with the TTP, they tend to recognize Ghazi Force is reportedly engaged in entity than their propensity to target other TTP “franchises” such as the Islamabad.18 Ghazi Force only if they prove worthy “What is the future path of of attention. Thus, newly emerging In accordance with the TTP’s groups have to prove themselves to the the Ghazi Force? First, the tendency to outsource operations to TTP high command and its partners to Ghazi Force is a relatively other organizations, the Ghazi Force “outbid” other small umbrella groups appears to be the TTP’s “Delta Force” for attention and recognition. Judging by new militant group; in Islamabad, similar to how Lashkar- its recent history, the Ghazi Force may therefore, it will likely try i-Islam is employed for attacks in soon become a more prominent militant Peshawar.19 Typically, those that faction in Pakistan’s increasingly to establish its reputation undertake attacks in urban areas are violent domestic militant milieu. with a series of escalating locals who know the area and are able to blend in with the city’s population. Syed Manzar Abbas Zaidi is the author of terrorist attacks. These Fidaullah, for example, was arrested two books about the Taliban in Pakistan, attacks are important in Islamabad, raising the possibility and has written extensively about the that other members of the Ghazi Force subject in international scholarly journals. to establish its jihadist use safe houses in Islamabad and He has been a lecturer of terrorism studies credentials.” Rawalpindi.20 In fact, they could still at a British university. His expertise be using the Lal Masjid establishment to lies in the study of Talibanization and “lie low”’ before activating operational transmigration of radical trends from rural cells.21 to the urban mainstream in Pakistan, and resisting Pakistan Army operations a deconstruction of jihadist discourse. He in the tribal areas side-by-side other The Future of the Ghazi Force currently works with the National Counter- Taliban factions. The main role of the What is the future path of the Ghazi Force? Terrorism Authority of Pakistan. TTP appears to be offering the Ghazi First, the Ghazi Force is a relatively new Force sanctuary for its fighters along militant group; therefore, it will likely with logistical assistance, whereas the try to establish its reputation with a Ghazi Force retains a certain amount series of escalating terrorist attacks. of operational freedom. Nevertheless, These attacks are important to establish tactical decisions by groups under the its jihadist credentials. Islamabad’s patronage of the TTP are reached by police force already consider the Ghazi consensus of the TTP high command. Force a major threat, and are devoting significant resources to countering the At its core, the Ghazi Force consists of an group. The police are anticipating new estimated 50 fighters.17 At first glance, major attacks from the organization. the size of the group appears small. Yet other deadly groups have had a similar 18 Personal interview, Kathy Gannon, journalist, Asso- sized cadre. The dynamics of asymmetric ciated Press, June 2010. conflict are important in understanding 19 The TTP has a number of allied groups that it relies these numbers, as guerrilla tactics and a on for attacks in urban areas. The Ghazi Force is used for attacks in Islamabad, the “Punjabi Taliban” in Lahore, 15 Ibid. Lashkar-i-Islam and affiliates in Peshawar, and the Me- 16 This information is based on the police interrogation herban Mehsud group and affiliates in Karachi. report with Fidaullah, one of the founding members of 20 Azeem. the Ghazi Force. He remains in custody of the Islamabad 21 This is a view shared by many analysts alongside the police. author who have studied this phenomenon, including 17 Ibid. Amir Rana and Kathy Gannon.

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Pakistan’s Challenges in and early 2010.3 Some analysts believe Farooqi belonged to the Mamuzai that Maulana Fazlullah, the former tribe and was affiliated with the anti- Orakzai Agency chief of the Swat Taliban, could also be Shi`a group Sipah-i-Sahaba Pakistan hiding in Orakzai.4 Finally, the Ghazi (SSP). In the wake of the U.S.-led By Tayyab Ali Shah Force, believed to be behind most of the attack on Afghanistan in 2001, Farooqi deadly attacks in Islamabad during the reportedly offered the Afghan Taliban in pakistan’s federally Administered last three years—including an attack Tribal Areas (FATA), Orakzai Agency on the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), has become the scene of violent clashes the Marriott Hotel, the World Food “Orakzai is closer to between security forces and Pakistani Program and the recent June 9 attack Peshawar, Islamabad and Taliban militants. In the past few near Islamabad that destroyed multiple years, militants have fled to Orakzai NATO supply trucks—is also based in Rawalpindi, making it to establish safe havens in the wake of the agency.5 an ideal launching point Pakistani military operations in other parts of the tribal belt. As a result, on Geographically, Orakzai is in a strategic for fighters attacking March 23, 2010, Pakistan launched position as it borders the Tirah Valley Pakistan’s more populated a military offensive in Orakzai and of Khyber Agency, Kohat and Hangu declared victory on June 1. Pakistan districts of the North-West Frontier and strategically significant claims that it has killed more than 1,500 Province, and Kurram Agency. Orakzai’s cities.” militants in the agency during the last total area is 1,538 square kilometers three months.1 Nevertheless, despite the (594 square miles).6 The main access official end of its offensive, Pakistan’s to Kurram, the only tribal agency with security patrols continue to be ambushed a Shi`a majority, is through Orakzai; 12,000 men with arms and ammunition in Orakzai, and the government has by blocking this road, Taliban fighters to fight against the U.S.-led coalition.9 responded by dispatching helicopter have often put the Kurram Shi`a Farooqi’s men remained active in gunships and fighter jets to assault under siege.7 Also, compared to other Afghanistan until the end of 2001, when various areas of the territory. Military Taliban strongholds such as North and they melted away as the Afghan Taliban operations are ongoing today. South Waziristan, Orakzai is closer to resistance crumbled before the U.S.-led Peshawar, Islamabad and Rawalpindi, offensive.10 In light of the continued fighting, this making it an ideal launching point for article provides an overview of the fighters attacking Pakistan’s more Orakzai was relatively calm until 2004- strategic importance of the agency, populated and strategically significant 2006, when Pakistan Army operations the history of its Talibanization, the cities. The topography of Orakzai also in South Waziristan forced many different Taliban groups operating plays a factor, as the mountainous region Pakistanis, as well as foreign militants, there and the current state of Pakistan between Stori Khel and Dara Adam Khel to seek refuge in the agency. Orakzai Army operations in Orakzai. provide a natural fortress and plenty of acted as a safe haven for these fighters cover for militants.8 Orakzai, however, since Pakistan’s military was not The Strategic Importance of Orakzai Agency is the only tribal agency that does not present in the area. After the formation Orakzai Agency, which has an estimated share a border with Afghanistan. of the TTP in 2007, a Taliban force was population of 250,000 people, is organized in Orakzai.11 Hakimullah strategically important to both The Talibanization of Orakzai Mehsud, the current head of the TTP, Pakistan’s military and Tehrik-i-Taliban The Talibanization of Orakzai Agency moved to Orakzai and was appointed by Pakistan (TTP).2 Orakzai is considered can be traced to 1999, when a 30-year- the TTP’s leader at the time, Baitullah the TTP’s “second home,” as its current old native of the agency, Aslam Farooqi, Mehsud, as the chief commander for the leader Hakimullah Mehsud rose to raised a Taliban lashkar (militia). group in Orakzai, Khyber and Kurram power in the agency. Additionally, after agencies.12 Pakistan’s military offensive in South 3 Michael Hughes, “Pakistan Turns Up Heat on Tehrik- Waziristan Agency in late 2009, many i-Taliban in Orakzai and North Waziristan,” Afghani- There have been attempts to counter TTP militants relocated to Orakzai. stan Headlines Examiner, May 25, 2010. Talibanization in the agency. Law and The TTP is not the only militant group 13 4 Rahimullah Yusufzai, “The Taliban Strike Back,” order is the responsibility of Khasadars operating in Orakzai. Lashkar-i-Jhangvi Newsline, May 20, 2010. and Jaysh-i-Muhammad, for example, 5 Kathy Gannon, “The Ghazi Force: Vengeful New Mili- 9 “Orakzai Taliban Chief Extends Full Help,” Dawn, No- have bases and training camps in the tant Group Emerges in Pakistan,” Associated Press, July vember 6, 2001. agency, and they reportedly launched 1, 2010. 10 Personal interview, Brigadier (retired) Asad Munir, suicide bombers from Orakzai to attack 6 For details, see the FATA Secretariat website at www. former Inter-Services Intelligence official, July 2010. targets in Punjab Province in late 2009 fata.gov.pk. 11 Asad Munir, “Taliban & Orakzai,” The News Interna­ 7 Tayyab Ali Shah, “Taliban Exploit Shi’a-Sunni Divide tional, June 13, 2009. in Pakistan’s Kurram Tribal Agency,” Terrorism Moni­ 12 Amir Mir, “A Young Turk Takes Over TTP, Ringing 1 “At Least 25 Militants Killed in Orakzai Clash,” Dawn, tor 8:15 (2010); Mariam Abou Zahab, “Sectarianism in Alarm Bells,” The News International, August 28, 2009. July 21, 2010. Pakistan’s Kurram Tribal Agency,” Terrorism Monitor 13 The Khasadar are a poorly trained and organized force 2 For details, see the FATA Secretariat website at www. 7:6 (2009). that is recruited and managed by the FATA Political fata.gov.pk. 8 Hughes. Agent, the head of a tribal agency.

12 july 2010 . Vol 3 . Issue 7 in Orakzai, due to the absence of the fire in Tori Mela.19 Continuing with their Pakistan’s Offensive in Orakzai Frontier Corps in the agency. Khasadars, atrocities, the Taliban chopped off the On March 23, 2010, Pakistan’s military basically local security forces, are not hands of three men on theft allegations launched a major anti-Taliban operation trained or equipped to combat well- in the Ghaljo area of the agency in the in Orakzai called Khwakh Ba dee Sham.25 As trained militants. As a result, the tribes first week of May 2010.20 part of the offensive, the army blocked were forced to fight against Taliban most of the entry and exit routes to and fighters on their own. When the Taliban Today, the most active Taliban from Orakzai. Both sides reportedly asked the biggest tribe in Orakzai, the groups operating in Orakzai are the suffered casualties, and the military Ali Khel, to expel 100 Shi`a families Commander Tariq Group, the Abdullah claims that the dead included foreign from the area, the Ali Khel convened a Azzam Brigades, Lashkar-i-Jhangvi, fighters, such as Arabs, Chechens and tribal jirga to establish an anti-Taliban and the Ghazi Force. The Commander Uzbeks.26 lashkar in October 2008.14 The jirga, Tariq Group is headed by Tariq Afridi, however, was attacked by a suicide On June 1, the Pakistan Army declared bomber, who killed more than 82 tribal “Despite its recent that the military operation in Orakzai elders.15 This one attack decimated the was finished and the objectives achieved. tribal leadership of Orakzai and paved offensive, Pakistan’s This announcement, however, appears the way for the Taliban to take control government has yet to more a public relations move than a of the entire agency.16 military reality. Air strikes in the agency bring Orakzai under have continued through July, providing After consolidating its hold on the control.” ample proof that military operations are agency, Taliban militias announced far from over.27 Moreover, according to the enforcement of Shari`a, and residents in the area, Mamozai, Ghaljo they established Islamic courts and and Shahoo are still under Taliban complaint centers. Through mosque who is based in Dara Adam Khel, and is control. Some government officials also loudspeakers, they urged people to considered the most powerful militant admitted in early June that terrorists contact the Islamic courts to settle group in Orakzai. The Abdullah Azzam were putting up “stiff resistance” in disputes in accordance with Islamic Brigade was reportedly involved in the upper Orakzai.28 These results are not law. The Taliban established a parallel attack on the Pearl Continental Hotel in surprising considering that Pakistan’s political administration and levied jizya Peshawar and the killing of anti-Taliban military deployed just 5,000 troops for (protection tax) on members of the local religious scholar Sarfraz Naeemi in June only three months (March 23-June 1) to Sikh and Hindu communities.17 In June 2009.21 Lashkar-i-Jhangvi is a violent, clear Taliban militants from the territory. 2008, six men were publicly executed sectarian group and an offshoot of the By comparison, operations in South after a Taliban-established court found SSP.22 The Ghazi Force is named after Waziristan and Swat were supported by them guilty of kidnapping.18 In January Abdul Rashid Ghazi, the former cleric more than 25,000 and 15,000 troops, 2010, the Taliban punished tribesmen of Lal Masjid (Red Mosque) who was respectively.29 Nevertheless, it appears who refused to remain in their village to killed when Pakistani security forces that Pakistan’s military has cleared support the Taliban in the fight against stormed the facility in 2007. The Ghazi some areas in southern Orakzai to act as security forces by setting 63 houses on Force is currently led by Niaz Raheem, a base camp from where it can continue a former student of Lal Masjid, and is its anti-Taliban operations. 14 Syed Hasan Mahmood and Mushtaq Yusufzai, “Or- suspected of being behind many of the akzai Blast Toll Rises to 82,” The News International, Oc- recent violent attacks in Islamabad and Conclusion 23 tober 12, 2008; Farhat Taj, “Life in Orakzai,” The News other populated areas in Pakistan. Despite its recent offensive, Pakistan’s International, February 11, 2009. government has yet to bring Orakzai 15 Mahmood and Yusufzai. The Commander Tariq Group is part of under control. The security services 16 Mukhtar A. Khan, “The Role of Tribal Lashkars in the TTP, while Lashkar-i-Jhangvi, the Winning Pakistan’s War on Terror,” Terrorism Focus Ghazi Force and the Abdullah Azzam 25 This is a Pashtu expression meaning, “I will teach you 5:40 (2008). Brigade are closely affiliated with the a lesson.” 24 17 The Sikhs of Orakzai have lived in the agency for TTP. 26 Ikram Sehgal, “Counterinsurgency Operations,” The centuries. When the Taliban took control of Orakzai, News International, April 29, 2010. they discriminated against the Sikhs. In April 2009, 11 27 “At Least 38 Taliban Insurgents and Four Security houses in the Sikh community were razed for not being 19 “Militants Burn Village in Lower Orakzai,” Dawn, Personnel Were Killed,” Express Tribune, June 23, 2010; able to pay the Rs. 150 million ($1.9 million) jizya to the January 5, 2010. Manzoor Ali, “22 Suspected Militants Killed in Orakzai,” Taliban, and the Sikh community—comprising 30-35 20 “Taliban Cut Off Hands of Three Tribesmen,” Dawn, Express Tribune, July 12, 2010. families—had to shift from the Feroze Khel area to the May 6, 2010. 28 Iqbal Khattak, “Taliban Still Rule Half of Orakzai,” nearby Merozai area in lower Orakzai. For details, see 21 Bill Roggio, “Arakzai Taliban Take Credit for Mosque Daily Times, June 3, 2010. “Taliban Seize Houses, Shops of Sikhs in Orakzai,” Daily Suicide Attacks,” The Long War Journal, June 12, 2009. 29 Although Orakzai differs in size from South Wa- Times, April 30, 2009; “Taliban Raze Houses of Sikhs in 22 Bill Roggio, “Taliban Torch Village in Arakzai,” The ziristan and Swat, there are likely more militants in the Orakzai,” Dawn, April 30, 2009. There are also approxi- Long War Journal, January 5, 2010. agency and they appear to be in hardened positions. mately 18 Hindu families in Orakzai. For details, see Mu- 23 Gannon. Therefore, it seems that the number of troops deployed nir and Mir. 24 Ibid.; Syed Yasir Shah, “Unknown Group Claims Pe- in the Orakzai offensive was inadequate. For details, see 18 Bill Roggio, “Pakistan Signs Peace Accord in Orakzai shawar Hotel Bombing,” The News International, June 11, “Brief: Military Operations In Orakzai Over?” Stratfor Tribal Agency,” The Long War Journal, July 19, 2008. 2009. Global Intelligence, June 2, 2010.

13 july 2010 . Vol 3 . Issue 7 need to approach the Orakzai campaign The Growing Threat of This article provides background on in a more “intelligence informed Muslim female participation in violent manner,” concentrating on breaking the Female Suicide Attacks in extremism, shows how certain clerics Taliban from within. There are chances Western Countries have encouraged female participation for success in this approach, as during in jihad, and finally examines how al- the past two years there have been a By Houriya Ahmed Qa`ida may adapt its strategy to make number of occurrences where Taliban use of this tactic. factions have fought each other over in january 2010, U.S. intelligence disputes in Orakzai. officials warned that al-Qa`ida in Female Participation in Violent Extremism the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP)—the Hizb Allah, the Shi`a Islamist group In August 2009, for example, 21 Yemen-based group responsible for based in Lebanon, first introduced militants were killed when two Taliban the attempted Christmas Day airline suicide terrorism in 1983.5 Although it groups clashed for control of the Akakhel bombing in the United States—is was the first religiously motivated party area of upper Orakzai.30 In April 2010, training female suicide bombers to to use this tactic of warfare, secular more clashes were reported, when six attack countries in the West.1 In nationalist groups popularized female Taliban, including a local commander, May 2010, AQAP itself issued a call suicide bombings in 1985 on behalf of were killed in Orakzai during infighting to Muslim women to join the jihad the Syrian Social Nationalist Party.6 between two rival Taliban factions led movement in Yemen.2 U.S. officials Indeed, according to one 2009 study, by Mullah Toofan and Mullah Rafiq.31 reportedly believe that these women 85% of female suicide attacks have been There were also reports of a Taliban may have a “non-Arab” appearance carried out by secular organizations.7 commander who defected to his Ali Khel and have Western passports, making it tribe over the Taliban’s poor treatment easier for them to evade detection while By 2004, however, the Palestinian of Shi`a in Orakzai.32 Although the traveling.3 group Hamas employed a female suicide senior Taliban leadership was able to bomber—Reem al-Rayashi.8 Since that prevent these infighting incidents from There are growing concerns that al- attack, the tactic has been emulated by spreading, it does show that there are Qa`ida will start deploying women a number of militant Islamist groups possible rifts that can be exploited with in its global fight against Western waging jihad, especially in Iraq. Abu a more nuanced understanding of the states and their interests. The group is Mus`ab al-Zarqawi, the deceased leader Taliban factions operating in Orakzai. clearly reaching out to Muslim women of al-Qa`ida in Iraq (AQI), claimed and asking them to participate in its responsibility for the group’s first Tayyab Ali Shah is a freelance political “struggle” against the West. This year, female suicide bomber in September and security analyst specializing in the for example, female suicide bombers 2005.9 By November of that year, AQI Taliban and other Islamic extremists. He have already attacked in Russia, Iraq claimed responsibility for an additional is a Pakistani Pashtun and has a post- and Afghanistan. Belgium convicted five female suicide attacks, which graduate education in Political Science, one woman of leading a terrorist group, included one Iraqi-born woman, Sajida Business Administration and Public while Muslim convert Colleen LaRose Mubarak al-Rishawi, whose bomb failed Policy. He has extensive experience in is currently facing trial in the United 4 community development, policy advocacy States for wanting to fight violent jihad. 5 Cindy D. Ness, “In the Name of a Cause: Women’s and political education with both Pakistani These signs, combined with the ongoing Work in Secular and Religious Terrorism,” in Cindy D. and Afghan Pashtuns. He moderates the concern of homegrown militants, make Ness ed., Female Terrorism & Militancy: Agency, Utility, Pakhtunkhwa Peace Forum and has written it increasingly likely that the United and Organisation (London: Routledge, 2008), p. 18. for The Jamestown Foundation, Pakistan’s States or Western European countries 6 Lindsey A. O’Rourke, “What’s Special about Female Frontier Post and the Daily Times. will experience their first female suicide Suicide Terrorism?” Security Studies 18:4 (2009). Other bombing in the future. examples of secular militant groups that used female suicide bombers include the Kurdistan Workers’ Party in Turkey, the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam in Sri Lanka and the Palestinian al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigade. 7 Ibid. O’Rourke also states that female suicide bomb- ers have detonated from approximately eight times in the 1 A May 2010 magazine published by AQAP, Sada al- 1980s to more than 100 since 2000. For details on that Malahim, includes an article by the wife of AQAP’s sec- claim, see p. 696. ond-in-command, Said al-Shihri, calling on women to 8 The militant Islamist group Palestinian Islamic Jihad join the jihad in Yemen. also started using female suicide bombers. Hamas and 2 Ibid. Islamic Jihad are not the first Palestinian groups to have 3 Phil Sherwell and Sean Rayment, “Al-Qaeda Has embraced female terrorism. Fatah’s militant al-Aqsa Trained Female Suicide Bombers to Attack the West, Martyrs Brigade (a nationalist group) was the first to in- US Officials Warn,” Daily Telegraph, January 23, 2010; troduce female suicide bombings against Israeli targets 30 “Hakeemullah’s Followers in Orakzai Clash; 21 Anthony Browne, “Western White Woman a Suicide with Wafa Idris in January 2002. For more information Killed,” Dawn, August 12, 2009. Bomber,” The Times, December 1, 2005. see O’Rourke, pp. 697-698. 31 “Taliban Infighting Claims Six Lives in Orakzai,” 4 “Belgium Convicts Terror Suspects,” BBC, May 10, 9 Little is known about AQI’s first female suicide bomb- Daily Times, April 2, 2010. 2010; “Muslim Convert Colleen LaRose, aka Jihad Jane, er. See Christopher Dickey, “Women of Al Qaeda,” News­ 32 Taj. Faces Terror Charges,” Guardian, March 10, 2010. week, December 12, 2005.

14 july 2010 . Vol 3 . Issue 7 to detonate when she executed a cross- In the United Kingdom, where a AQI.21 Reports suggest that Degauque border attack in Amman, Jordan.10 total of five women were convicted was one of many female Muslim converts Since then, Iraq has seen a number of for Islamism-related offenses, three in Europe to have been targeted for female suicide bombers, as recently as acted as protectors for their respective recruitment to carry out suicide attacks July 2010.11 fiancé, husband or brother-in-law in in Iraq and Pakistan.22 In January 2010, the July 21, 2005 failed suicide attacks the Sunday Times reported that a British- Afghanistan and Pakistan have also in London, of which one described her Somali female medical student traveled witnessed female suicide bombers.12 husband as a “martyr.”18 Of the other to Somalia to help the al-Qa`ida-linked Afghanistan nearly saw its first in two, one was convicted of distributing al-Shabab group.23 December 2007: the woman, who a terrorist publication that encouraged claimed she was from Pakistan, was The motivations for females to arrested before attempting the suicide “The fact that Ayman participate in violent jihad are not attack.13 By May 2008, however, the categorically known, but some suggest Afghan Taliban reportedly claimed al-Zawahiri’s wife that women fight out of a sense of responsibility for a successful female issued a call to women revenge—particularly Chechen “Black suicide attack.14 Pakistan also saw its Widows”—and to protect their male first female suicide attack in December to participate in jihad counterparts or country.24 For example, 2007, and in January 2010 two teenage and ‘martyr’ themselves Hawa Barayev, the first Chechen female girls claimed that they decided to suicide bomber, committed the act become suicide bombers after hearing suggests that al-Qa`ida in 2000 to not only aid Chechnya’s speeches from a leader of the Pakistani may change tactics and independence but to set an example Taliban, Maulana Fazlullah, but later for men to follow.25 Comparatively, changed their minds.15 Security officials follow in the footsteps of some Palestinian suicide bombers in Pakistan are concerned that the groups such as Hamas are thought to have fought to regain a Pakistani Taliban may have recruited sense of honor, as seen in the case of “hundreds” of female students from or its own Iraqi affiliate, Reem al-Rayashi.26 Yet examples such Islamabad’s Red Mosque (Lal Masjid), a AQI.” as Colleen LaRose, who as “JihadJane” hotbed of Pakistani radicalism.16 cited religious reasons to fight jihad, can lead to the conclusion that women, The United States and Western Europe just like men, can participate in jihad have yet to suffer a female suicide attack. others to conduct jihad abroad; the for ideological reasons. Women have, however, remained on the other, Houria Chentouf, was convicted peripheries of major terrorism plots or for attempting to smuggle a USB stick acted as propagandists for al-Qa`ida’s into the United Kingdom containing global narrative. In Belgium, Malika files that may have been useful for el-Aroud was convicted and sentenced terrorists.19 Chentouf was discovered in May 2010 to eight years in prison for with hand-written notes that indicated “leading a terrorist group linked with she was considering making herself and 21 Karla Cunningham, “The Evolving Participation of al-Qaeda,” which recruited people in her children “bombs for the sake of this Muslim Women in Palestine, Chechnya, and the Global 20 France and Belgium and sent them to religion” for they seek “revenge.” Jihadi Movement,” in Ness, p. 95. Cunningham states 17 Afghanistan for fighting. that Degauque was “tasked by al-Zarqawi.” Also see Where Western women have “Journey of Belgian Female ‘Bomber,’” BBC, December participated in combat activities, they 2, 2005. 10 Ibid. Also see “Jordan Shows ‘Would-Be Bomber,’” are known to have done so outside of 22 Cunningham, p. 95. BBC, November 13, 2005. Western countries. In November 2005, 23 Richard Kerbaj, “UK Students Recruited for Somali 11 “Suicide Bomber in Government HQ in West Iraq Europe saw its first suicide bomber in Jihad,” Sunday Times, January 24, 2010. Kills 3,” Reuters, July 4, 2010. Iraq, when Muriel Degauque, a white 24 Farhana Ali, “Dressed to Kill: Why the Number of 12 O’Rourke. Belgian convert aged 38, detonated Female Suicide Bombers is Rising in Iraq,” Newsweek, 13 “Afghans Detain Woman with Bomb Under Burqa,” explosives in Baghdad on behalf of July 30, 2008. “Black Widows” is a reference to Chech- Reuters, December 24, 2007. en women who have committed suicide out of revenge 14 “Female Suicide Bomber Kills 15 at Crowded Afghan 18 The three women are Yeshiemebet Girma, Mulume- for losing their brothers, husbands or sons in the war Market,” Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, May 15, bet Girma and Fardosa Abdullahi. Police found a note in against Russia. 2008. the Muslim convert Yeshiemebet Girma’s handwriting 25 Ness, p. 19. 15 Sze Leng Chan, “Pakistan’s First Female Suicide that described her husband, Hussain Osman, as a “mar- 26 Ibid., p. 28. Reem al-Rayashi was thought to have Bomber Killed Near Christian School,” Christian Post, De- tyr.” See “Wife of 21 July Plotter Convicted,” BBC, June been involved in an extramarital affair. It is argued that cember 5, 2007; “Swat: 2 Suicide-Bomb Girls Presented 11, 2008; “21 July Plotter’s Fiancee Jailed,” BBC, July 11, her motivation may have been to regain a sense of honor. Before Media,” Geo TV, January 9, 2010. 2008. Similarly, Samira Jassim in Iraq allegedly confessed to or- 16 For details, see Jeremy Page and Zahid Hussain, 19 “Woman Produced ‘Holy War’ Leaflet,” BBC, Feb- ganizing the rape of potential female suicide bombers to “Female Suicide Bomber Joins Pakistan Violence,” The ruary 3, 2009; Russell Jenkins, “Mother of Six Houria later convince them that becoming a suicide bomber was Times, October 17, 2009. Chentouf Hid Terror Manual in Burka,” The Times, No- their only escape from “shame.” See Deborah Haynes, 17 “Belgium Convicts Terror Suspects,” BBC, May 10, vember 3, 2009. “‘Female Suicide Bomb Recruiter’ Samira Ahmed Jassim 2010. 20 Ibid. Captured,” The Times, February 3, 2009.

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Legitimizing Female Suicide Terrorism stronger psychologically than women, jihad. Yusuf al-`Uyayri, al-Qa`ida’s Militant Islamist groups are who might not be able to stay hidden leader in Saudi Arabia who was killed increasingly adopting female suicide and alone.”32 Hamas changed tact in in 2003, issued a pamphlet, The Role of terrorism because it serves their 2004, however, when Reem al-Rayashi, Women in Jihad Against the Enemies, aimed at ideological goals and is highly effective. a mother of two, believed she would women that implicitly encouraged them Women are generally subject to more attain martyrdom and become one of to participate.36 He lionized women in relaxed security checks and attract the 70 houris (nymphs) promised to early Islamic history who fought jihad less suspicion, and their attacks garner male suicide bombers.33 Shaykh Yassin and stated that they should be role greater media coverage; female suicide explained why the group used a woman models for women today. Al-`Uyayri went bombings have more shock value for the first time: further to dismantle traditional religious because women are considered less arguments that require permission for likely to commit acts of mass violence.27 For the first time, Hamas used women to fight: “But if the Jihad becomes Moreover, the increasing willingness of a female fighter and not a male an individual obligation (fard `ayn), then militant Islamist groups to use female fighter. It is a new development no permission is needed.”37 He argued suicide bombers reflects shifts in in resistance against the enemy… that the jihad al-Qa`ida is currently attitudes. Female terrorism has gained Resistance will escalate against confronting is fard `ayn: “And in our intellectual legitimacy, and this tactic this enemy until they leave our time jihad is an individual obligation.”38 of warfare has received scholarly, albeit land and homeland.34 This jihad, according to al-`Uyayri, Islamist, backing.28 applies equally to both men and women, Despite Yassin’s statement, Hamas and that the latter do not require the Egyptian scholar Yusuf al-Qaradawi, did not deploy its second female permission from a male guardian one of Sunni Islam’s preeminent clerics, suicide bomber until November 2006 to fight.39 Al-`Uyayri provided the has justified the use of female suicide with Fatima Omar Mahmud al-Najar, religious and intellectual justification terrorism against perceived “occupying” showing that Hamas has not yet adopted for female jihad, although fell short of powers, such as Israel. He issued a fatwa these bombings as a regular tactic.35 explicitly sanctioning it by stating that (religious edict) that states: “…committed women should instead support their Muslim women in Palestine have the A similar intellectual shift may be men.40 By 2004, al-Qa`ida launched right to participate and have their own occurring in al-Qa`ida. Usama bin the first online jihadist magazine aimed role in jihad and to attain martyrdom.”29 Ladin’s 1996 Declaration of War Against the specifically at women, al-Khansaa.41 He also said that women can embark Americans indicated that women should on a “martyrdom” operation “without only play a supportive role in the fight By December 2009, sympathetic jihadist a mahram (male guardian, a husband or against the West. He instructed women forums posted a letter by Ayman al- male relative they cannot marry).”30 Al- to “instigate their brothers to fight Zawahiri’s wife, Umaymah Hasan, titled Qaradawi’s fatwa makes it permissible in the cause of Allah” and glorified for women to fight alongside men when women who did so. By the early 2000s, 36 The exact publication date of the pamphlet is un- jihad becomes fard `ayn—an individual however, al-Qa`ida moved toward known, as the English translation published by at-Tib- duty during times of war that requires legitimizing female participation in yan Publications makes no mention of it. Al-`Uyayri, all men and women to participate—and however, mentioned in the pamphlet Hawa Barayev, they can do so without the permission 32 O’Rourke, p. 696. who committed suicide in 2000, and al-`Uyayri was 31 or accompaniment of a male guardian. 33 Hala Jaber and Uzi Mahnaimi, “Husband Took Wife killed in 2003. This pamphlet can therefore be dated to Suicide Bombing,” Sunday Times, January 18, 2004. to sometime between 2000-2003. An English version Hamas, inspired by the Muslim In a video, al-Rayashi reportedly said, “I want to be the of the pamphlet is available at www.islamfuture.files. Brotherhood, provides the best example first woman to carry out a martyr attack.” For details, see wordpress.com/2009/12/the-role-of-the-women-in- of this shift, with its spiritual leader, Margot Dudkevitch, “Suicide Attack at Erez Crossing fighting-the-enemies.pdf. Shaykh Yassin, claiming at the start Kills Four,” Jerusalem Post, January 14, 2004. 37 For details, see al-`Uyayri’s pamphlet. For legitimiza- of the second intifada: “Men are more 34 Dudkevitch. tion, al-`Uyayri cited the classical scholar al-Qurtubi efficient because they are better at 35 Steven Erlanger, “Grandmother Blows Self Up in who wrote: “There may be a situation where it is obliga- hiding out with the bomb…They are Suicide Attack on Israeli Forces,” New York Times, No- tory for everyone to go out, and that is if jihad becomes vember 24, 2006. Al-Najar is the last known female sui- an individual obligation…The one who has a father [i.e. 27 O’Rourke; Debra Zedalis, “Beyond the Bombings: cide bomber claimed by Hamas. According to one study, mahram] can go without his permission, as well as the Analysing Female Suicide Bombings,” in Ness. Palestinian suicide bombings have been in decline since one without a father.” Al-`Uyayri also cited another clas- 28 Cunningham, p. 93. 2005. See Yoram Schweitzer, “Palestinian Female Sui- sical scholar, Ibn Qudamah, who argued the same. 29 The exact date of al-Qaradawi’s fatwa is unknown. It cide Bombers: Virtuous Heroines or Damaged Goods?” 38 Ibid. is referenced, however, in a question and answer discus- in Ness, p. 131. Another study claims that this decline is a 39 For further analysis of al-`Uyayri’s pamphlet, see Da- sion dated November 6, 2006 on the Islamic religious result of effective Israeli counterterrorism measures. See vid Cook, “Women Fighting in Jihad?” in Ness. website IslamOnline.net. Hillel Frisch, “Motivation or Capabilities? Israeli Coun- 40 Ibid., p. 46. 30 Ibid. terterrorism Against Palestinian Suicide Bombings and 41 The magazine is named after a famous Arab poetess 31 This is different from fard kifaya (collective duty), Violence,” The Begin-Sadat Center for Strategic Studies, who wrote eulogies in early Islamic history about her where the duty applies to the Muslim community collec- December 2006. A 2008 BBC report, however, states male relatives fighting in jihad. Articles in the magazine tively, but means that not every Muslim has to perform that Palestinian Islamic Jihad is training women as sui- advised women on how to support jihad. See Sebastian an act such as jihad as long as a sufficient number of com- cide bombers. See “Just Married and Determined to Die,” Usher, “‘Jihad’ Magazine for Women on Web,” BBC, Au- munity members fulfill the duty. BBC, October 13, 2008. gust 24, 2004.

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“[A Letter] to the Muslim Sisters.”42 The violent jihad in South Asia and Europe, as the United Kingdom and the United letter stated that women should follow and women who had the ability to travel States, are targeted for recruitment. in the footsteps of those who “martyred” into Europe in support of jihad.45 She is Moreover, the fact that Reilly, along themselves in Palestine, Chechnya, accused of agreeing to kill a Swedish with Degauque and LaRose, is also Afghanistan, Somalia and Iraq. For resident and using the internet to solicit a white convert to Islam worryingly the first time, women are openly called funds for terrorists.46 In an online suggests that converts, often in search upon by al-Qa`ida to participate in its YouTube forum, she posted comments of a new identity, are easy prey for al- jihad against the West, which is made as “JihadJane” stating her desire to Qa`ida or at least its violent ideology. It permissible by the group because jihad is become a “martyr in the name of Allah” is suspected that the group may want to considered fard `ayn. The letter described and that her appearance would allow her groom the next generation of operatives “martyrdom” as an aspiration, and the to “blend in with many people.”47 She is by targeting women with the ability to author asked for women to aid Islam also accused of traveling to Europe in move freely and without suspicion in by fighting alongside men.43 Women August 2009 with the intent to live and Western countries. Nevertheless, the should also encourage each other, the train with jihadists.48 extent to which women are actually letter stated, to “not abstain from this targeted by al-Qa`ida’s central religious obligation.”44 Differing from LaRose’s alleged attempts to radicalize leadership to become suicide bombers al-`Uyayri and al-Qaradawi, however, others online are not uncommon. is still unclear. the letter said that women should have a Houria Chentouf is believed to have male guardian during combat activities: been radicalized online by visiting Conclusion “Jihad is fard `ayn on every Muslim man jihadist forums. Similarly, Nicky Reilly, The fact that Ayman al-Zawahiri’s wife and woman, but the way of fighting a 22-year-old man convicted in 2008 of issued a call to women to participate in is not easy for Muslim women for it attempting to commit a suicide attack in jihad and “martyr” themselves suggests requires a mahram.” The letter continued the United Kingdom that same year, is that al-Qa`ida may change tactics and to say, however, that also believed to have been radicalized follow in the footsteps of groups such online by two men with alleged links as Hamas or its own Iraqi affiliate, AQI. we should aid our religion in to al-Qa`ida living in the Afghan- If so, female converts who have the several ways and should keep Pakistan border region.49 In fact, posts advantage of blending in and possibly our selves in the service of the encouraging women to participate in evading security measures would be a Mujahideen, and we should fulfill jihad are increasing on militant Islamist likely target. The internet has no doubt whatever they ask of us, may it be forums, including English-language become an efficient way to propagandize through monetary aid to them…or ones such as Ansar al-Mujahideen and and win over recruits worldwide. It participation in fighting or even al-Qimmah.50 This indicates that women is no coincidence that there has been through a martyrdom operation. from English-speaking countries, such a recent increase of posts on jihadist forums that eulogize and call on women This apparent discrepancy over male 45 U.S.A. v. Colleen R. LaRose, Eastern District of Penn- to participate in jihad and “martyrdom guardians is perhaps an attempt to sylvania, 2010. operations.” appease more conservative followers of 46 Ibid. al-Qa`ida. 47 Ibid. The legitimization of female terrorism 48 Ibid. There have been training camps in the United as an individual duty by militant Al-Qa`ida’s Strategy Kingdom, which members of the July 21, 2005 cell at- Islamist groups shows that they believe The case of Colleen LaRose parallels tended. These camps were run by Mohammed Hamid Muslims are facing a growing existential what al-Qa`ida may be hoping to and Atilla Ahmet. Hamid was convicted in 2008 of so- threat from the West and “occupying” achieve in the West: an increase of liciting to murder and providing terrorist training, and powers. Hamas is fighting on behalf of “homegrown” sympathizers among Ahmet in 2007 of soliciting to murder. See “Top Extrem- Palestinians against Israel, making its Western women who are able to provide ist Recruiter is Jailed,” BBC, March 7, 2008. attacks specific to one territory. Al- logistical and operational support. A 49 Duncan Gardham, “‘Al-Qaeda’ Terrorists who Brain- Qa`ida, on the other hand, is currently white convert and U.S. citizen, LaRose washed Exeter Suicide Bomber Still on the Run,” Daily fighting its jihad to target those it is alleged to have recruited men to wage Telegraph, October 15, 2008. perceives as posing a threat to Islam or 50 A May 2, 2010 post included a video of a female Muslims worldwide. If group tactics are 42 Al-Qa`ida’s publishing house al-Sahab originally fighter in the Ogaden region in Ethiopia. Forum mem- copied, it may be only a matter of time issued this letter in Arabic and it appeared on jihadist bers praised the woman for her bravery. For details, see before the United States and Western websites on December 17, 2009. For details, see “Wife of www.ansar1.info/showthread.php?p=75107#post75107. European countries are attacked by a Al-Qa’idah’s Al-Zawahiri Urges Muslim Women to Sup- A January 29, 2010 post asked women to follow the ex- female suicide bomber. port Mujahidin,” BBC, December 17, 2009. The letter ample of al-Khansaa and support jihad. For details, see was translated into English by Dar al-Murabtieen Pub- www.alqimmah.net/showthread.php?t=13736. A Febru- Houriya Ahmed is a Research Fellow at the lications and was posted on the militant website Ansar ary 2010 post detailed how a woman should support her Centre for Social Cohesion, the first think- al-Mujahideen. All quotes from the letter are taken from husband’s jihad. For details, see www.alqimmah.net/ tank in the United Kingdom to specialize the English translation of the letter uploaded on Ansar. showthread.php?t=13736. An August 2009 post includ- in studying radicalization and extremism The PDF file, however, is no longer accessible. ed a letter intended for Muslim women praising them for within Britain. She is co-author of Hizb 43 The letter states: “...the Muslim women should work their virtues and dignity in the jihad cause and “martyr- ut-Tahrir: Ideology and Strategy and beside men to defend her religion and land.” dom…at the hands of a kafir [non-believer].” For details, Islamist Terrorism: The British 44 Ibid. see www.ansar1.info/showthread.php?t=16807. Connections, published by the Centre.

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Countering Terrorist Measuring CFT Effectiveness 2009, the data for EU member states is Financing: Successes and Measuring the effectiveness of CFT even less precise, but 21 persons were efforts is challenging since the metrics convicted of financing the Liberation Setbacks in the Years tend to be either insufficient or Tigers of Tamil Eelam, and more than Since 9/11 unavailable to researchers. Merely 80 persons arrested for financing studying convictions in court and separatist groups in Spain and France, By Michael Jonsson asset forfeiture vastly underestimates which following the same method would the achievements, whereas indicators be expected to result in 40 convictions.8 following the 9/11 attacks, efforts to such as intelligence gathered, terrorist The number of convictions seems to counter the financing of terrorism financiers deterred or impact on the be increasing, but remains modest (CFT) became a centerpiece of internal dynamics of terrorist groups in relation to the Herculean efforts counterterrorism policy in the United is challenging to access and quantify. demanded of financial institutions.9 States and in several European When assessing the most obvious countries. These efforts have spanned indicator—number of convictions Critical Trade-Offs for CFT Policies a broad range of policy tools. New on terrorist financing charges—the In terms of assets seized from suspected organizational units have been created,1 achievements thus far are modest. For terrorists, the total amount of assets intelligence gathering platforms the United States, a partial study found frozen rose dramatically shortly invented,2 substantial diplomatic 59 convictions from 2001 to 2007, with following the 9/11 attacks, but then pressure exerted against “passive state 16 acquittals and another 15 charges leveled off and are now increasingly sponsors of terrorism”3 and multi- dropped due to plea bargains on other being challenged in court by some agency analytical units have become an charges.5 Since then, the number of of the individuals targeted by such integral part of U.S. counterinsurgency convictions seems to be increasing. asset freezes.10 Legally complex, the efforts.4 Yet in spite of the extensive Whereas in 2006 eight out of 54 international asset seizure regime is intelligence assets and research efforts convictions in terrorism-related cases subject to a number of due process poured into understanding the field involved material support charges, 28 concerns and seems unlikely to yield any during the past decade, practitioners out of 35 did so in 2009.6 Comparing dramatic achievements in the future.11 and academics remain deeply divided convictions across jurisdictions is Overall, CFT efforts face a number of over the effectiveness of these efforts. complex and can easily be misleading, daunting policy trade-offs—personal but in 2006 eight percent of all 703 integrity versus data access, financial This article presents some measures arrests in terrorism cases in the integrity versus investor friendliness, of the effectiveness of CFT efforts and European Union were on terrorist criticisms from scholars regarding financing suspicions. Following a the “material support” provisions of the United States, negative side effects of these policies. It crude estimation—since no exact data which may skew the comparison somewhat. then explains why terrorism financing exists—this would be expected to result 8 EU Terrorism Situation and Trend Report 2010 (The 7 has proven challenging to prove in court, in approximately 20 convictions. For Hague: European Police Office, 2010), p. 27. Obviously, outlines some alternative responses from not all arrests result in prosecutions the same year, so intelligence agencies and concludes by 5 Adam Liptak and Leslie Eaton, “Mistrial is Latest Ter- these numbers are mainly mentioned by way of illustra- suggesting complementary indicators ror Prosecution Misstep for the U.S.,” New York Times, tion. Financing of Islamist terrorist groups is also a ma- by which to judge the effectiveness of October 27, 2007; Robert Chesney, “Federal Prosecution jor concern—20 Algerian and Moroccan citizens were CFT efforts. of Terrorism-Related Cases: Conviction and Sentencing arrested in 2008 in Spain alone, mainly on suspicions Data in Light of the ‘Soft Sentence’ and ‘Data Reliability’ of financing and recruiting for such groups. For details, and Critiques,” Lewis & Clark Law Review 11:4 (2007): pp. see “Country Terrorism Report: Spain,” U.S. State De- 879, 884. This study only covers the 18 U.S.C. § 2339B partment, 2008. In January 2009, 17 Algerian citizens and 50 U.S.C. § 1705 statutes, whereas the terrorism were arrested across Europe on suspicions of terrorism financing offense in the United States usually alsoin- financing. For details, see “Terror Fundraising Group 1 David P. Friedovich, “Tracking and Disrupting Ter- cludes 18 U.S.C § 2339A and 2339C statutes. Hence, the Held in Italy,” The Western Mail, January 13, 2009. rorist Financial Networks: A Potential Model for Inter- total number of convictions on terrorist financing may be 9 From 2001 to 2009, the total number of Suspicious Agency Success,” congressional hearing before the U.S. higher. For details, see “United States Mutual Evaluation Activity Reports filed by U.S. financial institutions- in House Armed Services Subcommittee on Terrorism, Un- Report,” Financial Action Task Force, June 23, 2006, pp. creased from approximately 200,000 to over 1.2 million. conventional Threats and Capabilities, March 11, 2009. 38-39. See the SAR Activity Review, June 2010, p. 4. 2 Such as the Terrorist Financing Tracking Program 6 “Introduction to National Security Statistics on Un- 10 Steve Kiser, “Terror Finance: An Analysis and Simu- tapping into SWIFT data. See Eric Lichtblau, “U.S. Sifts sealed International Terrorism and Terrorism-Related lation for Affecting Al Qaeda’s Financial Infrastructure,” Bank Data in Secret to Block Terrorist Financiers,” New Convictions,” U.S. Department of Justice, March 26, Pardee RAND Graduate School, 2005, p. 135; Craig York Times, June 23, 2006; John Snow, “Bank Data Re- 2010. Calculations by author, covering provisions 18 Whitlock, “Terrorism Financing Blacklists At Risk,” port: Treasury Dept’s View,” New York Times, June 29, U.S.C § 2339A-C and 50 U.S.C§ 1705. Washington Post, November 2, 2008. 2006. 7 EU Terrorism Situation and Trend Report 2007 (The 11 For example, the Swedish section of the informal mon- 3 Daniel Byman, “Passive Sponsors of Terrorism,” Sur­ Hague: European Police Office, 2007), pp. 14-16. Assum- ey transmitter al-Barakaat was removed from the UN vival 47:4 (2005): pp. 117-144. ing the same prosecution rate (43%) and conviction rate and EU sanctions lists in October 2009, presumably as 4 Such as the Threat Finance Units in Iraq and Afghan- (85%) as that for the total sample of cases (which possi- an indirect result from a 2008 European Court of Justice istan. See John F. Burns, “Iraq Insurgency has Funds to bly overstates the real number) this would result in ap- decision that found the defendant had not been granted Sustain Itself, U.S Finds,” New York Times, November 26, proximately 20 convictions. Some of what is reported as a right to be heard by the court. See “Al Barakaat stryks 2006. “facilitation” in the European Union report is included in från FN’s terrorlista,” Sveriges Radio, October 26, 2009.

18 july 2010 . Vol 3 . Issue 7 due process versus being able to freeze Achievement of CFT Programs for The Challenges of Prosecuting Terrorist very liquid assets, among others.12 Counterterrorism Efforts Financing Cases The most difficult trade-off, however, Current and former intelligence officials In assessing these diverging views of is that between humanitarian aid and with first-hand experience of CFT efforts the effectiveness of U.S. and EU CFT countering terrorist financing, as in practice have vigorously defended efforts, a few basic points need to be epitomized by contemporary Somalia. these policies. The Federal Bureau of emphasized. Terrorist financing is Investigation, for example, argues that in extraordinarily difficult to prosecute The shuttering of Somali informal money a sample of 500 terrorist investigations, in court due to the nature of the crime. transmitter al-Barakaat following 9/11 42% of the cases had information Terrorist financing operations, for was later roundly criticized for cutting from Suspicious Transaction Reports example, tend to be cash-based, involve remittances to Somalia by half, while included in the case file.17 So-called loosely regulated organizational producing no or very few prosecutions.13 financial intelligence has also allegedly entities (hawaladars, charities, NGOs) Five years later, Dalsan, another Somali helped prevent terrorist attacks such and involve multiple jurisdictions. money transmitter, collapsed, with as the 2006 airport plot in the United Moreover, the target countries often the UN Monitoring Group on Somalia Kingdom and tracking down senior lack efficient law enforcement, or their noting that “one of the reasons for the terrorist leaders such as Hambali, the impartiality is questionable.21 A few bankruptcy was that an ICU military suspected mastermind behind the 2002 simple evasive measures by the terrorist leader managed to divert a large amount Bali bombings.18 financier can also make the case vastly of money to help financially support the harder to prove, such as infiltrating an organization in its fight for the control Sources outside of government have existing NGO, diverting only a fraction of Mogadishu.”14 Today, al-Shabab has also claimed that certain wire transfer of money collected to terrorist aims, begun “taxing” aid offices, impelling companies have been cooperating with using encrypted e-mails or talking in many agencies to leave in spite of the U.S. intelligence agencies in monitoring code on the phone. In the one successful dire humanitarian situation.15 There is money transfers to terrorist suspects, prosecution on terrorist financing no simple solution to this conundrum, yielding important intelligence and charges in Sweden, two men who were and it is still not clear whether it is tactical successes.19 The U.S. Treasury transferring money to Ansar al-Islam the legitimacy of al-Shabab or that of Department has also vigorously in northern Iraq used several of these the international community that will defended the Terrorist Finance Tracking techniques, making the admission of suffer the most. Program, which taps SWIFT data on guilt by one of the men arguably crucial interbank transactions, pointing to some to the guilty verdict in spite of extensive Somewhat cursorily summarized, these 1,550 leads shared with EU countries circumstantial evidence.22 aspects—the low number of convictions, and a number of attacks prevented as a the problems of the terrorist asset freeze result of the program. Undersecretary In two failed prosecutions against the regime and the negative impact on for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence al-Aqsa Foundation in Denmark and development finance—have led several Stuart Leavey also stated on July 9, 2010 Sweden (prosecuted separately) that academics to conclude that the current that data from the program had provided were suspected of financing Hamas, CFT regime is not working as well as it support to Norway in its arrest of three the final acquittal in both cases hinged should.16 individuals suspected of plotting an largely on the court finding much of the attack against the country.20 evidence provided by Israel to be either inadmissible or not credible, with the Such self-evaluations obviously need Danish court divided on several counts.23 12 Ibid.; James Kanter, “Europe Resumes Sharing Bank to be taken cautiously and are close Issues of mutual trust and confidence Data with the US,” New York Times, July 8, 2010; Laura to impossible to verify, but they still in its human rights record may explain K. Donohue, “Anti-Terrorist Finance in the United King- underline a fundamental divergence why Spain has been fairly successful dom and United States,” Michigan Journal of International in the perceptions of the relative in combating the financing of the Law 27:303 (2006): pp. 399, 407. effectiveness of CFT efforts writ large. ETA with French assistance, whereas 13 John Roth, Douglas Greenburg and Serena Wille, Turkey is increasingly irritated by “National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States – Monograph on Terrorist Financing,” 17 John Pistole, deputy director of FBI, speech given at 21 Law enforcement agencies in countries that are re- 2004, pp. 57-86. American Bankers’ Association’s Money Laundering peatedly attacked by terrorist groups may either commit 14 Nazzir Abdulazis al-Nasser, “Report of the Monitor- Enforcement Conference, October 22, 2007. human rights abuses or other transgressions making ing Group on Somalia Pursuant to Security Council Res- 18 Matthew Levitt and Michael Jacobson, “The Money evidence inadmissible in court, or the country may sim- olution 1676 (2006),” United Nations, November 2006. Trail: Finding, Following and Freezing Terrorist Fi- ply be judged to be in a “war-like situation” against the 15 Christian Larson, Michael Jonsson and Nir Artzi, “Tax nances,” The Washington Institute for Near East Policy, group, lowering its credibility. Evasion. Dealing with the Shabab’s Financing,” Jane’s In­ November 2008. 22 Michael Jonsson and Klas Kärrstrand, “Money Prob- telligence Review, March 2010. 19 Ron Suskind, The One Percent Doctrine: Deep Inside lems – Tackling Terrorist Financiers in Sweden,” Jane’s 16 Thomas Biersteker and Sue E. Eckert, “Conclusion: America’s Pursuit of its Enemies Since 9/11 (New York: Si- Intelligence Review, February 1, 2007, extensively citing Taking Stock of Efforts to Counter the Financing of Ter- mon and Schuster, 2006). the final verdict. rorism and Recommendations for the Way Forward,” in 20 “US: Anti-Terror Program Leads to Arrests,” United 23 Michael Jonsson and Christian N. Larson, “Scandina- Thomas Biersteker and Sue E. Eckert eds., Countering the Press International, July 10, 2010; “The Terrorist Fi- vian Trials Demonstrate Difficulty of Obtaining Terror- Financing of Terrorism (New York: Routledge, 2008), pp. nancing Tracking Program: Questions and Answers,” ist Financing Convictions,” Terrorism Monitor 7:5 (2009), 289-304. press release, U.S. Treasury Department, June 24, 2010. citing court transcripts from both cases.

19 july 2010 . Vol 3 . Issue 7 what it perceives as a lack of European As for sentencing, convictions on impact varies between groups, but there cooperation in combating the financing terrorism charges resulted in 16 years have been signs that both the ETA and of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party.24 imprisonment on average, national the core of al-Qa`ida are struggling to security 7.5-10.4 years and for other obtain sufficient funding.33 Whereas Alternative CFT Approaches for Security charges 1.2 years.29 Hence, less severe single terrorist attacks can be cheap, Services crimes related to logistical support maintaining an efficient terrorist Challenges to prosecuting terrorist resulted in less severe sentences, network is not, and even single attacks financing cases implies that security but may nonetheless be efficient in have frequently been underfunded, services are often forced to adopt other disrupting logistical networks and underlining that this remains a critical tactics, such as focusing on intelligence planning. It is difficult to study the concern for terrorist groups.34 gathering, pursuing less serious same trend in the European Union criminal charges or aiming to disrupt, due to lack of data, but in 2006 19% Groups that have access to drug deter or simply slow down terrorist of Islamist terrorism suspects were trafficking—such as the Kurdistan financing networks. As Matthew Levitt arrested for either preparing or Workers’ Party and the Revolutionary has argued, one option is to move from carrying out an attack, whereas 27% Armed Forces of Colombia—are criminal investigations toward “silent were arrested on suspicions related to difficult to starve of funding, whereas monitoring” and intelligence gathering.25 “facilitation” or “false documents.”30 In other groups seem to be more critically In theory, such monitoring of financial Sweden, the case of Yassin Ali provides dependent on outside support. As such, intermediaries can help map out both a case in point. Ali was arrested in CFT efforts will not herald the end of support networks in country “A” and February 2009 on suspicion of terrorist terrorist groups, but they have opened operative cells in country “B,” but this financing to Somalia, but was released a new front and created a new set of typically requires additional intelligence in April without charge, then convicted techniques for making life harder for from other sources, strong mutual trust in October for bookkeeping errors and such groups. Reversely, intelligence between the countries and well-resourced added to the U.S. Office of Foreign officials focused on CFT issues arguably intelligence agencies on both ends. Assets Control (OFAC) list by April need to better address the negative 2010.31 impact of some of their policies, Another less noted approach is including civil liberties concerns and “pretextual prosecution,” also known as Conclusion disruption of humanitarian aid since “the Al Capone strategy,” which refers Bridging the divide between scholars the main battlefield against terrorist to pressing charges on less serious and intelligence officials, other possible groups is not that over money, but but easier to prosecute charges.26 For indicators for taking stock of CFT over legitimacy in the eyes of the example, in a data set of “terrorism effectiveness includes asking whether population. associated” cases in the United States terrorist groups have been forced to compiled by New York University, change their methods for collecting or Michael Jonsson is a Ph.D. candidate at in only 42% of cases the “top charge” transferring funds to slower or more Uppsala University and a former Fulbright was on either terrorism or national burdensome means, whether would- Scholar at Georgetown University. He is security grounds, whereas 29% were be terrorist financiers have been also a Partner at the AML/CFT Group, racketeering, drug crimes or commercial deterred and whether specific terrorist consulting the International Monetary Fund fraud, embezzlement and theft.27 In the groups show signs of having trouble on issues related to countering financial so-called Lebanese Hizb Allah cigarette acquiring sufficient funding.32 The crime. This article summarizes some of smuggling case in which more than $2 the findings of a study carried out for the million was allegedly channeled to Hizb 29 Ibid., p. 14. Swedish Armed Forces Headquarters. Allah, only one of 13 defendants was 30 EU Terrorism Situation and Trend Report 2007, p. 20. 28 indicted on terrorism charges. Due to the complexities of comparisons across multiple legal systems and languages, carrying out comparative 24 Michael Jonsson, “Cashing up – Funding the Basque studies such as that compiled by New York University is Battle for Independence,” Jane’s Intelligence Review, Feb- decidedly more challenging within the European Union, ruary 1, 2008; Michael Jonsson and Svante Cornell, which typically makes researchers dependent on the in- “Kurds and Pay – Examining PKK Financing,” Jane’s formation presented in the annual EU Terrorism Situa- Intelligence Review, March 13, 2008. Also see the EU Ter­ tion and Trend Reports. rorism Situation and Trend Report 2010, which cites the 31 Stockholms Tingsrätt, Dom Mål B 23273-07, October against business owners, increased public appeals for successful cooperation between France and Spain in 17, 2009 (court sentence); “Recent OFAC Actions,” U.S. donations or intercepted messages indicating a lack of countering the financing of the ETA. Office of Foreign Assets Control, April 13, 2010. funds, or simply an increase in seemingly underfunded 25 Matthew Levitt, “Follow the Money: Challenges and 32 Terrorist groups may, for example, abandon the for- attacks. Opportunities in the Campaign to Combat Terrorism Fi- mal financial system, making it harder and costlier to 33 Jonsson, “Cashing up – Funding the Basque Battle for nancing,” The Washington Institute for Near East Policy, transfer money where and when they need it. Deterrence Independence”; Nathan Vardi, “Is Al Qaeda Bankrupt?” March 6, 2007. may include both making diaspora groups more cogni- Forbes, March 15, 2010. 26 Chesney. zant of the risk of abuse of charitable donations to conflict 34 Jacob N. Shapiro “Terrorist Organizations Vulner- 27 Karen J. Greenberg ed., “Terrorist Trial Report Card: zones, and increasing pressure on key countries to rein abilities and Inefficiencies: A Rational Choice Perspec- 2001-2009,” Center on Law and Security, New York in donations from a few wealthy donors. As for groups tive,” in Jeanne K. Giraldo and Harold A. Trinkunas eds., University School of Law, 2009, p. 18. having trouble financing themselves, signs may include Terrorist Financing and State Responses (Palo Alto, CA: 28 Ibid., p. 11. increased waves of extortion letters or non-lethal attacks Stanford University Press, 2007).

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Recent Highlights in June 3, 2010 (SAUDI ARABIA): Al-Qa`ida involved in the terrorist attacks in in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP), which Mumbai in November 2008. – PTI, June 5 Terrorist Activity is based in Yemen, threatened to kidnap Saudi princes and ministers to secure the June 6, 2010 (AFGHANISTAN): A June 1, 2010 (PAKISTAN): The Pakistan release of a female al-Qa`ida operative roadside bomb killed three policemen in Army said it successfully concluded arrested by Saudi security forces. The Kunduz Province. – AFP, June 5 military operations against Pakistani operative, Hayla al-Qusayir, is thought to Taliban militants in Orakzai Agency of the be a fundraiser for al-Qa`ida. – Reuters, June 3 June 6, 2010 (AFGHANISTAN): The Federally Administered Tribal Areas. The Afghan Interior Ministry said that a operation began in March 2010. In recent June 4, 2010 (IRAQ): General Ray suicide bomber on a motorcycle targeted years, Orakzai Agency became a safe haven Odierno, the top U.S. commander in Iraq, a NATO convoy in Jalalabad, injuring 13 for many Taliban militants, especially for told a news conference that approximately Afghan civilians. – AFP, June 5 fighters fleeing the government’s recent 80% of al-Qa`ida’s leaders in Iraq have offensive in South Waziristan Agency in been captured or killed during the past June 6, 2010 (AFGHANISTAN): Afghan 2009. – Voice of America, June 1 three months. He said that only eight of Interior Minister Hanif Atmar and al-Qa`ida’s 42 chiefs in Iraq remain at National Directorate of Security Chief June 2, 2010 (AFGHANISTAN): large. – BBC, June 4 Amrullah Saleh resigned in the wake of a Insurgents attacked Afghan President June 2 attack on a major peace conference Hamid Karzai’s peace jirga in Kabul, June 4, 2010 (RUSSIA): A policeman was in the capital. According to the Los Angeles but failed to significantly disrupt the killed after a bomb exploded in a shop Times, “The attack was thwarted and none proceedings. At least two suicide bombers near the town of Malgobek in Ingushetia, of the assembly participants was hurt. disguised in women’s clothing attempted located in Russia’s North Caucasus region. However, it proved embarrassing for to attack the gathering. The bombers were Twenty-five people were injured by the Karzai, who had to interrupt his opening killed by security forces. Rockets were blast. The same shop had been bombed speech to urge calm as a rocket-propelled also fired at the jirga tent. – New York Times, earlier in the day. – Reuters, June 4 grenade landed within 100 yards of the June 2; Los Angeles Times, June 3 jirga’s tent.” – Voice of America, June 6; Los June 4, 2010 (SOMALIA): According to Angeles Times, June 7 June 2, 2010 (YEMEN): Agence France- CNN, as many as 200 foreign fighters Presse reported that an Australian woman affiliated with al-Qa`ida are estimated to June 6, 2010 (IRAQ): A suicide bomber was detained in Yemen on suspicion of be hiding in southern Somalia. CNN said in an explosives-laden vehicle attacked a having ties to al-Qa`ida. The Australian, a the estimates were based on interviews crowd of officers outside a police station in convert to Islam, was arrested on May 15, with two unidentified U.S. military Baghdad, killing four of them. The attack 2010 along with two Bangladeshi women. officials. – CNN, June 4 occurred in the predominately Shi`a Amil She has been identified as Shyloh Jayne district of the capital. – Reuters, June 6 Giddens and was teaching English in June 5, 2010 (UNITED STATES): Two Sana`a at the time of her arrest. On June New Jersey men were arrested at JFK June 6, 2010 (YEMEN): Yemeni security 12, however, Yemeni authorities said that International Airport in New York as officials said that they arrested French she had been released and was returning they attempted to board separate flights national Jeremy Johnny Witter in late to Australia. – Bloomberg, June 2; Guardian, to Egypt, with their ultimate destination May in Sana`a on suspicion of having ties June 3; Telegraph, June 4 reportedly being Somalia. U.S. federal to al-Qa`ida. Authorities said that Witter authorities charge that the men planned was studying at the Sana`a Institute for June 3, 2010 (UNITED STATES): Barry to join the al-Qa`ida-linked al-Shabab Arabic Language. – Voice of America, June 6 Walter Bujol Jr. was indicted in Houston insurgent group in Somalia. They have on allegations of trying to provide been identified as Mohamed Mahmood June 6, 2010 (YEMEN): Hamza Ali Salah money and equipment to al-Qa`ida. The Alessa and Carlos Eduardo Almonte. The al-Dayan, the al-Qa`ida operative accused indictment states that Bujol exchanged FBI had been monitoring the men since 2006. of planning the July 2007 suicide attack e-mails with Yemeni-American cleric – Fox News, June 6; New York Times, June 7 that killed seven Spanish tourists and two Anwar al-`Awlaqi starting in 2008, asking Yemenis in Marib Province, surrendered for the cleric’s advice on how to help al- June 5, 2010 (YEMEN): Suspected al- to Yemeni authorities. Al-Dayan was Qa`ida. According to the New York Times, Qa`ida gunmen killed a senior Yemeni among the 23 al-Qa`ida operatives who “The Federal Bureau of Investigation, army officer and a soldier after ambushing escaped from a Yemeni jail in February after learning of the e-mail messages, their convoy in Marib Province. – Reuters, 2006. – RTTNews, June 7 sent an informer posing as a member of June 5 Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula to June 7, 2010 (IRAQ): A car bomb ripped contact Mr. Bujol, an American. From the June 5, 2010 (INDIA): U.S. National through Baghdad’s Mansur district, informer, Mr. Bujol obtained equipment Security Adviser James Jones reportedly killing three people. – Reuters, June 7 for the group, including global positioning told Indian reporters that Indian system devices, telephone calling cards government investigators had been June 8, 2010 (PAKISTAN): Pakistani and a military compass. He was arrested given access to David Coleman Headley, officials said that the Taliban publicly May 30 after he boarded a ship bound a Pakistani-American operative for executed a man in Miran Shah in North for the Middle East with the equipment.” Lashkar-i-Tayyiba. Headley, who is Waziristan Agency. The man, who was – New York Times, June 3 detained in Chicago, was reportedly accused of killing his two brothers, was

21 july 2010 . Vol 3 . Issue 7 shot to death in front of hundreds of a 7-year-old boy as an informant.” – New walking through the same area. Two people at a football ground. – BBC, June 8 York Times, June 9 Afghans were also killed. – New York Times, June 11 June 8, 2010 (YEMEN): Yemeni June 9, 2010 (IRAQ): A suicide bomber on authorities announced that they detained a motorcycle targeted a U.S. Army patrol June 11, 2010 (IRAQ): A suicide bomber dozens of foreign nationals, including near the town of Muqdadiyya, 50 miles in a vehicle killed two U.S. soldiers and Americans, suspected of having ties to northeast of Baghdad. Two civilians were at least three Iraqis in Jalawla, Diyala al-Qa`ida. – UPI, June 8 killed in the blast. – Reuters, June 9 Province. – Reuters, June 11

June 8-9, 2010 (TURKEY): Turkish police June 9, 2010 (IRAQ): A 16-year-old June 11, 2010 (PAKISTAN): A U.S. arrested 17 suspected al-Qa`ida members al-Qa`ida member was arrested just drone strike killed at least 10 suspected in an operation spanning several regions moments before he planned to detonate militants in North Waziristan Agency of in the country. – Ennahar Online, June 9 a suicide vest to kill a Shi`a cleric in Tal the Federally Administered Tribal Areas. Afar, Ninawa Province. – Reuters, June 9 The militants reportedly belonged to the June 9, 2010 (UNITED STATES): Syed Pakistani Taliban faction led by Hafiz Gul Hashmi, who pleaded guilty in a U.S. court June 9, 2010 (PAKISTAN): Suspected Bahadur. – BBC, June 11 on April 27, 2010 to a charge of conspiracy Pakistani Taliban militants torched 50 to provide material support or resources NATO supply trucks on the outskirts of June 11, 2010 (PAKISTAN): Pakistani to al-Qa`ida, was sentenced to 15 years in Islamabad, killing at least seven people. police arrested two Pakistani Taliban prison. Hashmi, a Pakistani-American, The incident marked the first attack on militants who were planning “terror was arrested at London’s Heathrow NATO supply trucks this close to the attacks” in Karachi. The men, accused Airport shortly before boarding a flight to Pakistani capital. – Guardian, June 9; AP, of being members of Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan on June 6, 2006. – AFP, June 9 July 1 Pakistan, were allegedly planning to bring a suicide bomber to Karachi from June 9, 2010 (AFGHANISTAN): Taliban June 9, 2010 (SOMALIA): A French North Waziristan Agency, but their plot militants shot down a NATO helicopter security adviser who was kidnapped was foiled. – AFP, June 11 in southern Afghanistan, killing four in Somalia in July 2009 appeared in a soldiers. – AFP, June 9 video posted on jihadist websites. “I ask June 11, 2010 (ALGERIA): A suicide the French people to do everything for bomber drove a truck into the barracks June 9, 2010 (AFGHANISTAN): Taliban my release,” said the hostage, identified of an elite police unit in Timizar, 60 miles militants in Helmand Province accused a as Denis Allex. Allex, who is being held east of Algiers. The blast killed at least seven-year-old boy of spying and hanged by al-Shabab militants, said his captors nine people, including four police officers. him in a public execution. A witness said demanded the end of French political and Al-Qa`ida in the Islamic Maghreb is three militants executed the boy in front military support to the Somali government suspected of being responsible for the of 150 people in Sangin district. – CBS and the withdrawal of all foreign military blast. – AP, June 11 News, June 10; ABC News, June 10 advisers and private security firms from Somalia. – AFP, June 9 June 12, 2010 (YEMEN): Militants blew up June 9, 2010 (AFGHANISTAN): A suicide an oil pipeline in Yemen’s Marib Province. bomber ripped through the wedding June 10, 2010 (IRAQ): A suicide bomber Authorities accused the militants of celebration of a man who had joined an killed three members of an anti-al-Qa`ida belonging to al-Qa`ida, although other anti-Taliban militia in Kandahar Province, militia and two Iraqi soldiers in Baghdad. officials said they were tribesmen. – Saba, killing 40 people. The Taliban publicly – AFP, June 10 June 12; Voice of America, June 12 denied involvement in the attack. – New York Times, June 9; CNN, June 10 June 10, 2010 (PAKISTAN): A U.S. drone June 12, 2010 (PHILIPPINES): Authorities strike killed three suspected militants discovered the bodies of three Filipino June 9, 2010 (AFGHANISTAN): The near Mir Ali in North Waziristan Agency loggers, who were recently beheaded New York Times reported that Taliban of the Federally Administered Tribal by Abu Sayyaf Group militants in the insurgents in Afghanistan have stepped Areas. – BBC, June 11 southern Philippines. – New York Times, up an assassination campaign aimed June 13 at officials and individuals tied to local June 10, 2010 (INDIA): An Indian governments in the south. According to newspaper reported that David Coleman June 13, 2010 (IRAQ): Fighters wearing the article, “Government assassinations Headley, who is currently in U.S. custody, Iraqi military uniforms raided Baghdad’s are nothing new as a Taliban tactic, but told Indian investigators that Pakistan’s Central Bank, killing at least 15 people. now the Taliban are taking aim at officials Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) guided The militants used a suicide bomber and who are much more low-level, who often the Lashkar-i-Tayyiba operatives who at least four other bombs to break into do not have the sort of bodyguards or carried out the November 2008 terrorist one of Baghdad’s most heavily guarded other protection that top leaders do. Some attacks in Mumbai. – Times of India, June 10 facilities. The Islamic State of Iraq of the victims have only the slimmest claimed responsibility. – Guardian, June 13; connections to the authorities. The most June 11, 2010 (AFGHANISTAN): A suicide Bloomberg, June 13 egregious example came Wednesday in bomber wearing a burqa detonated his Helmand Province, where according to explosives in a bazaar in Zabul Province, Afghan officials the insurgents executed killing two NATO soldiers who were

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June 14, 2010 (PAKISTAN): The Afghan in Saudi Arabia’s rehabilitation program June 23, 2010 (IRAQ): Gunmen killed Taliban captured dozens of Pakistani for former al-Qa`ida militants. – Reuters, three police officers in Mosul, Ninawa soldiers after attacking their checkpoint June 19 Province. – AFP, June 24 in Mohmand Agency in Pakistan’s Federally Administered Tribal Areas. June 19, 2010 (PAKISTAN): A U.S. aerial June 23, 2010 (INDONESIA): Indonesian The Afghan Taliban said it captured 40 drone killed 12 militants in North Waziristan police arrested Abdulah Sunata and Pakistani troops during the cross-border Agency of the Federally Administered charged him with planning a Mumbai- raid. – BBC, June 16 Tribal Areas. – Reuters, June 19 style attack in Jakarta. Sunata was once a “poster child” for Indonesia’s June 14, 2010 (YEMEN): Yemen’s Defense June 20, 2010 (IRAQ): Two suicide deradicalization program. – AP, June 25 Ministry said that it foiled an al-Qa`ida bombers detonated explosives-laden plot to attack vital facilities in Marib vehicles outside the Trade Bank of Iraq in June 24, 2010 (AFGHANISTAN): Police Province. – Reuters, June 14 Baghdad, killing 26 people. The Islamic found the bodies of 11 Afghan civilians State of Iraq claimed responsibility. in Uruzgan Province. The civilians were June 15, 2010 (AFGHANISTAN): Taliban – Reuters, June 20 allegedly killed by Taliban fighters, and militants overpowered a seven-man all of the bodies had been beheaded. police post in Ghazni Province, killing June 20, 2010 (IRAQ): A suicide bomber – AFP, June 25 five policemen. – AFP, June 14 targeted a police patrol in Shirqat, Salah al-Din Province, killing at least six police June 24, 2010 (IRAQ): A suicide bomber June 16, 2010 (PAKISTAN): Pakistani officers and two civilians. – CNN, June 20; attacked a checkpoint in the Shifa helicopters and heavy artillery killed BBC, June 21 neighborhood of Mosul, Ninawa Province, 38 militants in Bajaur Agency of the killing four policemen. – AFP, June 24 Federally Administered Tribal Areas. Ten June 21, 2010 (AFGHANISTAN): A female paramilitary soldiers were also killed. suicide bomber killed two U.S. soldiers in June 24, 2010 (IRAQ): Two suicide – AFP, June 16 Kunar Province. – CNN, June 21; Wall Street bombers wearing military uniforms Journal, June 22 killed one Iraqi soldier and wounded five June 16, 2010 (PHILIPPINES): Abu more at an army base in Mosul, Ninawa Sayyaf Group militants freed Carl Rieth, June 22, 2010 (SWEDEN): Authorities Province. – AFP, June 24 a Swiss-Filipino man held hostage by the arrested a Swedish man in Stockholm group since April 2010. – AFP, June 16 who is suspected of planning an attack in June 24, 2010 (IRAQ): A roadside bomb Somalia. The arrest came one month after exploded in Baghdad as an Iraqi police June 17, 2010 (UNITED STATES): A new another Swedish man was detained on the patrol passed, killing two officers. – New federal indictment against Faisal Shahzad, same charges. – AFP, June 22 York Times, June 24 the suspect in the attempted bombing of New York City’s Times Square on May June 22, 2010 (AFGHANISTAN): A bomb June 24, 2010 (PAKISTAN): A Pakistani 1, 2010, claims that he received $12,000 targeted Azizullah Safari, the head of judge sentenced five Muslim American from the Pakistani Taliban to carry out the public health department in Kunduz men from the Washington, D.C. area to 10 the attack. – Washington Post, June 18 Province, killing him and injuring two years in prison for terrorism offenses. The people. – Voice of America, June 22 men, all friends from northern Virginia, June 17, 2010 (AFGHANISTAN): A were arrested by Pakistani police in suicide bomber in a vehicle targeted the June 22, 2010 (INDONESIA): An Sargodha in December 2009. – Bloomberg, police headquarters in Andar district of Indonesian court sentenced two Islamic June 24 Ghazni Province. Three police officers militants to jail for their role in the suicide and three civilians were injured. – CNN, bombings at the JW Marriott and Ritz- June 26, 2010 (IRAQ): Gunmen shot June 17 Carlton hotels in Jakarta in July 2009. to death four jewelry store owners and Supono (also known as Kedu) received robbed more than a dozen shops in June 19, 2010 (YEMEN): Militants attacked a six-year sentence, while Rohmat Puji Falluja, Anbar Province, possibly in an the main police intelligence headquarters Prabowo (known as Bejo) was given effort to finance insurgent operations. in the southern Yemeni capital of Aden, seven-and-a-half years. – AFP, June 22 – New York Times, June 26 killing at least 11 people. The insurgents, wearing military uniforms, used assault June 23, 2010 (UNITED STATES): U.S. June 26, 2010 (PAKISTAN): A U.S. rifles, mortars and grenades against the General Stanley McChrystal, commander drone strike killed two militants in North facility. They reportedly freed a number of U.S. forces in Afghanistan, resigned Waziristan Agency of the Federally of prisoners. Authorities believe that al- his post in the wake of controversial Administered Tribal Areas. – AFP, June 27; Qa`ida in the Arabian Peninsula may comments he made in an article published The News International, June 26 be responsible. – Voice of America, June 19; by Rolling Stone magazine. McChrystal will Telegraph, June 19; Reuters, June 26 be replaced by General David Petraeus, June 27, 2010 (UNITED STATES): the head of U.S. Central Command and Leon Panetta, the head of the Central June 19, 2010 (SAUDI ARABIA): A Saudi the former commanding officer in Iraq. Intelligence Agency, told reporters that security official said that approximately – Fox News, June 23 there are probably only 50-100 al-Qa`ida 25 former detainees at Guantanamo Bay fighters in Afghanistan, and that there is returned to militancy after participating “no question” that most of the terrorist

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network operates out of Pakistan’s June 30, 2010 (UNITED STATES): CTC Sentinel Staff northwest region. He also said that the Michael E. Leiter, director of the U.S. United States has “put pressure on the National Counterterrorism Center, told Editor-in-Chief al-Qaida leadership in the tribal areas a public conference that U.S. intelligence Erich Marquardt in Pakistan—and I would say that as a officials now estimate that there are Senior Editor, CTC result of our operations that the Taliban somewhat “more than 300” al-Qa`ida leadership is probably at its weakest point leaders and fighters hiding in Pakistan’s Editorial Board since (Sept. 11) and their escape from northwest tribal areas. As stated by the COL Michael J. Meese, Ph.D. Afghanistan into Pakistan.” Nevertheless, New York Times, “Taken together with the Department Head Panetta warned that al-Qa`ida is still recent estimate by the CIA director, Leon Department of Social Sciences (West Point) plotting attacks, and attempting to recruit E. Panetta, that there are about 50 to 100 people who do not “have a record in Qaeda operatives now in Afghanistan, COL Cindy R. Jebb, Ph.D. terrorism,” which makes them harder to American intelligence agencies believe Deputy Department Head track. – AP, June 27; UPI, June 28 that there are most likely fewer than 500 Department of Social Sciences (West Point) members of the group” in the region. June 27, 2010 (PAKISTAN): A U.S. The numbers, however, do not take into LTC Reid Sawyer drone strike killed six militants in North account militant groups and factions Director, CTC Waziristan Agency of the Federally allied with al-Qa`ida. – New York Times, Administered Tribal Areas. – AFP, June 27 June 30 Christopher Heffelfinger FBI Fellow, CTC June 28, 2010 (PAKISTAN): Taliban June 30, 2010 (UNITED STATES): militants ambushed an army patrol in Authorities linked al-Qa`ida operative Pakistan’s Bajaur Agency, killing four Adnan Shukrijumah to the New York Pakistani soldiers. – AFP, June 28 City subway terrorist plot in 2009. Shukrijumah allegedly met with one of Contact June 28, 2010 (ISRAEL): Israeli officials the plotters. – AP, June 30 Combating Terrorism Center announced the arrests of seven Arab U.S. Military Academy citizens on suspicions of planning attacks June 30, 2010 (AFGHANISTAN): Taliban 607 Cullum Road, Lincoln Hall against Jews and Christians. The men fighters launched a coordinated attack West Point, NY 10996 were allegedly inspired by speeches from on the airport in Jalalabad, Nangarhar Phone: (845) 667-6383 Usama bin Ladin. The suspects were all Province. At least one attacker detonated Email: [email protected] arrested two months ago. – AFP, June 28 a car bomb at the gate of the facility. Web: www.ctc.usma.edu/sentinel/ Several Taliban fighters were killed. June 29, 2010 (GLOBAL): Al-Qa`ida in – Voice of America, June 30 * For Press Inquiries: (845) 667-6383 the Arabian Peninsula allegedly launched a new English-language online magazine, June 30, 2010 (IRAQ): Two gunmen shot called Inspire. According to the Associated to death a police commander, his wife, Press, “The table of contents included and a friend in Hit, Anbar Province. One articles such as ‘Make a Bomb in the of the gunmen escaped, but the other was Kitchen of Your Mom,’ which promised taken into police custody. As police were support to be ‘a detailed yet short, easy-to-read transferring the gunman to a hospital, he The Combating Terrorism Center would manual on how to make a bomb using detonated an explosives vest, killing three like to express its gratitude to its financial ingredients found in a kitchen.’” – AP, police. – AFP, June 30 supporters, for without their support and June 30 shared vision of the Center products like June 30, 2010 (RUSSIA): A suicide the CTC Sentinel could not be produced. If June 29, 2010 (AFGHANISTAN): bomber detonated explosives near a you are interested in learning more about Militants opened fire on a UN vehicle in music hall where the Chechen president how to support the Combating Terrorism Kabul, killing an Afghan employee of the was attending a concert. President Center, please visit http://www.ctc.usma. international body. – AP, June 29 Ramzan Kadyrov was unharmed, but five edu/support/ or call Wayne Richardson at servicemen were injured. – Reuters, June 30 West Point’s Association of Graduates at June 29, 2010 (IRAQ): An Iraqi general 845-446-1553. was blown up by a magnetic bomb in June 30, 2010 (ALGERIA): Militants Baghdad’s Aden Square. – AFP, June 29 killed up to 11 Algerian paramilitary police officers who were on a routine June 29, 2010 (PAKISTAN): A U.S. patrol in Tinzaouatine, close to the drone strike killed at least six suspected Malian border. Authorities suspect that militants in South Waziristan Agency of the fighters belonged to al-Qa`ida in the the Federally Administered Tribal Areas. Islamic Maghreb. – National Turk, July 1 The views expressed in this report are those of – BBC, June 29; Voice of America, June 29 the authors and not of the U.S. Military Academy, the Department of the Army, or any other agency of the U.S. Government.

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