NEW YORK CITY POLICE DEPARTMENT W E E K L Y TERRORISM BRIEF 1 Issue 48 | November 25 , 2 0 2 0

NEW YORK CITY POLICE DEPARTMENT

WEEKLY TERRORISM BRIEF

Issue #48 | November 25 , 2 0 2 0 Information Cutoff: November 25 , a t 1 2 0 0

The NYPD Counterterrorism and Intelligence Bureaus compile this weekly open source brief to provide an overview and analysis of what we assess to be the most relevant headlines and trends currently impacting the global terrorism threat environment. This is not intended to be a comprehensive overview of all terrorism news and inclusion is not a confirmation of credibility or an endorsement by the NYPD.

As a reminder, this document is intended for NYPD Shield and Global Shield Network members. It is for official use only and we request that you not forward or distribute it further.

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UNCLASSIFIED - FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY NEW YORK CITY POLICE DEPARTMENT W E E K L Y TERRORISM BRIEF 1 Issue 48 | November 25 , 2 0 2 0

Attacks

ISIS Khorasan Province Claims Series of Rocket  Additionally, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi Attacks in Kabul’s Green Zone reportedly stated that a large cache of weapons and A series of rocket attacks targeting Kabul’s Green Zone killed explosives was recovered from the assailants, indicating eight people and wounded another 31, media sources reported on that they were preparing to launch attacks in the region November 21. ahead of elections there—the first district-level elections  ISIS’ local affiliate in Afghanistan, Khorasan Province to take place in Jammu and Kashmir since India revoked (ISKP), reportedly claimed the attack, providing photo its statehood in August 2019. (AL JAZEERA, REUTERS) documentation of its rocket barrage on November 23. Analyst Comment: Kashmir is divided between India and  Four photos distributed by the group showed 24 of the Pakistan with both claiming the region in its entirety. India 28 Katyusha rockets used in the assault as well as the frequently accuses Pakistan of arming and training rebel groups impact of a projectile on a road in what appears to be a who have been fighting for Kashmir’s independence from India commercial area. or its merger with Pakistan since 1989, which Pakistan denies.  According to one Afghan official, militants mounted the Tensions between the nuclear-armed rivals have escalated since rockets on a small truck and set them off, with an August 2019, when the Indian government revoked the special investigation under way to find out how the vehicle status, or limited autonomy, granted under the Indian entered the city undetected. Constitution to Jammu and Kashmir. This latest incident  The attack coincided with peace talks in Doha between highlights that there is likely to be an elevated threat environment Afghan and Taliban officials—who denied any in the region in the lead up to district elections in a likely effort involvement. U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo was to undermine the Indian government’s authority.

in attendance for the talks just as the U.S. announced a Houthi Rebel Movement Strikes Saudi Aramco Oil sudden visit to the Mideast by long-range, nuclear- capable B-52H bombers, demonstrating its commitment Facility in Jeddah On November 23, a Houthi military spokesperson claimed their to the region. (SITE, BLOOMBERG, AL JAZEERA) forces fired a missile that struck a Saudi Aramco oil company Indian Forces Kill Four Suspected Rebels in Alleged distribution station in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, warning that foreign Foiled Attack companies and residents in the country should exercise caution as “operations will continue.” He said the strike was carried out in response to the Saudi-led coalition’s actions.  An official at Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Energy maintained that a fire broke out in a fuel tank at a petroleum products distribution station in north Jeddah but that it was extinguished with no injuries or impacts on the supply of fuel to its customers. However, the damaged tank is currently out of service.  A Saudi Aramco official described the site as a “critical facility,” which distributes more than 120,000 barrels of products per day domestically to Jeddah, Mecca, and the al-Baha region.  A Saudi official later confirmed that the fire was the

Indian security forces at scene following gunfight in Jammu (AP Photo) “result of a terrorist attack with a projectile.” The attack Indian security forces reportedly killed four suspected rebels in a came as Saudi Arabia concluded hosting this year’s G20 gun battle on the main highway linking Jammu and Srinagar, the summit. (REUTERS, AL JAZEERA, FOREIGN POLICY) capital of Indian-administered Kashmir, media sources reported Analyst Comment: Cross-border attacks by Houthi rebel forces on November 19. against infrastructure targets in Saudi Arabia have escalated  According to police statements, the suspected rebels since late May, when a truce prompted by COVID-19 expired. opened fire at a checkpoint after which security forces This most recent attack also comes amid unconfirmed media returned fire in a three-hour gunfight. reports that the U.S. is considering potentially designating the  On November 21, media sources reported that the Indian Houthi Rebel Movement as a foreign terrorist organization, a government blamed the foiled attack on the Pakistan- move that has prompted the U.N. and non-governmental based militant group Jaish-e-Mohammed, holding organizations to relocate their staffers out of northern Yemen. Pakistan responsible though officials denied the The potential designation is likely to spur a further uptick in allegations. Houthi rebel missile attacks on Saudi targets.

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Arrests, Trials, and Investigations New Jersey Woman Charged with Concealing Terrorist Convicted Florida Pipe Bomber Sentenced to 33 Financing to Syrian Al-Nusra Front Additional Years in Prison On November 25, 53-year-old Maria Bell of Hopatcong, New On November 19, District Judge Robert E. Hinkle of the Northern Jersey was arrested and charged with one count of knowingly District of Florida sentenced 62-year-old Lawrence Lombardi, concealing the provision of material support or resources to a formerly of Tallahassee, Florida, to serve an additional 33 years designated foreign terrorist organization. in federal prison as a result of Lombardi’s conviction in 2000 for  According to court documents, since February 2017, planting and detonating two pipe bombs on the campus of Florida Bell used encrypted applications to communicate with Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) in August and and provide advice to fighters based in Syria who were September of 1999. Although no civilians were injured, trial members of al-Nusra Front, the former al-Qa’ida evidence proved that the bombings were motivated by racial affiliate and predecessor to Hayat Tahrir al-Sham prejudice. (HTS).  Lombardi was convicted of six counts: two counts of  Bell allegedly communicated with and sent money to maliciously damaging property, two counts of using a one self-identified HTS member. destructive device during and in relation to a crime of  She sent currency via Western Union, using an violence, and two counts of interfering with federally intermediary to conceal the source of the funds, and also protected activities on the basis of race or color, and was provided guidance on weapons and ammunition. sentenced to life plus 39 years in federal prison.  In communications with HTS fighters, Bell cited her  In 2019, the United States Supreme Court decided in experience with specialized weapons training while on United States v. Davis that part of the definition of a active duty in the U.S. Army and Army National Guard. “crime of violence” is unconstitutionally vague.  She exchanged thousands of encrypted communications  Citing Davis, Lombardi filed a collateral motion in the with the fighter about operational planning and provided district court challenging his two convictions for using a details on concealing payments. destructive device during and in relation to a crime of  At the direction of the fighter, Bell allegedly wired violence. Two convictions were vacated and then in money in 18 payments totaling $3,150 to individuals in February 2020 Lombardi appealed to have his sentence Turkey and Syria who support HTS. reduced to time served. The government opposed the  The charge of concealment of terrorist financing carries motion and the district court determined that a a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a fine of resentencing on the four remaining counts of the $250,000. (JUSTICE) conviction was warranted. Lombardi has already served approximately 21 years in prison. (JUSTICE) South Carolina Man Pleads Guilty in Plot to Attack White House and Trump Tower California Man Charged for Operating Drone that On November 24, federal authorities announced that 34-year-old Damaged LAPD Helicopter Kristopher Sean Matthews pleaded guilty to terrorism charges On November 19, special agents with the FBI arrested 22-year- over a plot to bomb or carry out a shooting targeting the White old Andrew Rene Hernandez, of Hollywood, CA, for recklessly House and Trump Tower in New York City. operating a drone that crashed into a Los Angeles Police  Matthews pleaded guilty to a conspiracy charge to Department helicopter, charging him with one count of unsafe provide material support to ISIS in a hearing before a operation of an unmanned aircraft. U.S. magistrate judge in San Antonio, Texas.  On September 18, LAPD officers responding to a  Matthews acknowledged that since May 2019, he burglary call at a pharmacy in Hollywood requested air conspired with 22-year-old Jaylyn Christopher Molina support, and an LAPD helicopter flew toward the scene. of Cost, Texas to share bomb-making information for  As the helicopter approached the pharmacy, the drone the purposes of conducting domestic and foreign stuck the helicopter, forcing the pilot to initiate an terrorist attacks on behalf of ISIS. emergency landing.  He also allegedly sought to radicalize and recruit other  The drone reportedly damaged the helicopter’s nose, individuals to support the foreign terrorist organization. antenna and bottom cowlings.  Matthews remains in federal custody and faces up to 20  According to the complaint, Hernandez said he flew his years in federal prison once he is sentenced on March 4. drone “to see what was going on.” (JUSTICE) Molina also remains in federal custody and faces up to Analyst Comment: Although no extremist or anti-government 40 years in federal prison if convicted. (ABC NEWS) intent was determined as a motivation for the drone collision with a police helicopter, this is not the first time that federal charges have been filed as a result of reckless operation of an unmanned

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UNCLASSIFIED - FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY NEW YORK CITY POLICE DEPARTMENT W E E K L Y TERRORISM BRIEF 1 Issue 48 | November 25 , 2 0 2 0 aircraft or the first incident of these platforms impacting a  Kryscuk and Collins were regular users of an online neo- military/law enforcement aircraft. There will likely be further Nazi forum, Iron March, in 2017 before the site was shut instances of similar federal charges being filed against unlawful down. During that time, they recruited 26-year-old ex- drone operators as the market for these commercially available Marine and military contractor Jordan Duncan, and 21- platforms grows. year-old active U.S. Marine Justin Hermanson.  According to prosecutors, the crew filmed a “training Man Indicted for Allegedly Planning Stabbing Attack montage” of themselves shooting guns near Kryscuk's at Jerusalem’s Temple Mount home in Boise, Idaho. At the end of the footage, all four reportedly displayed the “Heil Hitler” salute under a black sun flag, a racially/ethnically motivated violent extremist (REMVE) symbol.  Kryscuk's vehicle was also spotted at two different Black Lives Matter rallies in Boise, Idaho over the summer, and Kryscuk and Duncan later discussed shooting protesters, with Kryscuk allegedly calling their group a “death squad.” (THE LEDGER)

Turkey Issues Detention Warrants for 101 People with Alleged Terrorism Links On November 20, Turkish state media sources reported that authorities issued detention warrants for 101 people as part of

Israeli security forces gather at Temple Mount (AFP) what the government called “terrorism-related” investigations. On November 19, 20-year-old Walid Abu Madiam, from the city  The suspects are believed to be connected to the of Rahat in Southern Israel, was indicted for allegedly planning a Democratic Society Congress, which is the alleged terrorist attack against security forces at Jerusalem’s Temple legislative arm of the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) Mount holy site earlier this month. militant group.  Prosecutors claim that Abu Madiam plotted to murder a  Authorities reportedly launched the operation from the police officer or a soldier by stabbing them in the neck. southeastern province of Diyarbakir and sought suspects  He was indicted for terrorism-motivated attempted across four cities and 106 residential addresses. murder and possession of a knife.  According to unnamed security sources, 74 suspects  According to the indictment, Abu Madiam came to have already been detained, and authorities recovered Jerusalem’s Old City with a utility knife and a guns, documents, and digital material at the suspects’ screwdriver on November 6 after deciding to conduct addresses. (REUTERS) the attack and die as a “martyr.” Iraq’s Counter-Terrorism Service Arrests Alleged ISIS  He reportedly told his wife of his plans before heading to Jerusalem, warning her not to tell anyone. He also Administrative Chief at Baghdad Airport confessed his plans to a friend who drove him to the site On November 23, Iraq’s Counter-Terrorism Service (CTS) but later claimed that he was joking. announced the arrest of an alleged administrative chief of ISIS  Abu Madiam arrived at Damascus Gate around 1:00 after his arrival at Baghdad airport. a.m. and tried to make his way to the Al-Aqsa Mosque  The suspect, who was identified by his alias Abu Naba, on Temple Mount. was reportedly detained in October by law enforcement authorities as he was getting into a Taxi after landing at  However, his behavior aroused the suspicion of police in the area, and he was subsequently arrested and taken the airport.  CTS spokesman Sabah al-Noaman described the suspect in for questioning. (TIMES OF ISRAEL) as a “major target,” stating that he supported the foreign Four White Supremacists in Idaho Charged with terrorist organization’s financial operations and Building and Transporting Illegal Guns organized meetings and relayed messages between its On November 20, the Justice Department announced that four members. white supremacists were charged in a conspiracy to build,  Abu Naba allegedly joined al-Qa’ida in 2003 before transport, and sell illegal guns. eventually defecting to ISIS.  35-year-old Paul Kryscuk, allegedly sold and mailed  The spokesperson did not reveal Abu Naba’s real name, multiple illegally manufactured weapons from his his flight origin, or how he managed to cross airport homes in New York and Idaho to then 21-year-old security before being apprehended. Marine Liam Collins in North Carolina.  The suspect is currently in Iraqi custody and will be tried under the country’s counterterrorism law. (DAILY STAR) 4

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Global Security Developments Al-Qa’ida in the Islamic Maghreb Announces New Report Finds Australian Elite Forces Responsible for Leader Following Death of Abdelmalek Droukdel Unlawful Murders of 39 Afghans Civilians and Prisoners According to a report released by the Australian Defense Force (ADF) on November 19, Australian elite forces were responsible for the unlawful murders of 39 Afghans civilians and prisoners between 2009 and 2013.  None of the reported incidents happened in battle and the Afghans who died were either non-combatants or no longer engaged in combat. Additionally, the report stated that their deaths were deliberately covered up.  The result of a four-year inquiry into misconduct by the unit, the report identified 25 perpetrators from the Australian Special Air Service and Commando regiments for their involvement in the killings, with Abu Obaida Yusuf al-Annabi depicted in propaganda video (Long War Journal) some reportedly still serving in the ADF. On November 21, al-Qa’ida in the Islamic Maghreb’s (AQIM) Al-Andalus Media released a video announcing its new emir as  The head of the ADF, Gen. Angus Campbell, reportedly Algerian citizen and longtime veteran of the group, Abu Obaida accepted all 143 recommendations made in the report, Yusuf al-Annabi. one of which is for an official investigation into 19 individuals from the Australian Special Forces over 36  The announcement comes almost six months after the alleged war crimes, including murder and cruel former head of the group, Abdelmalek Droukdel, was treatment of non-combatants in Afghanistan. killed in a French counterterrorism operation in (GUARDIAN, CNN) Northern .  The 20-minute video featured an audio recording of a U.N. Relocating American Staffers in Northern Yemen religious scholar for AQIM and its regional partner Ahead of Possible Houthi Terrorist Designation Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal Muslimeen (JNIM) On November 18, media sources reported that the U.N. and some providing a eulogy for Droukdel before identifying al- non-governmental organizations relocated their American Annabi as his successor. staffers working in northern Yemen in anticipation of the White  Al-Annabi has long been a senior figure within AQIM’s House potentially designating the Iran-backed Houthi rebel hierarchy, serving as the head of the group’s “Council movement as a terrorist organization. of Notables” and on its shura council.  Officials familiar with the decision said that more than  Following the death of Usama bin Laden in May 2011, a dozen Americans working for the U.N. and al-Annabi pledged allegiance to al-Qa’ida leader Ayman international relief agencies in Yemen were transferred al-Zawahiri on AQIM’s behalf, demonstrating his temporarily out of Houthi-controlled territory in Sanaa. significant role within the organization.  It is unclear whether the staffers were redeployed to  The U.S. Department of State named al-Annabi as a southern Yemen or to the Ethiopian capital of Addis specially designated global terrorist in September 2015, Ababa, and officials did not provide a timeline for their citing his position in AQIM’s hierarchy and his role as possible return. the group’s Media Chief.  On November 16, the U.N. sent a WhatsApp message to  In a video released in April 2013, al-Annabi called for relief agencies warning that the U.S. designation of the violent extremists to target French interests throughout Houthis as a foreign terrorist organization would most the world in response to France’s intervention in Mali. likely take place that night, encouraging all U.S. citizens (LONG WAR JOURNAL, AL JAZEERA) to “leave the North of Yemen as the implications are Analyst Comment: Despite the death of Droukdel and additional unknown.” high-ranking commanders, AQIM and JNIM continue to  The message added that the designation was more likely demonstrate their operational capabilities and enduring threat to to result in restriction of movement rather than violence the region through tactically-complex attacks on Western or kidnapping of Americans, but offered flight interests. The naming of al-Annabi as the group’s new emir will accommodations for those wishing to leave Sanaa. likely serve to further unify the group internally and potentially  While the U.S. designation has not yet taken place, U.N. enhance its coordination with al-Qa’ida’s central management, officials proceeded with relocating American workers in especially if al-Annabi assumes his predecessor’s role as a what has been described as a “forward rotation” rather member of the global management committee. than a formal evacuation. 5

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Amid Tensions with the U.S., Iran’s Revolutionary only Muslim children will receive ID numbers and likening that Guard Launches Warship to the yellow star that Jewish people were forced to wear. According to media reports on November 19, Iran’s Islamic  She also reportedly posted a link to an article backing up Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) launched a nearly 500-foot her claims. Agnes von der Muhll, France’s Foreign long warship with the ability to carry aircraft, missiles, and Ministry spokesperson condemned the tweet, calling it drones. slander.  After the U.S. withdrew from the 2015 nuclear deal with  The following day, an updated version of the article Iran and re-imposed sanctions in 2018, tensions have indicated that all children in France would receive an ID increased between the two nations. number, if the idea comes to fruition. Consequently,  A U.S. official recently revealed that President Trump Mazari deleted her tweet on the matter. (VOA, AL inquired about attacking Iran’s main nuclear site at JAZEERA) Natanz, but ultimately changed his mind. Analyst Comment: The tension between France and several Muslim majority countries has continued to intensify after the  In response to the reports, Iran stated they would deliver satirical publication Charlie Hebdo republished cartoons of the a “crushing response” to any attack. Ali Reza Tangsiri, Prophet Muhammad, which is considered by some to be the IRGC navy commander, revealed that the warship blasphemous. After an 18-year-old man of Chechen origin will provide security for “maritime transportation lines, beheaded a French history teacher for showing images of the oil tankers, commercial and fishing fleets on the high Prophet Muhammad last month, President Macron reiterated seas.” (REUTERS) that freedom of expression is an integral part of French values. Pakistani Minister Deletes Tweet Comparing French His response initially led to outrage in several Muslim majority nations, with some calling for boycotts of French products. The President to Nazis most recent exchange between France and Pakistan highlights On November 21, Shireen Mazari, Pakistan’s Federal Minister the escalation of these tensions, which may resonate with select for Human Rights reportedly tweeted that French President grievances of homegrown violent extremists (HVEs) and could Emmanuel Macron’s actions against Muslims is the same as what potentially lead to further diplomatic incidents with global Nazis did to Jewish people during World War II, claiming that implications.

Counterterrorism Policy German Social Democrats Warn Far-Right a small scale assault could have on an extremist looking for a Threatening Government Stability catalyst to escalate from online consumption of REMVE material On November 23, the co-leader for Germany’s Social Democratic to an actual attack. Party (SPD), Saskia Esken called for the federal parliament to adopt a law to combat far-right extremism. U.S. Formally Withdraws from Open Skies Treaty with  Esken accused Chancellor Angela Merkel’s Christian Russia Democrat Party (CDU) of blocking the bill sought by The U.S. State Department announced on November 22 that it the Family Affairs and Justice Ministers, both of whom formally withdrew from the 18-year-old arms control and are members of the SPD. verification agreement with Russia, known as the Open Skies  In the wake of last February’s Hanau terrorist attacks, a Treaty. committee formed to draft anti-racism measures.  The National Security Council accused Russia of  Chancellor Merkel’s spokesperson Steffan Seibert violating the treaty for years. revealed on November 20 that a Cabinet committee  U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo initially notified comprised of members from the CDU, the SPD, and the the treaty’s other 34 members of the U.S.’s intention to Bavarian CSU would give results of its study to federal leave the agreement on May 21, giving a six-month parliament during the first quarter of 2021. notification.  Esken emphasized that pro-democracy civic groups are  The treaty, initially signed in 1992 and enacted in 2002, largely funded by the government and are in need of permits members to conduct short-notice, unarmed additional financial support. observation and surveillance flights over each other’s  In September of this year, the Greens party also territories in order to collect information on military attempted to pass a similar measure that bolstered forces and activity. preventative civic education. (DEUTSCHE WELLE)  There have reportedly been over 1,500 flights under the Analyst Comment: Despite stringent laws against hate speech, accord. racially and ethnically motivated violent extremist (REMVE)  Some critics warn that by withdrawing from the treaty, attacks continue to rise in Germany. Many attackers have the U.S. will no longer have access to important data. referenced previous incidents, highlighting the impact that even (VOA) 6

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Cyber and Media Latest Issue of Pro-ISIS Media Publication Voice of  Despite being notified by CEP, Telegram allowed the Hind Magazine Promotes Attacks Avenging Islamic bomb making channel to continue broadcasting on its Sanctities platform. However, since the publication of a VICE On November 20, a pro-ISIS media outlet released the tenth issue article on the failure of Telegram to remove the channel, of the English-language Sawt al-Hind, or Voice of Hind, the channel is no longer online. magazine, featuring a photo of Vienna attacker Fejzulai Kujtim  The channel had approximately 300 subscribers and (AKA Abu Dujana al-Albani) on the front cover. conducts its operations in English and Russian.  The opening article, "We are Doomed if We Don't  The channel featured videos and texts that promote Defend Our Prophet (PBUH)," glorifies the beheading recipes for explosives known to be used by Salafi- of French teacher Samuel Paty for showing his students jihadist extremist organizations in suicide bombings. cartoons of the Prophet Muhammad and gives examples Some posts included a disclaimer downplaying the of when the Bangladeshi and Pakistani governments channel’s clearly terroristic intentions. provided protection to individuals who allegedly  According to the CEP, the channel was reported to committed blasphemies against Islam. Telegram on November 5.  The author then discussed revenge attacks against  A Russian neo-Nazi channel with nearly 5,000 members individuals and states insulting Islam, such as the 2008 that is also popular with far-right extremists shared the suicide bombing at the Danish Embassy in Islamabad, channel to its members. Pakistan, and the January 2015 attack by Said and Cherif  Telegram has faced increased pressure to thwart the Kouachi at the offices of Charlie Hebdo magazine in presence of neo-Nazi terrorism rhetoric on the platform. Paris, France. The Base and Atomwaffen Division, two American-  A second article, "Will You Not Prepare Yourselves based extremist groups with Nazi and accelerationist While Allah Prepares His Land,” calls on Maldivian mantras that have come under a nationwide FBI Muslims to be aware of foreign governments taking crackdown, were well known to use Telegram as a “control and influence” of the country, stating that "there propaganda and recruitment platform. (VICE) should be no difference in opinion regarding whether Jihad should be carried out against these perpetrators.” Facebook Criticized for Hosting Neo-Nazi Network  It discussed plans for a U.S. Embassy in Maldives as The London-based Center for Countering Digital Hate (CCDH) well as India establishing a military base in Addu as revealed on November 22 that Facebook and Instagram are examples of foreign intervention. (SITE) hosting a racially and ethnically motivated violent extremist Analyst Comment: The NYPD assesses that Voice of Hind’s (REMVE) network with over 80,000 followers. explicit reference to Indian governmental policy as anti-Muslim  The network reportedly has more than 40 neo-Nazi sites is part of a likely effort to mobilize supporters to violence. Similar and sells products, including Nazi SS symbols and to this tenth issue, prior monthly releases of ISIS’s Voice of Hind stickers that praise Kyle Rittenhouse, the suspect in a magazine leveraged sectarian violence in India following the shooting that left two protesters dead in Kenosha, passage of a restrictive citizenship law passed in December 2019. Wisconsin in August. This focus on real-world developments not only underscores  The CCDH also alleged that the sale of merchandise ISIS’s heightened priority on effectively mobilizing supporters in funds Azov Battalion and Misanthropic Division, two the Indian Subcontinent, but also provides confirmation to REMVE groups operating from Ukraine. readers that the magazines are up to date and covering relevant  Investigators believe that Azov Battalion recruited regional developments. several U.K.-based REMVEs to fight in Ukraine. A British man on trial for 12 terrorism offenses, including Telegram Reportedly Left a Terrorism Bomb-Making possession of clothing and flags, was linked to Channel Online Following Notification Misanthropic Division. The U.S. based Counter Extremism Project (CEP), recently  Imran Ahmed, the chief executive of CCDH alleged that reported to Telegram what it described in a release as a channel the organization warned Facebook about the network “made for sharing videos and written instructions for the two years ago, but they did not take action. homemade manufacture of explosives.”  On November 19, Facebook released figures on the  The channel, created on October 29, has published posts prevalence of hate speech on the platform for the months featuring guidance on cooking up explosives that of July, August, and September, showing around one out garnered over 2000 views. of 1,000 pieces of content contained hate speech.  The channel itself is reportedly linked to the broader Facebook also reportedly took action on 22.1 million neo-Nazi extremism ecosystem known as “Terrorgram.” instances of hate speech during the same time.

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 Counterterrorism think tanks such as the Soufan Group warned that Azov Battalion and Misanthropic Division are attempting to share their ideology with the west, including with National Action, a proscribed U.K.-based REMVE group.  Azov Battalion uses a similar propaganda style to ISIS in an attempt to recruit new members. The group also reportedly hosted members of the U.S.-based Rise Above Movement, some of whose members received jail time for their violent activity at the 2017 “Unite the Right” rally in Charlottesville, Virginia. ()

Facebook Claims A.I. Now Detects 94.7% of Hate Speech That Gets Removed from the Platform Social media firms such as Facebook, Twitter, and TikTok have been criticized for failing to keep hate speech, such as racial slurs and religious attacks, off their platforms. On November 19, Facebook announced that artificial intelligence software can effectively detect 94.7% of hate speech that gets removed from its platform.  Facebook’s AI software still struggles to spot some pieces of content that break the rules. It finds it harder, for example, to grasp the intended meaning of images that have text overlaid, and it does not always pick up sarcasm or slang.  In many of these instances, humans would quickly be able to determine if the content in question violates Facebook’s policies.  Because of this, big tech companies employ thousands of content moderators around the world to police the media being shared on their platforms.  In addition, Facebook has developed a new tool to detect deepfakes and made some improvements to an existing system called SimSearchNet, an image-matching tool designed to spot misinformation on its platform. (CNBC)

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The Jihadist Threat is Outliving its Global Leaders—CNN (21 November 2020) For years now, al Qaeda has been undergoing a process of decentralization, whereby its original generation of leaders has grown more and more distant from their affiliates across the globe. Some of this is due to the effect of sustained pressure exerted by U.S. aircraft, Special Forces and allied nations -- all of which has forced terrorist leaders into hiding, where they become increasingly disconnected. It is also the simple consequence of having a profoundly uncharismatic leader in Ayman al-Zawahiri, whose propaganda is like listening to someone read a Victorian encyclopedia. As a result, in the last few years, al Qaeda affiliates have gained a great deal of autonomy to pursue their own agendas within their respective local environments. In so doing, jihadist terrorism has changed: The global has given way to the local, as affiliates in North Africa, the Sahel, Yemen and South Asia embed increasingly deeply into local conflict dynamics, building alliances with non-ideological actors and engaging extensively in local politics.

After Christchurch: Mapping Online Right-Wing Extremists—The Interpreter (24 November 2020) When Australian man Brenton Tarrant conducted a mass-shooting terror attack last year at two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand, guns were not his only weapon. Before commencing, he posted links to a Facebook live-stream of the attack, while also uploading a self-penned manifesto onto 8chan’s “/pol” board. As Tarrant killed 51 people and wounded 49, he had effectively weaponized social media platforms in order to broadcast the propaganda to a global online audience. In the wake of this international terrorist incident, researchers from Macquarie University in Sydney, in collaboration with Victoria University in Melbourne, mined and analyzed data from six social media platforms to examine the spread of right-wing extremist sentiment across New South Wales, Australia’s most populous state, where Tarrant had lived before travelling in Europe. A mixed-method research design was created to investigate what had been this unstudied online community.

Who is Al-Qaeda’s New North Africa Chief?—Al Jazeera (24 November 2020) The new leader of Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) is a well-known veteran among the armed groups wreaking havoc in North Africa but experts say it is unclear what path he will chart to assert his authority. Abu Obaida Yusuf al-Annabi, an Algerian national born in 1969, replaced Abdelmalek Droukdel following his killing by French forces in Mali last June, according to the SITE monitoring group. Al-Annabi was already head of AQIM’s Council of Dignitaries and “was also one of its media chiefs”, said Laurence Bindner, co-founder of the JOS Project that analyses armed group’s propaganda online. “He’s the one who pledged allegiance in the group’s name to Ayman al-Zawahiri, the main al-Qaeda chief, in 2011. And he’s authored several of its main statements in recent years,” said Bindner.

No Way Home: Former IS Detainees Doomed to Limbo in Iraq—Voice of America (20 November 2020) The Hassan Sham Camp, like so many others in Iraq, was built in 2016, as Iraqi and coalition forces retook territories held by the Islamic State terror group. At least a million people fled their homes at the time and tens of thousands of men were arrested as IS suspects in the chaos. In the years that followed, many were found guilty. Many were not. But here in the Kurdistan region of Iraq, hundreds of men who were acquitted or released after serving sentences for minor crimes are stuck in camps, with no way home.

No Shortcuts to Negotiating with Al-Shabaab—Lawfare (22 November 2020) Since the United States and the Taliban inked a deal in Doha in February, debate has abounded over the wisdom of negotiations with other terrorist groups. At the top of that list is al-Shabaab. That debate has been renewed by the appointment of now-Acting Secretary of Defense Christopher Miller, who as the director of the National Counterterrorism Center traveled last month to Doha, where he reportedly sought Qatar’s assistance to marginalize hardcore al-Shabaab members connected to al-Qaeda. There is merit to exploring negotiations with al-Shabaab, despite the group’s brutality and hostility to the United States. The conflict grinds on with little to show for the military-heavy approach.

Jolt to Qaeda Leadership Succession: Only Saif al-Adel from Old Guard Remains to Lead—The Times of India (18 November 2020) The peculiar timing of the reports on the ‘natural death’ of al-Qaeda’s ageing leader Ayman al-Zawahiri and the confirmed brazen daylight murders of his likely successor and No. 2 and his daughter Miriam in Tehran’s upscale suburb of Pasdaran couldn’t have come at a worse time for the global jihadist terrorist organization. The November 13 reports cast a serious doubt on the terrorist organization’s leadership succession plans and its future strategy—though al-Qaeda has been always been resilient enough to bounce back every time its leaders, including the charismatic co-founder , were eliminated.

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