october 2012 . Vol 5 . Issue 10

Contents Boko Haram’s Dangerous

FEATURE ARTICLE 1 Boko Haram’s Dangerous Expansion Expansion into Northwest into Northwest Nigeria By Jacob Zenn Nigeria Reports By Jacob Zenn 6 The Future of Los Zetas after the Death of Heriberto Lazcano By Samuel Logan 9 Kenya’s Muslim Youth Center and Al-Shabab’s East African Recruitment By Christopher Anzalone 13 Terrorist Attacks in Kenya Reveal Domestic Radicalization By Fredrick Nzes 16 A Post-Trial Profile of Anders Behring Breivik By Jacob Aasland Ravndal 20 The Syria Balancing Act: Supporting Transition, Avoiding Blowback By James Denselow

22 Recent Highlights in Terrorist Activity 24 CTC Sentinel Staff & Contacts

A female student stands in a school that was burned down by Boko Haram in Maiduguri, Borno State. - AFP/GettyImages uring the past year, the it is the focal point in Boko Haram’s Nigerian militant group Boko strategy to purge northern Nigeria of Haram has expanded from its its traditional Islamic leadership. Boko traditional area of operations Haram’s primary goal is to establish Din northeastern Nigeria’s Borno State Shari`a law in Nigeria by force and to and is now capable of conducting attacks “dismantle” the Nigerian government across a 900-mile breadth of northern and its secular institutions.3 Nigeria, including in the strategic state About the CTC Sentinel of Sokoto.1 Due to Sokoto’s geographic Sokoto is also only 300 miles from The Combating Terrorism Center is an location and religious significance— “Azawad,” the separatist region of independent educational and research Sokoto is home to Nigeria’s highest northern Mali that is now under the institution based in the Department of Social Islamic authority, the sultan of Sokoto2— control of al-Qa`ida in the Islamic Sciences at the United States Military Academy, Maghreb (AQIM), Ansar Eddine and West Point. The CTC Sentinel harnesses the Movement for Unity and Jihad in the Center’s global network of scholars and 1 The group rejects the name “Boko Haram,” which trans- practitioners to understand and confront lates to “Western education is sinful” in the Hausa lan- contemporary threats posed by terrorism and guage. Locals gave the name to Muhammad Yusuf and other forms of political violence. his followers because they rejected Western science. The geria. The sultan carries influence in particular with the group refers to itself as Jama`at Ahl al-Sunna li al-Da`wa Fulanis and Hausas of northern Nigeria, but less with the wa al-Jihad (People Committed to the Propagation of the Kanuris of Borno State. The first Sultan was Usman dan The views expressed in this report are those of Prophet’s Teachings and Jihad). Fodio, the founder of the Sokoto Caliphate and Fulani the authors and not of the U.S. Military Academy, 2 The sultan of Sokoto has the title amir al-mu’minin (Ara- Empire. the Department of the Army, or any other agency of the U.S. Government. bic for “commander of the faithful”) and is considered the 3 Sunny Nwankwo, “Boko Haram Says No More Negotia- spiritual leader of the Sunni Muslim community in Ni- tions With FG,” Leadership, March 21, 2012.

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West Africa (MUJAO).4 This makes it a of whom were civilians.6 Afterwards, On the same day in Kaduna, suspected natural entry point for AQIM militants Boko Haram’s spokesman said in a Boko Haram members on motorcycles to infiltrate Nigerian territory by way of phone statement that “this is an open fired gunshots at the home of Nigeria’s Niger. message to the amir of Sokoto Alhaji vice president, Namadi Sambo, in Zaria, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III…What Kaduna, killing one civilian.12 In 2012, the North-West zone5 suffered happened in Kano will be inevitable in a coordinated series of Boko Haram Sokoto unless you intervene and ensure Claiming the attacks in Sokoto, Boko attacks, including the first ever attacks the immediate and unconditional release Haram’s spokesman said on August in Sokoto on July 30. The region also of our members who were specifically 1, “We wish to extend our profound witnessed AQIM-style kidnapping arrested in the city of Sokoto.”7 gratitude to Almighty Allah for giving operations. us the opportunity to fulfill the promise Several months later, Boko Haram we made [after the January 20 Kano This article analyzes Boko Haram’s launched major attacks in the second attacks] on launching spontaneous attacks in Sokoto and its broader most populous state in the North-West attacks in Sokoto…We attacked Sokoto offensive in the North-West zone, how zone, Kaduna, which is in the Middle Belt because many of our brethren have the group’s strategy toward the sultan region where the Muslim northern and been incarcerated there.”13 The assault and traditional Muslim rulers has bred Christian southern regions of Nigeria dissent within its ranks, and whether meet.8 On Easter, April 8, at least one AQIM has infiltrated the North-West suicide bomber in a vehicle detonated “The factionalization of zone through alliances with breakaway explosives near a church in Kaduna, the insurgency has also Boko Haram factions. killing 41 people.9 On June 17, Boko Haram members detonated explosives increased the likelihood North-West Zone Offensive Reaches Sokoto near three other churches in Kaduna, that AQIM will be able to On July 30, 2012, Sokoto became the including one vehicle suicide bombing, third state in Nigeria’s North-West killing 19 worshippers during Sunday connect with militant cells zone to suffer from major Boko Haram services.10 in northern Nigeria.” attacks since January 2012. The attacks, the first carried out by Boko Haram On July 30, Boko Haram fulfilled its in Sokoto, were not without warning. January threat and attacked Sokoto. On January 20, 2012, approximately Two suicide bombers in vehicles on Sokoto continued on August 6, 100 Boko Haram fighters launched an detonated their explosives at the office when suspected Boko Haram members offensive on government buildings and of the assistant inspector general of on motorcycles threw grenades at the police stations in the North-West zone’s police at the zonal police headquarters Shagari police station, which is located most populous state, Kano, killing an and the Unguwar Rogo divisional police next door to the residence of Nigeria’s estimated 186 people, more than 150 headquarters simultaneously. Later that former president, Shehu Shagari.14 day, while most residents in Sokoto prepared to break the Ramadan fast, The attacks in the North-West zone Boko Haram fighters on motorcycles show that Boko Haram now operates 4 Serge Daniel, “Islamist Fighters Ready for Battle in fired shots at the Arkila police station.11 throughout the 900-mile breadth of Northern Mali,” Agence France-Presse, September 26, northern Nigeria, from Boko Haram’s 2012; Walid Ramzi, “Algeria Disrupts Terror Plot,” original base in Borno State in the far Magharebia, September 25, 2012. 6 “Kano Police: 186 People Killed in Boko Haram Attack,” northeast to Sokoto State in the far 5 Nigeria is unofficially divided into six geopolitical zones, ThisDayLive, January 23, 2012. northwest.15 Moreover, the dispersal of with all 36 of the country’s states and Abuja Federal 7 “Our Next Target is Sokoto, Says Boko Haram Spokes- Boko Haram fighters from the northeast Capital Territory falling into one of these zones. The geo- man,” Sahara Reporters, January 29, 2012; Ismail Mu- is likely to gain pace as a result of the political zones do not represent ethnic or religious homo- dashir, “No Boko Haram Members in Sokoto Prison– security forces crackdown in Borno, geneity and are accepted in political discourse by almost Attorney General,” Daily Trust, January 30, 2012. The all Nigerians. The North-West zone includes Sokoto, Sokoto State commissioner for justice denied Boko Kano, Kaduna, Katsina, Kebbi, Jigawa and Zamfara and Haram’s allegations when he said he was “not aware of Haram Attack in Sokoto,” ThisDayLive, July 31, 2012. formed the core area of influence of the Sokoto Caliphate. any Boko Haram members in detention in Sokoto.” 12 Isa Sa’idu et al., “Gunmen Attack Sambo’s House in The Sokoto Caliphate lasted from 1804 until the British 8 Nigeria is split fairly evenly between a predominantly Zaria – As Suicide Bomber Hit Sokoto,” Daily Trust, July abolished the caliphate in 1903. The British, however, Muslim north and a predominantly Christian south. 31, 2012. retained the sultan as a symbolic position in the newly 9 “Death Toll in Nigeria Suicide Car Bombing that Struck 13 “JTF Kills Two, Intercepts Eight Rocket Launchers,” established Northern Nigeria Protectorate. The current Easter Rises to at Least 41 People,” Associated Press, Vanguard, August 1, 2012. sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, April 10, 2012. 14 “Boko Haram Razes Police Outpost in Sokoto,” Sahara maintains this status in present-day Nigeria. Borno State 10 “Three Churches Bombed in Northern Nigeria’s Kano Reporters, August 6, 2012. Shehu Shagari served as pres- and Yobe State in present-day North-East zone, which State,” Global Post, June 17, 2012. These attacks, like oth- ident of Nigeria’s Second Republic from 1979 to 1983. are the main areas of Boko Haram operations, remained ers in the Middle Belt, further Boko Haram’s goals of 15 In 2011, there were nearly four times as many attacks outside of the influence of the Sokoto Caliphate and were exacerbating Muslim-Christian religious tensions, un- in Borno State than the rest of northern Nigeria, while under the influence of the ethnic Kanuri-led Borno- dermining faith in the government’s ability to provide from January to September 2012, there were nearly twice Kanem Empire (1380-1893). Thus, the shehu of Borno, security, and forcing the Christian population to flee from as many attacks in the rest of northern Nigeria than in not the ethnic Fulani sultan of Sokoto, is the traditional northern Nigeria. Borno. See “A Threat to the Entire Country,” Economist, ruler of Borno State. 11 Muhammad Bello et al., “Four Killed in First Boko September 29, 2012. 2 october 2012 . Vol 5. Issue 10

Yobe, Kano and Adamawa states since Two of the closest government officials Shaykh Datti Ahmed ultimately September 2012, in which more than 200 to the sultan have also attempted to lead withdrew from the negotiations fighters have been killed or arrested, negotiations: Sambo Dasuki, Nigeria’s because of his “strong doubts…about including five high-ranking members.16 national security adviser and a cousin the sincerity of the government’s of the sultan, who in July 2012 contacted side” after the shaykh alleged that an Message to the Sultan amirs, Islamic scholars and moderate aide to President Goodluck Jonathan, As part of its “grand plans to Islamize Salafists to help broker a cease-fire, Ambassador Hassan Tukur, sabotaged Nigeria,” Boko Haram seeks to transfer and Namadi Sambo, who was the top the negotiations by leaking its details to religious authority from the sultan of government representative in secret the media.23 Sokoto and other traditional leaders negotiations held in Saudi Arabia in to Boko Haram’s religious leaders August 2012.19 On September 30, 2012, Shekau said through a campaign of intimidation in a video statement addressed to the and assassination.17 At the same time, Yet Boko Haram’s primary leader, “traditional rulers who have been the sultan has shamed Boko Haram for Abubakar Shekau, has not participated conspiring against [Boko Haram]” “violating the sanctity and honor of in Dasuki’s or Sambo’s negotiation that “there is nobody that we are Muslims,” while calling for “peaceful attempts. The attack on Sambo’s home dialoguing with.”24 His main condition coexistence” between Christians and on the same day of the Sokoto attacks for negotiations—which he proposed Muslims, an “end to the bloodshed,” and was likely retaliation for Sambo’s role in September 2011 after Boko Haram’s for “dialogue and communication” to in negotiations with a faction that Boko attack on the UN headquarters in address Nigerian Muslims’ grievances Haram spokesman Abu Qaqa claimed Abuja and again after the January 2012 instead of “wreaking havoc on society.”18 was “fake,” an allegation which was Kano attacks and the July 2012 Sokoto corroborated by a security source in attacks—is the release of Boko Haram 16 The high-ranking members include: Bakura Kulima Nigeria who said the government was members from prison; however, an (also known as Bin Walid), who was killed in Maiduguri, “spending millions” of public funds “amnesty” is supported by only 3.8% of Borno State, on October 21; Shuaibu Mohammed Bama, on “so-called mediators” who are Nigerians, according to Nigeria’s leading who was reportedly arrested in the home of a senator, taking advantage of the government’s polling organization, and has been 25 who is his uncle, in Maiduguri on October 18; Abubakr desperation, but unable to influence rejected by academics in the country. 20 Yola (also known as Abu Jihad), who was killed in Mubi, Boko Haram to stop attacks. The only Adamawa State, on September 25; the field commander peace talks that Shekau’s faction has ThisDay newspaper’s office in Abuja on April 28, 2012, in charge of Kogi, Abuja and Kaduna, who was killed in publicly participated in were mediated in retaliation for a comment ThisDay made in 2002 that Kano on September 17; and a Boko Haram spokesperson by Shaykh Ibrahim Datti Ahmed in the Prophet Muhammad would want to marry a beauty under the pseudonym Abu Qaqa, who was reportedly March 2012. Shaykh Datti Ahmed queen; 2) his leadership to undermine a polio vaccination killed in Kano on September 17. earned Boko Haram’s trust because program in northern Nigeria in 2003 on the premise that 17 Ike Abonyi, “Our Plans to Islamize the Country – he is the president of the Supreme it was a ploy by the West to cause infertility in Muslims Qaqa, Sokoto,” This Day, March 8, 2012. According to Council for Shari`a on which the late or inject them with HIV; 3) his statement in 2004 that the the interrogation of a captured spokesman in April 2012, Boko Haram founder Muhammad Yusuf Nigerian Taliban are “very sophisticated youth. I can un- 21 Boko Haram wants “to reduce the powers of the sultan served as Borno State’s representative. derstand why they [killed several policemen]”; and 4) his to traditional rulership functions, while all religious au- In addition, unlike the sultan, who threat in 2011 that Muslims were “ready to go to war” if thority would be vested with [Boko Haram’s] leader to be Shekau accuses of “supporting the anyone stood in the way of Shari`a compliant non-inter- based in Yobe,” and “any ruler that would obstruct [Boko federal government policies against est banking. See Kingsley Omonobi et al., “Boko Haram: Haram’s] plans would regret his action.” See also “Nige- Islam” and claims is “not the leader of FG Panel Calls for Amnesty,” Vanguard, September 27, ria Suicide Bomber Targets Maiduguri Mosque,” BBC the Muslims,” the shaykh shares some 2011; “Boko Haram Released Exclusive Raw Video Of 22 News Africa, July 13, 2012; “Emir’s Bodyguard, Mosque of Boko Haram’s religious beliefs. Thisday Bombing Nigeria,” May 1, 2012, available at Aide Hurt in Suicide Attack in Potiskum,” Vanguard, Au- www.youtube.com/watch?v=P7xSGm4StY4; “Riots gust 3, 2012. The author has counted more than 30 assas- “End Bloodshed Now – Sultan,” Vanguard, May 25, Force Miss World Out of Nigeria,” BBC, November 23, sinations of political and religious leaders attributed to 2012. 2002; Musa Umar Kazaure, “Polio Vaccine Controversy: Boko Haram since October 2010, particularly those who 19 Olawale Rasheed, “Boko Haram: FG Reaches Out to Datti Ahmed Challenges Nigeria Medical Association On publicly spoke out against the group. On July 13, 2012, a Muslim Leaders, Scholars - May Skip Mali Mission,” Ni- Competence,” Daily Trust, December 12, 2003; “Sheikh teenage boy carried out a suicide bombing at a mosque gerian Tribune, July 2, 2012; Muhammad Bello, “Govt in Ibrahim Datti Ahmad, Defender of the Faith,” Guardian in Maiduguri that came so close to killing the shehu of Dialogue with Boko Haram ‘Via Back Channels,’” This- [Lagos], September 3, 2012; “Datti Ahmed’s Threat of Borno, whose status in Borno is similar to the sultan’s in DayLive, August 27, 2012. War,” Nigerian Tribune, August 4, 2011. the rest of Nigeria, that the shehu’s clothes were “splat- 20 “Statement By Boko Haram’s Spokesperson Debunk- 23 Alaba Johnson, “Why I am Pulling Out as Mediator tered with blood” and five people surrounding him were ing Reports Of Dialogue With The Nigerian Govern- for Boko Haram Peace Talks-Dr. Ibrahim Datti Ahmad, killed. Then, on August 3, 2012, a Boko Haram suicide ment,” Sahara Reporters, August 23, 2012; “Northern President, Supreme Council for Shari’a in Nigeria,” Nai- bomber attempted to kill the amir of Fika, who is also the Governors, NSA Spending Millions On Fake Boko jaPundit, March 18, 2012; Abdulkadir Badsha Mukhtar, chairman of the Yobe State Traditional Council of Chiefs, Haram Dialogue Facilitators -Source,” Sahara Reporters, “Nigeria: Hassan Tukur - I Never Sabotaged Boko Haram at a mosque in Potiskum, Yobe State. The suicide bomber August 5, 2012. Talks,” Daily Trust, May 4, 2012. killed seven people surrounding the amir, but the amir 21 Bayo Oladeji et al., “Boko Haram Picks Ahmed Datti 24 “Sako Zuwa Ga Duniya (A Message to The World)!” survived. On August 5, explosions were reported at the as Mediator,” Leadership, March 14, 2012. September 30, 2012, available at www.youtube.com/ amir’s palace, but the amir again was unharmed. 22 Such credentials include 1) Shaykh Datti Ahmed’s watch?v=txUJCOKTIuk. 18 “Islam, Christianity Not at War – Sultan,” Vanguard, call to “defend the Islamic Faith” to prevent a Miss 25 Nigerian academics distinguish Boko Haram from December 27, 2011; Luka Binniyat and Victoria Ojeme, World pageant in Abuja in 2002 (Boko Haram attacked the Niger Delta militants, for whom an amnesty in 2009

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The Sokoto attacks were likely intended Muslimin fi Bilad al-Sudan (“Ansar”).29 properties of Muslims” because no as a way for Boko Haram to communicate Neither group has claimed specific other “Islamic armed forces took any Shekau’s demands to the sultan in the attacks, and their statements show military actions” against the “infidel absence of direct talks. that they support the insurgency in armed groups.”34 northern Nigeria; however, they both Boko Haram’s Breakaway Factions disapprove of Boko Haram’s targeting In response to these disagreements, Disagreements among Boko Haram strategy. In June 2011, the YIM, which Shekau’s faction has tried to show that members over assassinations of Muslim is composed of former close followers Boko Haram does not kill “innocent” leaders, mass casualty attacks that kill of Muhammad Yusuf, distributed Muslims. On July 25, 2011, for example, Muslim civilians, and negotiations have leaflets in Maiduguri to “distance our Shekau explained in a video statement, contributed to the emergence of splinter group from all the bombings targeted “if you hear that we have killed a groups.26 Under interrogation, captured at civilians and other establishments Muslim, we must have found out that he spokesman Abu Qaqa revealed that and equally condemn them”; call on was collaborating with the unbelievers… some Boko Haram members are tired “this evil group [Boko Haram] to desist, But the ordinary people in town, we seek of fighting, but are afraid to leave the failing which we shall have no option your forgiveness; I swear we will not group for fear of reprisals. For example, than to expose and hunt them”; and harm you.”35 Boko Haram leaders have Abu Qaqa’s replacement, known in issued similar statements and alleged Nigerian media as “Abu Qaqa II,” was “There have also been that the government is responsible for reportedly killed on Shekau’s orders creating the impression of division.36 after trying to denounce Boko Haram two recent kidnapping following the attacks in Kaduna on incidents in northwestern Concerns Over AQIM Easter 2012.27 The attacks killed mostly AQIM is prevalent in territories just Muslim motorcycle taxi riders, women, Nigeria that may have had outside Nigeria, but until recently and children outside of the church. connections to AQIM.” it has not conducted any known Abu Qaqa also said that Boko Haram operations inside the country. Yet members who refused to go on suicide AQIM’s proximity to northwestern missions would face the “death penalty” Nigeria and the increased security and that the tendency to select non- announce that it would “temporarily measures multinational corporations Kanuris for such missions alienated halt our fight against the assassination are implementing in Niger to avoid members from other ethnic groups.28 of our leaders in compliance with the kidnappings make Nigeria a suitable prohibition of fighting in the holy month target for a new string of AQIM Some groups in northern Nigeria have of Ramadan.”30 operations. There have been reports broken from Boko Haram because of of Nigerians traveling north through their opposition to Shekau’s faction, Like YIM, Ansar first introduced itself Niger to northern Mali to join AQIM including the Yusuffiya Islamic by distributing flyers in Kano days after or MUJAO, as well as reports of Boko Movement (YIM) and Jama`at Ansar al- the attacks on January 20, 2012.31 Less Haram members receiving militant than one week later, on February 3, training in Niger and setting up bases Boko Haram killed six members of an in southern Niger’s largest city, Zinder, 37 was constitutionally “justifiable” and a “step in the right unnamed rival faction in Maiduguri who which is 150 miles north of Kano. direction” toward ending that insurgency. See Samuel were reportedly collaborating with the There are no reports of AQIM operatives 32 Asuquo Ekanem et al., “Boko Haram and Amnesty: A security forces against Boko Haram. traveling to Nigeria or of developments Philo-Legal Appraisal,” International Journal of Humani- Ansar also issued a video statement in northern Mali directly influencing ties and Social Science 2:4 (2012); “Nigerians Reject Am- in June 2012 in which it called Boko the insurgency in northern Nigeria. nesty for Boko Haram Members...Prefer Military Action, Haram’s killing of Muslims, including A Nigerian intelligence report from Believe Sect Can be Crushed - NOI/Gallup Polls,” Beege- two clerics who were affiliated with May 2012, however, documented that agle’s Blog, April 26, 2012. Ansar, “inexcusable” and accused Boko 26 These disagreements date to the events surrounding Haram of killing members who sought 34 This statement was accessed on www.muslm.net. 33 the death of Muhammad Yusuf, who was one of more to defect to Ansar. It then said in July 35 “Killings In The North: No Reconciliation With The than 700 Boko Haram members killed by Nigerian secu- 2012 in an Arabic language posting on Federal Govt, Says Sect,” Guardian [Lagos], July 25, rity forces during a four-day uprising in July 2009. Sev- an online jihadist forum that one of 2011. eral months after his death, Abubakar Shekau, who was its goals was to “protect the lives and 36 On July 6, 2011, for example, Boko Haram spokes- Yusuf’s deputy, became Boko Haram’s leader and led man Abu Zaid said, “We as a group do not kill people Boko Haram on a more militant and controversial path. 29 The English translation is “Supporters of the Muslims who are innocent...in regaining the pride of the people 27 Ike Abonyi and Tokunbo Adedoja, “Boko Haram Kills in the Land of the Blacks.” in Islam, people have to endure in losing their proper- Spokesman Abu Qaqa II,” ThisDayLive, April 15, 2012. 30 Daniel Idonor et al., “Boko Haram Sect Splits,” Van- ties and sometimes lives are also involved and this can 28 Kanuris are the dominant ethnic group in Borno State, guard, July 21, 2011. fall on everyone, including us.” See Malachy Uzendu and whereas Hausas and Fulanis are predominant ethnic 31 “Boko Haram: Splinter Group, Ansaru Emerges,” Ben Ukeji, “We’re Stock Piling Bombs – Boko Haram,” groups throughout the rest of northern Nigeria. See Vanguard, February 1, 2012. Daily Champion, July 8, 2011; Ahmad Salkida, “The Story Bashir Adefaka, “Terrorism: More Muslims are Killed 32 “Boko Haram: Six Killed in Factional Clash,” This- Of Nigeria’s First Suicide Bomber - BluePrint Magazine,” than Christians – Joji, Arewa Chief,” Vanguard, May 13, DayLive, February 3, 2012. Sahara Reporters, June 27, 2011. 2012; Yusuf Alli, “How Bombers are Chosen, by Boko 33 “World Exclusive: Another Islamic Sect emerges…to 37 “Niger Police Arrest Five Suspected Boko Haram Haram Suspect,” The Nation, February 9, 2012. Counter Boko Haram?” Desert Herald, June 2, 2012. Members,” Vanguard, September 27, 2012.

4 october 2012 . Vol 5. Issue 10 nine Boko Haram members received Approximately $1.6 million was The British government suspected that training in hostage-taking from AQIM reportedly paid to the kidnappers, al-Qa`ida in the Lands Beyond the and that Boko Haram received the first and a Mauritanian politician who Sahel was a “splinter group” whose installment of $250,000 from AQIM to twice previously secured the release members have left Boko Haram, while kidnap “white” expatriates in Nigeria of hostages from AQIM mediated Nigerian security forces suspected the to ransom them or exchange them with negotiations.44 On March 8, 2012, kidnappers were directly linked to AQIM for more money, weapons and however, the British government AQIM in Chad and Niger.47 ammunition.38 authorized a raid to save the two men— who by then had been transferred to The second kidnapping occurred in There have also been two recent Sokoto—but the captors killed both early 2012. On January 26, a group kidnapping incidents in northwestern hostages during the rescue operation.45 kidnapped a German engineer who Nigeria that may have had connections was inspecting a bridge destroyed to AQIM. The first incident occurred in Despite this kidnapping incident’s in Kano. In March, AQIM released May 2011, when a group of armed men connections to Boko Haram, the a video through its official media kidnapped a British construction worker Nigerian group has never carried out wing, al-Andalus, to a Mauritanian and an Italian colleague in the North- or claimed a kidnapping or demanded news agency showing the German West zone’s Kebbi State, which borders money in negotiations. In addition to hostage and offering to exchange him Sokoto.39 Three months later, Agence receiving funds from politically and for Filiz Gelowicz (Umm Sayf Allah France-Presse in Abidjan received a al-Ansari), who was in a German video of the Italian and British hostages “Nigeria reportedly shares prison. The statement also warned blindfolded and on their knees claiming the German government not to forget that their captors were al-Qa`ida while 480 irregular, unmanned the “recent lesson taught to Britain by three armed men wearing Tuareg- border crossings with the mujahidin,” referring to the failed style turbans stood behind them.40 In rescue attempt of the Italian and British December, a Mauritanian news agency Niger and Chad, with only hostages earlier that month in Sokoto.48 received a separate video, this time 12 official crossings secured Filiz Gelowicz is a former Islamic Jihad from a group calling itself “al-Qa`ida Union (IJU) website administrator in the Lands Beyond the Sahel,” with by Nigerian troops. Weak and wife of Fritz Gelowicz, a German the British hostage asking the United border security as well as convert to Islam who was one of three Kingdom to “answer the demands.”41 members of the IJU arrested in the 2007 The group initially demanded the corruption could facilitate Sauerland plot aimed at detonating car release of imprisoned senior Boko the travel of militants bombs at Ramstein Air Force base and Haram leaders—consistent with Frankfurt Airport.49 Although Filiz typical Shekau faction demands—in between northern Mali and Gelowicz was released several months exchange for freeing the two hostages. Nigeria.” ahead of schedule in April 2012, the It also reportedly demanded a $6.4 kidnappers did not release the German million ransom.42 The kidnapping cell’s engineer, who, like the Italian and mastermind, Abu Muhammad, was British hostages in Sokoto, was killed by reportedly a member of Boko Haram and religiously motivated sponsors, Boko his captors during a raid to save him in connected to AQIM, and he divulged Haram finances itself through bank June 2012. In a second statement issued the location of the hostages after he was robberies.46 The kidnapping group’s by AQIM through al-Andalus after the captured while holding a shura meeting operation is consistent with AQIM, killing, AQIM blamed Germany for the with four other Boko Haram leaders in which is notorious in the Sahel region death of the hostage. Neither statement Kaduna on March 7, 2012.43 for extorting large ransoms from referenced any typical Boko Haram Western governments in exchange demands, such as the release of Boko 50 38 Emmanuel Ogala, “Boko Haram Gets N40 Million for hostages. Moreover, in a phone Haram prisoners. Donation From Algeria,” Sahara Reporters, May 13, statement from Boko Haram spokesman 2012. Abu Qaqa to journalists after the two 39 “Video Shows Hostages Held by Al-Qaeda,” Agence hostages were killed, he said, “We have France-Presse, August 4, 2011. never been involved in hostage-taking 47 “Boko Haram Spokesman Denies Link to Nigerian 40 Ibid. and it is not part of our style, and we Kidnap,” Reuters, March 10, 2012. 41 Ibid.; Matthew Holehouse, “British Hostage Murder: never ask for ransom…Therefore, the 48 “Al-Andalus Media Presents a New Statement and Timeline of How the Kidnap of Chris McManus and allegation that the kidnappers were Video Message from al-Qa’idah in the Islamic Maghrib: Franco Lamolinara by al-Qaeda Unfolded,” Telegraph, members of our group is ridiculous.” ‘To the German Government: If They Release Umm Sayf March 8, 2012. Allah al-Ansar Then We Will Release To You Our Pris- 42 Nick Pisa and Christopher Leake, “Hostages’ Families 44 Ibid. oner,’” available at www.jihadology.net. had Paid Kidnappers £1m: Deal to Release Briton and 45 Ibid. 49 Petter Nesser, “Lessons Learned from the September Italian Held in Nigeria ‘Was Very Close after £4m Ran- 46 The author estimates that there have been several 2007 German Terrorist Plot,” CTC Sentinel 1:4 (2008). som Demand Agreed,’” Daily Mail, March 10, 2012; “SSS dozen bank robberies attributed to Boko Haram since 50 “Al-Andalus Media Presents a New Statement from Detains 5 with ‘Al Qaeda-links’ Over German Kidnap,” 2011 in which hundreds of thousands of dollars were al-Qa’idah in the Islamic Maghrib: ‘On the Killing of the Vanguard, March 27, 2012. stolen. This is also an attractive way for Boko Haram to German Prisoner in Nigeria,’” available at www.jihadol- 43 Ibid. attract new recruits. ogy.net.

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The composition of the five-person cell official crossings secured by Nigerian The Future of Los Zetas that carried out the kidnapping of the troops.53 Weak border security as well German engineer in Kano in 2012 was as corruption—and even membership after the Death of similar to AQIM, whose members tend of immigration officials in Boko Heriberto Lazcano to come from the Maghreb region, in Haram—could facilitate the travel of that the cell’s leader was a Mauritanian, militants between northern Mali and By Samuel Logan whose shop in Kano was used as a base Nigeria.54 As of now, Shekau’s faction for the kidnappers.51 When authorities has not announced any affiliation with on october 7, 2012, Mexican authorities raided the Mauritanian man’s shop, they AQIM, support for AQIM, Ansar Eddine reportedly killed Heriberto “El Lazca” reportedly found an AQIM operations or MUJAO in northern Mali, or executed Lazcano, the leader of the Los Zetas manual as well as other documents attacks outside of Nigeria. There is also no drug cartel. Lazcano was the last linking him to AQIM.52 In addition, the definitive evidence that AQIM operatives piece of the structured command and absence of any references to Nigeria in the are active in Nigeria. control organization that held Los two AQIM videos, the release of the first Zetas together as a cohesive unit. The video to a Mauritanian news agency, and As the insurgency spreads further from uncertainty surrounding his death the call for the release of an international Boko Haram’s original base in Borno and the embarrassing theft of his body jihadist like Filiz Gelowicz are signs that State, its members will also likely remain points of contention, although the operation was foreign-led and not become exposed to local militant groups the result of any follow-up investigation inspired by the domestic causes for which with their own regional agendas, such will be the same: Lazcano is no longer Boko Haram and breakaway factions as the Muslim Fulanis of the Middle Belt the strategic leader of Los Zetas. His like YIM and Ansar fight. If AQIM did region who are in conflict with Christian death could mark a cascading moment lead the operation, it appears that AQIM ethnic groups over land use. As a result, when the paramilitary group may is not coordinating with Shekau’s faction, the insurgency is likely to become more devolve from a cohesive organization but other Nigerian militants who have diverse and complex over time, which to a decentralized, leaderless collective splintered from Shekau. will limit the efficacy of negotiations that is harder to define, detect, and since neither Shekau’s faction nor any dismantle. While not conclusive, these two incidents other faction will be able to rein in all suggest that AQIM could be beginning to of the other factions. Meanwhile, the Without Lazcano, Los Zetas is an operate in northern Nigeria. sultan, presumably the only religious organization without a true commander. leader who could unite all Muslims Leadership has fallen on the shoulders Conclusion in Nigeria, has become the enemy of of Miguel “El 40” Trevino, but he was The expansion of Boko Haram Shekau’s faction, thus eliminating the neither part of the original military throughout northern Nigeria has led possibility that intra-Muslim dialogue can cadre, nor does he have the respect of to a proliferation of militant cells in quell the insurgency in northern Nigeria. the entire organization.1 With Lazcano’s the region, while the ruthless killings death and the group’s perceived by Abubakar Shekau’s faction have Jacob Zenn is a Washington D.C.-based weakness, Trevino will remain under alienated some of these cells. As a legal adviser specializing in international constant pressure from rivals and law result, there are now several breakaway law and best practices related to the enforcement, a diminished posture factions in addition to Boko Haram freedom of association. He is also an that will limit his ability to lead the operating in northern Nigeria. Although analyst of West African Affairs for The organization effectively. Boko Haram and the breakaway factions Jamestown Foundation and is the author of may differ about issues such as the the forthcoming Occasional Paper entitled This article first provides background assassination of Muslim leaders and “Northern Nigeria’s Boko Haram: The on Los Zetas, and then argues that methods such as kidnapping, none of Prize in al-Qaeda’s Africa Strategy,” to be Lazcano’s death will result in the the factions have renounced violence, released by The Jamestown Foundation in weakening and further decentralization concluded a cease-fire agreement with November 2012. In June 2012, he conducted of the cartel. the government, or wavered on the issue field research in Nigeria, Niger, Chad and of imposing Shari`a law in Nigeria. Cameroon on the socio-economic factors Background on Los Zetas behind the Boko Haram insurgency. He Osiel Cardenas Guillen, the former The factionalization of the insurgency earned a J.D. from Georgetown University head of the Gulf Cartel, established Los has also increased the likelihood that Law Center and a degree in International Zetas in the late 1990s as an executive AQIM will be able to connect with Affairs from the Johns Hopkins SAIS protection unit in Tamaulipas, the militant cells in northern Nigeria. Nanjing campus. nerve center of the Gulf Cartel.2 It has Nigeria reportedly shares 480 never been a traditional drug trafficking irregular, unmanned border crossings 53 Olawale Rasheed, “Arms Inflow from Northern Bor- organization. In its early years, Los with Niger and Chad, with only 12 ders Intensifies: The Gaddafi Mercenaries Connection, Zetas had two primary functions: to Boko Haram Members Relocate to Kano, Others,” Nigeri- 51 Habeeb I. Pindiga et al., “Kidnap of German – Maurita- an Tribune, October 3, 2011; “Army Arrests Immigration 1 For an extensive profile of Los Zetas as well as Miguel nian, Four Others Arrested in Kano,” Daily Trust, March Officer, Others over Boko Haram Links,” ThisDayLive, Trevino, see Samuel Logan, “A Profile of Los Zetas: Mex- 28, 2012. September 29, 2012; Lydia Beshel, “Challenges of Nige- ico’s Second Most Powerful Drug Cartel,” CTC Sentinel 52 “SSS Detains 5 with ‘Al Qaeda-links’ Over German ria’s Porous Borders,” Reporters 365, August 9, 2012. 5:2 (2012). Kidnap.” 54 Ibid. 2 Ibid.

6 october 2012 . Vol 5. Issue 10 protect Gulf Cartel leader Guillen and From 2010 to the present day, the drug theft of Lazcano’s body is a final nod to to assassinate rivals. As a result of trafficking side of the business became that honor as well as a reminder of the its success, Los Zetas evolved from a a hardened pipeline. Buyers purchased tactical precision that helped establish protection detail to an illicit enterprise cocaine in Honduras, and then moved the organization’s criminal brand: one focused on absolute control of large that product through Guatemala that connotes fury, force, and fear.7 swathes of territory in Mexico and and southern Mexico to Veracruz. eventually Central America. It eventually made its way to Nuevo Trevino’s Limits Laredo, where logisticians and others Today, Los Zetas is an organization This enterprise, under Lazcano’s transported the product north.6 Black without a head. Miguel Trevino is under leadership, then set out to disrupt market economics, and the strength of intense pressure and will remain the Mexico’s criminal underworld. As focal point of an international manhunt commanders of independent cells, until his capture. Unlike Lazcano, who sometimes called estacas, Los Zetas leaders “The perceived weakness kept a low profile, Trevino is prone benefited from a level of independence of Los Zetas will encourage to confrontation and violence. His held in check by respect for command personality drives him to the frontlines, and by the fierce enforcement of tax traditional enemies in the and his need to keep tight control over payments to Lazcano and his long-time Sinaloa Federation and the Nuevo Laredo dictates that he will second-in-command, Miguel Trevino. likely not travel far from this location. Knights Templar to exploit Both elements contribute to a less Personal differences divided the the power vacuum.” elusive target. Even if he is now the Zetas-Gulf Cartel coupling, and the de facto leader of Los Zetas, Mexican two groups became enemies in 2010.3 government focus on his capture stunts The “War in the North” between Los any ability to project that leadership Zetas and their Gulf Cartel handlers Los Zetas as a criminal brand name, held beyond a tight inner circle. catalyzed leadership attrition, forcing the loosely networked cells together, successive waves of replacements from Guatemala to central Mexico Miguel Trevino’s focus has always at the operational level.4 Both Los in Zacatecas State, to the border in been on drug trafficking, and he will Zetas and the Gulf Cartel suffered as Tamaulipas and Nuevo Leon. Yet even likely retain significant control over a result of the conflict, but continued as central control in the organization this aspect of the organization until his government pressure on Los Zetas, and weakened, the identity of one man held death or capture.8 Yet he was never part the Gulf Cartel’s ability to accommodate together the center that defined Los Zetas. of the military cadre that founded Los a relationship with the Sinaloa Respect for Lazcano as the commander Zetas.9 As a result, Trevino likely does Federation, placed additional strains and leader ensured cohesion. not receive the same level of respect on Lazcano and his men. As subsequent Lazcano enjoyed among the rank-and- high-level members of the organization Even as the pressure to make payments file.10 Trevino also has been unable to fell to rivals or the government, Los may have slackened as Los Zetas shake accusations from August 2012 Zetas struggled to maintain a cohesive expanded across Mexico in 2011, the that he betrayed Lazcano.11 A public spat structure that enforced top-down respect for the commander likely did between Lazcano and Trevino was at the command and control.5 Looking back, not. In its most diluted state, Los Zetas core of these accusations.12 Both men it might be said that the organization’s still retained more semblance of military accused the other of betrayal, focusing high water mark in terms of operational structure than any other criminal on how one or the other had arranged capability and structural cohesion was organization in Mexico precisely because for the systematic arrest of several mid- in mid-2008, in the pocket of time when there was enough honor among these level leaders. Net sentiment promoted Los Zetas operated independently of thieves to respect their leader. Since Lazcano as the leader and Trevino as the the Gulf Cartel but remained under its its inception, Los Zetas has maintained traitor.13 Given the likelihood that the protection. respect for the chain of command within

its core leadership structure. Recovering 7 Ben Bain, “Mexico Looks for Zeta Boss’s Family in DNA the bodies of fallen comrades, caring Search, Milenio Says,” Bloomberg, October 13, 2012. for their families, the dogged pursuit 8 Trevino was the main driver behind Los Zetas’ move of arrested bosses by their rank- 3 For a detailed review of the Los Zetas-Gulf Cartel split, plaza into the cocaine business. See Logan, “A Profile of Los and-file, and several prison breaks all see Samuel Logan and John Sullivan, “The Gulf-Zeta Zetas: Mexico’s Second Most Powerful Drug Cartel.” demonstrate a level of more Split and the Praetorian Revolt,” ISN Security Watch, esprit de corps 9 Lazcano was a former member of Mexico’s elite mili- recognizable in a military unit than a April 7, 2010. tary special forces, whereas Trevino is a former police- criminal organization. Los Zetas, until 4 See “War in the North,” chapter 11 in George Grayson man. Lazcano’s death, kept some vestige of and Samuel Logan, The Executioner’s Men (Piscataway, 10 For details, see Randy Kreider and Mark Schone, this strong military element, unlike any NJ: Transaction Press, 2012). “New Zetas Cartel Leader Violent ‘To the Point of Sa- other criminal outfit in Mexico. The 5 The best examples may be called “sloppy” organized dism,’” ABC News, October 12, 2012. crime, where a Los Zetas gunman killed a U.S. citizen on 11 “Miguel Ángel Treviño, El Heredo de los Zetas,” Van- Falcon Lake in 2010 or the U.S. federal agent outside San 6 For an example of an arrested plaza boss that forced a guardia, October 13, 2012. Luis Potosi in early 2011. The most egregious example is shift in the drug trafficking structure, see Freya -Peter 12 Patrick Corcoran, “Rumored Zetas Split Offers Bloody the unnecessary murder of 72 immigrants in Tamaulipas son, “Mexican Navy Arrests Zetas Cartel Regional Com- Prospects for Mexico,” InSight Crime, July 24, 2012. in August 2010. mander Mauricio Guizar,” Global Post, July 27, 2012. 13 Kreider and Schone.

7 october 2012 . Vol 5. Issue 10 government or Trevino’s enemies will Charlotte.17 Yet these leaders will remain The decentralized network is beneficial capture or kill him, the future Los Zetas independent to explore freedom of for any individual plaza leader as long should be viewed as one where Trevino operation under the Los Zetas criminal as the economics are right. When the does not play a dominant role. Indeed, brand on their own terms. conditions are not favorable, the plaza a narco-banner already appeared in leader may choose to explore business mid-October announcing that a former Decentralized Network opportunities elsewhere, even with a Successful criminal entrepreneurs former rival organization such as the are never short on ambition. As the Gulf Cartel. Los Zetas operative Sergio “Trevino’s focus has gravitational center rapidly fades in “El Grande” Ricardo Basutro Pena, always been on drug the wake of Lazcano’s death, the overall for example, is a plaza leader known cohesion of the group will likely fall to be close to Trevino. Yet with the trafficking, and he will gradually below the threshold of what decentralization of the organization, likely retain significant is considered a traditional criminal he is no longer bound to Trevino or any organization, as represented by the of the other plaza bosses under the Los control over this aspect Tijuana or Gulf cartels. An interesting Zetas brand. At any time he may choose of the organization until comparison might be the Beltran Leyva to establish a new criminal brand or add Organization (BLO), which Arturo his organization to another cartel, such his death or capture. Yet Beltran-Leyva held together until his as the Sinaloa Federation. Ambition is he was never part of the death in December 2009. Without the inherent in Mexico’s criminal system; commander in place, two rival factions it is a fundamental ingredient for military cadre that founded formed, one led by Arturo’s former conflict. Recent violence in Matamoros Los Zetas.” right-hand man, Edgar “La Barbie” Valdez Villareal, and the other led by his brother Hector. Both organizations “If Los Zetas devolves then split into smaller groups, where from an organization to group of Los Zetas operators now call the result is a number of smaller factions themselves “The Legionaries,” and they all warring for turf once controlled a decentralized network, claim they will fight Trevino for control by the BLO, especially in the city of the violence from this of the Nuevo Laredo plaza.14 Acapulco.18 These groups separated and worked against each other because of instability could be The men who operate large Zeta cells in black market economics, ambition, and spectacular at localized Monterrey, Saltillo, Zacatecas, San Luis the lack of a cohesive element, such as a Potosí, Guadalajara, Veracruz, and other strong criminal brand. Los Zetas could, levels in cities and states key cities are all insular organizations over time, follow this paradigm. where the organization within their own right at the city, or plaza, level. Of the five Los Zetas leaders It is likely that Los Zetas’ various power once controlled its own who remain on Mexico’s most wanted factions will leverage their current rank-and-file.” list, three represent the future.15 These relationships to work alongside one men include: Sergio “El Grande” Ricardo another in a decentralized, networked Basutro Pena, Maxiley “El Contador” fashion under the Los Zetas brand to Barahona Nadales, and Roman “El traffic narcotics, control territory, in Tamaulipas State may be just the Coyote” Ricardo Palomo Rincones.16 and fight off rivals. The collective will beginning of a phase of accommodation behave more like a leaderless, self- as Los Zetas plaza bosses seek to establish These men as well as the leaders of plazas organizing network than a structured boundaries among themselves and with still considered Los Zetas territory may organization with a clear leader, defined former rivals in the Gulf Cartel who now choose to align themselves strategically accounting structures, and precise goals present just as much an opportunity for with Trevino, or whoever is in charge for the future. cooperation as conquest.19 of the strategic Nuevo Laredo plaza at any given time. The border town During this power struggle, the only of Nuevo Laredo is perhaps the most constant will be “Los Zetas” as a strong desired territory in Mexico for cocaine brand, despite a shift in the nature of trafficking due to its direct link to the the relationship among the men who

Chicago drug retail market via I-35 as 17 The corridor passing through Nuevo Laredo is an at- call themselves a Zeta. Invariably, the well as the access it affords to markets tractive smuggling route due to the high volume of licit more powerful plaza bosses will attempt on the East Coast such as Atlanta and transit that crosses the border. It is the largest in-land to take over more territory within the border crossing in the Americas. Due to the heavy traf- area controlled by Los Zetas, growing 14 Hannah Stone, “Zetas Splinter Group Announces fic, it is relatively easy to hide illicit merchandise. More- their piece of turf as much as possible Mission to Kill Z-40,” InSight Crime, October 23, 2012. over, it provides fast access to drug markets in the United through cycles of violence that could 15 The other two leaders are Miguel Trevino and his States through I-35. last for months if not well into 2013. brother, Omar. 18 For an explanation of the BLO fight over Acapulco, 16 Omar Sánchez de Tagle, “Cinco mandos de Los Zetas see Samuel Logan, “Acapulco Criminal Environment,” 19 Sergio Chapa, “Gunfire Leads to Blockades in Matam- que aún quedan libres,” Animal Politico, October 11, 2012. Southern Pulse, June 18, 2012. oros,” KGBT Action 4 News, October 12, 2012.

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Younger, less organized members of As a decentralized network, Los Zetas Kenya’s Muslim Youth the former organization may attempt cannot expect to last long as a coherent to claim control over a lesser plaza, and enterprise that behaves like a TCO; Center and Al-Shabab’s build up their own organization—one that rather, smaller units under the Los Zetas East African Recruitment operates as part of the Los Zetas network brand will operate as smaller TCOs. when the benefits are clear. The absence Cooperation between Los Zetas leaders By Christopher Anzalone of a clear leader and precise goals remove is likely, but under the decentralized any barrier for individual ambition. model, there may no longer be a central since 2007, the Somali militant group enforcement structure. al-Shabab has recruited hundreds of If Los Zetas devolves from an foreign fighters.1 Its Western foreign organization to a decentralized network, Conclusion fighters have largely monopolized the violence from this instability could From military recruit to warlord media attention despite the likelihood be spectacular at localized levels in entrepreneur, Lazcano represented a that the group’s heaviest foreign fighter cities and states where the organization new breed of criminal.22 He raised the bar recruitment has been in East Africa. once controlled its own rank-and-file, for professional hitmen across Mexico; The bulk of non-Somali foreign fighters as well as the smaller organizations Los Zetas employed an operational probably come from East African that worked as subcontractors for ability in the early 2000s that forced countries such as Kenya, Tanzania, Zeta leaders. Meanwhile, the smaller the whole criminal system to invest in Ethiopia, and Sudan and were recruited stature of battling groups will present some level of paramilitary capability. by al-Shabab’s regional allies, such as a challenge for a government postured At the same time, he heralded a new Kenya’s Muslim Youth Center (MYC). to attack transnational criminal barbarism.23 Alive, Lazcano kept Los Encouraging East African Muslims to organizations (TCO), not so-called Zetas in formation, loose as it was. Dead, join al-Shabab has become a priority for “superpandillas” and street gangs.20 Lazcano’s memory will be honored, the movement’s media department, the but the men who follow in his wake al-Kataib Media Foundation. On a parallel track, the perceived will probably retain all the barbarism weakness of Los Zetas will encourage and likely little of the cohesion. As The focus on regional foreign fighter traditional enemies in the Sinaloa an organization, Los Zetas was feared recruitment makes logistical sense since Federation and the Knights Templar but held its shape. As a decentralized it is easier to facilitate recruits’ travel to exploit the power vacuum. network, Los Zetas presents a new regionally compared to the requirements Undoubtedly, the Sinaloa Federation criminal typology where brand is of recruitment in places further afield is the most powerful TCO in Mexico. the only cohesion and black market such as North America and Western For this reason alone, Nuevo Laredo pressures determine cooperation. Europe. The large East African Muslim is the most likely hotspot for year- communities, particularly the growing end 2012 through early 2013 violence Samuel Logan is the Founder and number of alienated and disaffected precisely because the leader of the Sinaloa Managing Partner of Southern Pulse, a youth, also provide al-Shabab with Federation, Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman, field-based investigations firm focused promising recruitment pools. places high value on controlling the Nuevo on security, politics, energy, and business Laredo border crossing. Nuevo Laredo is in Latin America. From 1998 to 2009, he the only significant border crossing that lived and worked in Central and South “El Chapo” and the Sinaloa Federation America as an investigative journalist. do not control directly or through Mr. Logan is the author of This is for the accommodations with lesser criminal Mara Salvatrucha (Hyperion, 2009), co- 1 Terrance Ford, director of intelligence and knowledge organizations, such as the Arellano- author with Dr. George Grayson of The development for U.S. Africa Command, estimated al- Felix Organization in Tijuana and the Executioner’s Men (Transaction, 2012), Shabab’s foreign fighters to number as many as 1,000, Vicente Carrillo-Fuentes Organization and is working on a third book that focuses 200 to 300 of whom are non-Somali in terms of their in Juarez. Facing pressure from both the on the business and culture of human ethnic backgrounds. See Terrance Ford, “The Foreign government and his criminal rivals, it smuggling in Latin America. Fighter Problem: Recent Trends and Case Studies,” con- is unlikely that Trevino will maintain ference at the Foreign Policy Research Institute, Septem- absolute control over Nuevo Laredo for ber 27, 2010. Most estimates place the total number of long. Indeed, the Knights Templar has al-Shabab’s frontline fighters between 3,000 and 9,000 already announced a crusade against at its height, although the insurgent movement has been 21 him. hit by rising defections and desertions since 2011 due to battlefield setbacks. See David Shinn, “Al Shabaab’s For- eign Threat to Somalia,” Orbis 55:2 (2011); Christopher Anzalone, “Globalizing Insurgency in Somalia,” Yale Global, August 23, 2011; “Defections Put Militant al-Sha- 22 “Mexico’s Criminal Organizations,” Southern Pulse, bab on the Run in Somalia,” BBC, June 8, 2012; “Militants June 30, 2011. Defecting to Somali Side After Losses,” Associated Press, 20 Alejandro Hope, “Después de Los Zetas,” Animal Po- 23 Samuel Logan, “Preface: Los Zetas and a New Bar- June 15, 2012; “Al Shabab Defectors Describe Hunger litico, July 30, 2012. barism,” in “Criminal Insurgencies in Mexico and the and Isolation with Somali Terrorist Group,” Associated 21 Ruben Torres, “Templarios van por El Z-40,” El Econ- Americas: The Gangs and Cartels Wage War,” Small Press, July 11, 2012; Christopher Anzalone, “Al-Shabab’s omista, October 11, 2012. Wars Journal 22:5 (2011): pp. 718-727. Setbacks in Somalia,” CTC Sentinel 4:10 (2011).

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This article will first examine al- In the former, a Kenyan identified as Al-Shabab’s Activities in Kenya Shabab’s regional recruitment drives in Abu Hajer al-Kini3 extolled Kenyans The vast majority of Somalis who have East Africa, and then profile the MYC, to join the “frontline” of fighting in the left their home country and settled which is likely the Somali militant “land of jihad, the land of Somalia,” in other East African countries have group’s most reliable source of regional and recited Swahili poetry in praise settled in Kenya, where an estimated foreign fighters. of al-Shabab’s amir, Ahmed “Mukhtar 500,000 to nearly one million Somalis Abu al-Zubayr” Godane. Referring to live.7 Contested preliminary figures Al-Shabab’s Regional Recruitment Kenyan Muslims as the “sons of Sa`d in the 2009 national census put the In November 2010, al-Shabab’s al- and Sa’id and Ali ibn Abi Talib and al- number of Somalis in Kenya at more Kataib Media Foundation released Bara’ ibn Malik,” invoking the historical than two million, although these results a 35-minute recruitment video, memory of prominent companions of were later controversially canceled.8 “Message to the Umma: And Inspire the the Prophet Muhammad, Abu Hajer Believers,” featuring nine named foreign promised to launch attacks, including The Somali community in the sprawling fighters from different countries. Six “martyrdom operations,” inside Kenya Eastleigh area of Nairobi, which is often of the foreign fighters were from East while standing in front of a banner that referred to as “Little Mogadishu,” Africa, three from Kenya and the other declared, “Terrorism is a duty in Allah’s has long been a commercial, cultural, three from Ethiopia, Tanzania, and religion.”4 In the latter video, another and religious hub for Somalis. With Kenyan foreign fighter, identified as a large potential pool of recruits Abu Ahmad, showed an al-Kataib and the presence of sympathetic “One of the MYC’s primary cameraman weapons, ammunition, Somali religious preachers, it has goals is encouraging and other supplies, including several also been the center of al-Shabab’s trucks, captured by al-Shabab in a recruitment in the country for years.9 violent action inside Kenya, surprise dawn attack in September 2011 In its formative years, the insurgent and it has claimed credit on the border city of El-Wak in the Gedo movement collected significant region of Somalia.5 financial support from wealthy for numerous attacks on supporters in the business class as Kenyan security forces and Al-Shabab’s use of Swahili and the well as from mosques such as Abu Bakr featuring of Swahili-speakers in its al-Siddique, al-Hidaya, and Masjid al- government targets in the media productions are indicative of the Ahmar that were home to significant country.” insurgent movement’s desire to attract numbers of al-Shabab supporters.10 A more recruits from East Africa, where number of Somali-Kenyan preachers Swahili, the language of an estimated who had supported the Islamic 35 million people, is widely spoken. Courts Union (ICU) opposed the 2008 Sudan. The video was subtitled in both Swahili, a Bantu language, is a lingua agreement between ICU moderates English and Swahili, suggesting that its franca in Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and such as Shaykh Sharif Shaykh target audiences are potential recruits parts of Somalia. Al-Shabab, which has Ahmad and the TFG and transferred from abroad. Ali Rage, al-Shabab’s long recruited from among a wide array their support to al-Shabab following spokesman, closed the video by of Somali clans, particularly the less specifically inviting East African foreign politically powerful, has also reportedly 7 “Number of Somali Refugees in Horn of Africa Passes 1 fighters to join the Somali insurgency, recruited from among Somalia’s Million Mark,” United Nations Refugee Agency, July 17, 6 finishing his comments by saying, “to minority Bantu communities. 2012. our people/family in East Africa we 8 Critics of the decision to cancel the results believe that say, ‘welcome to Somalia, hakuna matata Al-Shabab’s recruitment drives higher birthrates showed a dramatic rise in the number of (there are no worries),” using a famous in East African countries such as Somali-Kenyans, and they allege that the numbers of the Swahili phrase. Swahili speakers have Kenya have been greatly aided by the community were deliberately undercounted for political also been subsequently featured in presence of both sympathizers, such reasons. The Kenyan government claimed that inconsis- a number of other official al-Shabab as influential religious preachers, and tencies in the data were the reasons for the inaccuracy of videos, including the movement’s video allied organizations, chief among them the preliminary figures, which is why they were subse- celebrating the formalization of its Kenya’s MYC. quently canceled.” See Wilfred Mulliro, “Kenya Somalis affiliation with al-Qa`ida central, which Population Explosion Cancelled in Census Results,” al- was released in April 2012, and a video 3 This pseudonym means, “Abu Hajer, The Kenyan.” Shahid News, August 31, 2010; John Muchangi, “Anger released in February documenting a 4 “The Year of Unity, 1433.” as Census Results Cancelled,” The Star [Nairobi], Sep- battle between insurgents and Kenyan- 5 “Battlefront El-Wak: Against the Kenyans’ Agents.” tember 1, 2010; Andrew Teyie, “2009 Census Delayed 2 backed Somali militias. 6 “Somalia: Bantu,” World Directory of Minorities and over Somali Numbers,” The Star, January 9, 2010. Indigenous Peoples, Minority Rights Group Interna- 9 “Report of the Monitoring Group on Somalia and tional, May 2011; Roland Marchal, “Joining Al-Shabaab Eritrea Submitted in Accordance with Resolution 1916 in Somalia,” in Jeevan Deol and Zaheer Kazmi eds., Con- (2010),” United Nations Monitoring Group on Somalia textualising Jihadi Thought (New York: Columbia Univer- and Eritrea, July 2011, pp. 25-26. sity Press, 2012), p. 270. For background on the Somali 10 “Report of the Monitoring Group on Somalia Submit- 2 “The Year of Unity, 1433,” al-Shabab, April 2012; Bantu, see Dan Van Lehman and Omar Eno, The Somali ted in Accordance with Resolution 1853 (2008),” United “Battlefront El-Wak: Against the Kenyans’ Agents,” al- Bantu: Their History and Culture (Washington, D.C.: Cen- Nations Monitoring Group on Somalia and Eritrea, Shabab, February 2012. ter for Applied Linguistics, 2003). March 2010, pp. 25-27.

10 october 2012 . Vol 5. Issue 10 the Ethiopian invasion of Somalia in The Muslim Youth Center: Al-Shabab’s Key Allegations about Kenyan authorities’ December 2006, which toppled the Kenyan Ally possible role in the murder comes on ICU.11 Al-Shabab’s recruiters also fed Known first as the Pumwani Muslim the heels of the suspicious murders and off disillusionment among Somalis in Youth, the MYC was formally founded disappearances of a number of other Kenya who complained of anti-Somali in 2008 in the Majengo district of radical Kenyan Muslim preachers, discrimination, harassment, and Nairobi as an informal advocacy group including Samir “Abu Nuseyba” Khan government neglect.12 for Kenyan Muslims. It was initially Hussein, an MYC-affiliated preacher dedicated to highlighting the social who disappeared and was later found Younger, more militant voices replaced and economic grievances of lower class dead in April.21 Another prominent more moderate ones in a number of Kenyan Muslim youth, who became Kenyan Muslim preacher, Muhammad Eastleigh’s mosques. Among the former disillusioned with what they perceived Kassim, was also reported missing under were Shaykh Hassan Hussein “Abu as anti-Muslim discrimination in the mysterious circumstances in April. Salman” Adam, a charismatic Somali country. The MYC later established Kenyan Muslim community leaders preacher in his early 30s who ran branches in other Kenyan cities including have called for investigations into both Masjid al-Ahmar, which served as a the southern port city of Mombasa and Rogo’s and Khan Hussein’s murders.22 key fundraising and recruitment hub Garissa, a city in the country’s North The background of the MYC’s Twitter for al-Shabab.13 The mosque also hosted Eastern Province bordering Somalia.17 account featured a photograph of Rogo visiting insurgent leaders in 2009.14 It currently has active branches inside as of October 2012.23 The MYC’s Twitter Adam remains a popular voice among Kenya and Somalia, with each branch account also featured a photograph of al-Shabab members and supporters, having its own leadership structure.18 Khan Hussein following the discovery and his writings and lectures are widely Shaykh Ahmad Iman Ali, who has been of his body in April. disseminated on pro-Shabab websites featured in four productions released such as Somali MeMo, Amiir Nuur, and by the al-Kataib Media Foundation Shaykh Rogo was an open supporter of Radio al-Furqaan, one of al-Shabab’s since January, is the amir of the MYC’s al-Shabab. He was Ahmad Iman Ali’s terrestrial radio stations. Kenyan Somalia branch. former teacher and a frequent speaker authorities reportedly arrested Adam at the group’s events in Nairobi. Al- for his support of al-Shabab in October Sponsoring religious lectures and Shabab reportedly hosted Rogo for 2011.15 communal events and publishing six months in Somalia prior to 2010.24 newsletters targeting disaffected The preacher was previously charged Al-Shabab originally focused its Kenyan Muslim youth, the MYC was with playing a role in the November recruitment drives within Kenya’s open to any Muslim who was at least 28, 2002, attacks on the Paradise Hotel Somali community but soon began 18-years-old and who had “integrity in Mombasa carried out by al-Qa`ida targeting the country’s non-Somali and high standing in the society,” operatives in East Africa, but was Muslims as well. Kenyan Muslim according to the group’s constitution. acquitted due to a lack of evidence.25 In foreign fighters currently comprise the Members paid dues of 100 Kenyan a statement eulogizing Rogo, the MYC largest and best organized contingent shillings or approximately $1.18.19 The labeled him “a shining example of a of non-Somali foreign fighters within group’s ideology was heavily influenced true and pious Muslim, unwavering and al-Shabab’s ranks, according to the by Shaykh Aboud Rogo, a radical, pro- steadfast in his determination to fight UN Monitoring Group on Somalia and Shabab Kenyan preacher who was injustices against Muslims all over the Eritrea.16 The MYC, based in Nairobi, recently murdered in Mombasa on world,” adding that the MYC and its is al-Shabab’s most important ally and August 27, 2012, by unknown gunmen. source of foreign fighters in Kenya and His supporters accuse the Kenyan 21 Philip Muyanga, “Police Probe Activist’s Death,” The perhaps in East Africa as a whole. government of committing the murder, Nation, April 13, 2012; “Muslim Leaders Condemn Mur- and violent protests broke out soon ders of Terror Suspects,” Kenyan Broadcasting Corpora- 20 11 Ibid. after his death. tion, April 15, 2012; Leela Jacinto, “Kenya’s Mysteriously 12 Tristan McConnell, “Kenya: Where All Somalis are Killed, Disappeared Islamic Clerics,” France24, Septem- Suspect?” Global Post, November 4, 2011; Sudarsan ber 5, 2012. Raghavan, “In Kenya, Somalis Become Casualties of Af- 22 Chrispinus Wekesa, “Probe Khan’s Death, Muslim rica’s Latest War,” Washington Post, November 25, 2011; Leaders Say,” The Star, May 4, 2012; Eugene Okumu, “Kenya: Somali Refugees Need Protection, Not Abuse,” “Rogo Probe Team to Begin Work,” The Star, Septem- Amnesty International, December 8, 2010. ber 3, 2012; Maureen Mudi, Calvin Onsarigo, and Mar- 13 “Report of the Monitoring Group on Somalia Submit- 17 Ibid., pp. 140-142. tin Mwaura, “Another Team to Probe Rogo’s Mombasa ted in Accordance with Resolution 1853 (2008),” p. 26. 18 Ibid. Murder,” The Star, September 4, 2012. 14 Ibid., pp. 25-27. 19 A copy of the Muslim Youth Center’s constitution was 23 “Announcement: MYC Joins Al-Shabaab in Tweet- 15 Feisal Omar and Abdi Sheikh, “Kenya Sends More obtained and included by the UN Monitoring Group on ing on Tweeter,” Muslim Youth Center, December 10, Troops to Somalia, 10 AU Soldiers Killed,” Reuters, Oc- Somalia and Eritrea in its July 2011 report to the UN Se- 2011; “MYC Tweets,” Muslim Youth Center, December tober 21, 2011; “Sheikh Hassan Hussein has Been Kid- curity Council. See ibid., pp. 149-157. One of the constitu- 13, 2011. napped by the Kuffar,” Muslim Youth Center, October tion’s signatories was Ahmad Iman Ali. 24 “Report of the Monitoring Group on Somalia and 20, 2011. 20 Joseph Akwiri, “Riots Hit Kenya after Muslim Cleric Eritrea Submitted in Accordance with Resolution 1916 16 “Report of the Monitoring Group on Somalia and Shot Dead,” Reuters, August 27, 2012; Wesonga Ochieng, (2010),” p. 141. Eritrea Submitted in Accordance with Resolution 1916 Martin Mwaura, and Brian Otieno, “Chaos as Rogo is 25 “1 Dead in Mombasa Riots after Fiery Muslim Cleric (2010),” p. 140. Murdered,” The Star, August 28, 2012. is Shot Dead,” Associated Press, August 27, 2012.

11 october 2012 . Vol 5. Issue 10 members are “part of the generation of fighters.32 An MYC statement on Ahmad Iman Ali gave his pledge of Muslim youths that have been inspired January 11 announced Ahmad Iman allegiance (bay`a) to al-Shabab’s leader, by Shaykh Aboud Rogo’s vision of the Ali as al-Shabab’s “supreme leader” of Ahmed Godane, in a video released in Muslim umma [community] in East Kenya.33 In a nearly hour-long message April by al-Kataib.38 Expressing his joy Africa.”26 In May 2012, the group aimed primarily at Kenyan Muslims, at “the merger of the Muslims in their promised to honor his commitment to Ahmad Iman Ali, speaking in Swahili, fight against their common enemy,” them by standing “shoulder to shoulder urged them to join him alongside Ahmad Iman Ali praised the leadership with our great shaykh.”27 The MYC and al-Shabab in Somalia.34 He argued of the new al-Qa`ida amir, Ayman al- al-Shabab have alleged that Rogo and that Kenya had become a legitimate Zawahiri, as well as Godane’s pledge of Khan were murdered by the Kenyan field of jihad because of the Kenyan allegiance to him. He urged Godane to government as part of a campaign government’s alliance with the African remain steadfast and not “turn his back against the country’s Muslims.28 Union, Ethiopia, the United States, and on the fight.” Further, Ahmad Iman Ali Israel, who are waging a war against instructed Muslims to join the MYC and Kenyan militants from the MYC’s Muslims under the guise of fighting al-Shabab in fighting for the law of God precursor organization, the Pumwani al-Shabab and “terrorism.” The term to be established across the globe. He Muslim Youth, began to travel to “terrorist,” he said, has become merely warned them that the United States is and from Somalia as early as 2006.29 a synonym of the forces of unbelief attempting to transform its war against Well-established smuggling networks (kufr) to justify their war against Islam and Muslims into a war carried facilitate travel between the two Islam. out by its proxies. The United States is countries. One of the earliest known also attempting, he said, to mask its war MYC members killed while fighting Kenya’s history of intervention in against Islam and Muslims through the inside Somalia was Muhammad Juma Somalia, Ahmad Iman Ali said, did not manipulation of the news media.39 Rajab, also known by his nom de guerre begin with its recent invasion in October “Qa’qa,” who died during an al-Shabab 2011. Rather, it began in 2006 and 2007 Conclusion ambush of an Ethiopian convoy in the when the Kenyan military arrested Since the beginning of 2012, the MYC summer of 2008 at Bardaale near the Somali Islamists fleeing Somalia has emerged in the public spotlight as western Somali city of Baidoa.30 Rajab following the U.S.-backed Ethiopian al-Shabab’s most important regional was featured in two al-Shabab videos, invasion and extradited some to Ethiopia. ally.40 Hoping to manipulate and take “Ambush at Bardaale,” released in Kenyan “perfidy” has continued at advantage of increasing tension between 2009, and “Message to the Umma.” The present with its financial, political, and Kenyan Muslims and non-Muslims, the former was also the first video in which military backing of “apostate” Somali MYC’s leaders, such as Ahmad Iman American jihadist Omar Hammami militias along the Kenya-Somalia Ali, and its media department have appeared without his face covered. border. Attacks in Kenya are justified propagated a black and white narrative One of the foreign fighters featured in as a form of “defensive jihad” in Ahmad of civilizational conflict. To do this, the the latter, identified as Abu Jafar, was Iman Ali’s view because of Kenya’s group continues to host events, issue reportedly an MYC commander in Somalia participation in the global war on Islam publications, and maintain an active known as Wahome Tajir Ali, who urged spearheaded by the United States, a Twitter account and websites where it East African Muslims to join him on the point he reiterated in another al-Kataib disseminates its written statements. Al- “defensive lines” in Somalia.31 video released in June 2012 in which Kataib has produced its recent videos. he eulogized Samir Khan Hussein.35 In a video released in late January by Participation in this form of fighting is, One of the MYC’s primary goals is al-Kataib, Ahmad Iman Ali emerged he argued, an individual obligation (fard encouraging violent action inside publicly as the amir of the MYC’s `ayn) for all Muslims.36 Those who are Kenya. The group has claimed credit for Somalia branch, which is believed to unable to pick up a weapon themselves numerous attacks on Kenyan security be composed of between 250 and 500 should play a missionary (da`wa) role in forces and government targets in the propagating the message of the MYC, country, some carried out in cooperation 37 41 26 “Sheikh Aboud Rogo’s Death: Embrace Change, Mu- al-Shabab, and other jihadist groups. with al-Shabab. Indeed, Ahmad Iman jahideen,” Muslim Youth Center, August 28, 2012. 27 “A Daring Visit to Mtaani: Sheikh Aboud Rogo,” 32 Ibid., p. 144. Your Duty to Help Them.” Muslim Youth Center, May 19, 2012. 33 “Ahmad Iman Ali Appointed Supreme Amiir for Ke- 38 “Regarding the Bay`a of the Mujahidin,” al-Shabab, 28 Ibid.; “Sheikh Aboud Rogo’s Death: A Catalyst for nya,” Muslim Youth Center, January 11, 2012. April 2012. Change,” al-Shabab, August 27, 2012; “A Challenge 34 “If They Seek Your Help in a Matter of Religion, it is 39 Ibid. to the Mujahideen: Samir Khan’s Execution,” Muslim Your Duty to Help Them,” al-Shabab, January 2012. The 40 Others, such as Tanzania’s Ansaar Muslim Youth Youth Center, April 19, 2012. video’s title is taken from a part of verse 72 in the eighth Centre (AMYC), also exist. The AMYC has ties to the 29 This is an estimate, but travel likely began in 2006- chapter (sura) of the Qur’an. MYC and the late Aboud Rogo. See “Somalia Report of 2007. See “Report of the Monitoring Group on Somalia 35 “The Killing and Persecution of Muslims in Kenya,” the Monitoring Group on Somalia and Eritrea Submit- and Eritrea Submitted in Accordance with Resolution al-Shabab, June 2012. ted in Accordance with Resolution 2002 (2011),” United 1916 (2010),” p. 141. 36 Ibid.; “If They Seek Your Help in a Matter of Reli- Nations Monitoring Group on Somalia and Eritrea, July 30 “Ambush at Bardale,” al-Shabab, March 2009. gion, it is Your Duty to Help Them”; “An Obligation to 2012. 31 “Report of the Monitoring Group on Somalia and Act: Sheikh Ahmad Iman Ali’s Message,” Muslim Youth 41 “Bomb Kills Several Kenyan Police in Refugee Camp,” Eritrea Submitted in Accordance with Resolution 1916 Center, January 9, 2012. Muslim Youth Center, December 19, 2011; “Al-Shabaab (2010),” p. 142. 37 “If They Seek Your Help in a Matter of Religion, it is Kills Kenyan Intelligence Officers,” Muslim Youth Cen-

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Ali has declared Kenya a legitimate Terrorist Attacks in was coordinated simultaneously with arena for the MYC’s “jihad.”42 The the bombing of the U.S. Embassy in group is likely to benefit from rising Kenya Reveal Domestic Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, which killed tensions between large segments Radicalization 12 people.5 On November 28, 2002, al- of Kenya’s Muslim population and Qa`ida militants attacked the Israeli- the Kenyan state caused by political By Fredrick Nzes owned Paradise Hotel in Mombasa, marginalization and perceived killing 15 people.6 Almost simultaneously, government harassment, such as on october 14, 2011, Kenya announced militants fired two shoulder-launched the singling out of Somalis inside that it was deploying troops to Somalia missiles at an Israeli charter plane in the Kenya and Kenyan Muslims in broad in pursuit of al-Shabab, the al-Qa`ida- same city, missing the target.7 “anti-terrorism” sweeps by security linked Somali militant group that has forces. The MYC’s intention, judging abducted foreign aid workers and The recent escalation of terrorist attacks from the group’s media messaging, tourists in Kenya. Since its October in Kenya, however, is the direct result of is clearly to harness and manipulate intervention in Somalia, militants the al-Shabab insurgency in neighboring recent tensions to further their goal of have executed a number of terrorist Somalia. On October 1, 2011, Marie expanding violent Islamist activism attacks in Kenyan territory. Although Dedieu, a 66-year-old disabled French inside Kenya.43 authorities blame al-Shabab for much woman, was kidnapped from her home of the violence, it has also become clear near Kenya’s Manda Island by suspected Invoking the examples of Usama bin that Kenya has a domestic radicalization al-Shabab gunmen.8 She died while Laden and Anwar al-`Awlaqi, a poem problem of its own. Kenyan nationals in the assailants’ custody that same published by the MYC emphasized the have conducted a number of recent month.9 On October 13, suspected al- group’s dedication to expanding the terrorist attacks in Kenya, with many Shabab militants kidnapped two female war inside Somalia to Kenya, closing of them receiving military training from Spanish Médecins sans Frontières aid with the line, “Paradise is but a taxi al-Shabab in neighboring Somalia.1 workers from the Dadaab refugee camp journey away in Nairobi!”44 The MYC in Kenya, and took them to Somalia.10 praised al-Shabab’s formal affiliation Radical clerics in mosques in North This series of cross-border attacks, with al-Qa`ida central in February and Eastern and Coast provinces, as well as well as prior kidnapping incidents, promised to “set jihad alight” in Kenya as in Nairobi, have recruited Muslims spurred Kenya’s military to intervene as part of “al-Qa`ida in East Africa.”45 in Kenya for militancy. Although in Somalia on October 14.11 In light of these developments, 80% of Kenya is Christian, its Muslim Kenya’s government must prepare for population—which accounts for about Once Kenyan troops entered Somalia, the growing terrorism risk due to its 9-10% of the population—is largely al-Shabab warned it would launch a military and political intervention in concentrated on its eastern coast as well campaign of violence in the country. Somalia. as on the border with Somalia.2 The first incident targeting civilians in Kenya post-invasion occurred on Christopher Anzalone is a doctoral This article details recent terrorist October 24, 2011, when militants tossed student in the Institute of Islamic attacks in Kenya and also identifies a grenade into the Mwaura pub on Studies at McGill University where he the factors behind the radicalization of Mfangano Street in Nairobi, wounding studies modern Muslim sociopolitical Muslims in Kenya. 12 people.12 Later that day, another movements, including transnational grenade attack targeted a bus terminal jihadi groups, Shi’ite Islam, and Islamist History of Terrorist Attacks in Kenya in Nairobi, killing one person.13 On visual cultures. Throughout its recent history, Kenya has been victim of sporadic terrorist 5 Ibid. 3 attacks. The most prominent of these 6 “Kenya Terror Strikes Target Israelis,” BBC, November incidents was on August 7, 1998, when 28, 2002. ter, December 12, 2011; “There’s No Stopping the Mu- al-Qa`ida attacked the U.S. Embassy in 7 Ibid. 4 jahideen in Garissa…” Muslim Youth Center, January Nairobi, killing 213 people. The attack 8 Xan Rice and Kim Willsher, “French Woman Kid- 1, 2012; “Aminyat: North Eastern Ops,” Muslim Youth napped by Somali Militants Dies,” Guardian, October 19, Center, January 4, 2012; “Operation Zenga Zenga Against 1 “Police: Militant-Trained Kenyan Youth a Threat,” As- 2011. Kenyan Police,” Muslim Youth Center, January 14, 2012. sociated Press, May 4, 2012. 9 Ibid. 42 “If They Seek Your Help in a Matter of Religion, it is 2 “The World Factbook,” U.S. Central Intelligence Agen- 10 Xan Rice, “Two Aid Workers Kidnapped From Ke- Your Duty to Help Them”; “An Obligation to Act: Sheikh cy, October 4, 2012. nyan Refugee Camp,” Guardian, October 13, 2011. Ahmad Iman Ali’s Message,” Muslim Youth Center, 3 In 1980, for example, Islamic terrorists detonated a 11 Kenya’s military intervention in Somalia, however, January 2012. bomb at the Norfolk Hotel in Nairobi, killing 15 people. was planned for years, reportedly part of a covert strat- 43 “Kenya’s Nightmare (message from Ahmad Iman An Arab group claimed responsibility for the bombing, egy to safeguard Kenya’s borders and economic interests. Ali),” Muslim Youth Center, September 27, 2011; “End saying that it was in revenge for Kenya allowing Israeli For details on this, see Jeffrey Gettleman, “Kenyan Mo- Humiliation of Muslims!” Muslim Youth Center, August troops to refuel in Nairobi during the raid on Uganda’s tives in Somalia Predate Recent Abductions,” New York 1, 2012. Entebbe Airport in 1976. For details, see “Kenya Hunts Times, October 26, 2011. 44 “Dreaming of Paradise: My Sheikhs Welcome Me for Suspect in Fatal Hotel Bombing,” UPI, January 3, 12 Dominic Wabala, “Grenade Rocks Nairobi Bar,” The Home,” Muslim Youth Center, October 28, 2011. 1981. Star, October 25, 2011; “Two Grenade Blasts Rattle Nai- 45 “Welcome to AQEA (Al-Qa`ida East Africa),” Mus- 4 “Embassy Bombing Death Toll Revised,” Los Angeles robi; 1 Dead,” Associated Press, October 25, 2011. lim Youth Center, February 10, 2012. Times, October 9, 1998. 13 Ibid.

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November 5, assailants threw two Certain territories in Kenya are traditional support for moderation and grenades at the East Africa Pentecostal susceptible to extremist or separatist coexistence waned.”23 Church in Garissa, killing two people.14 ideology. Since Kenya’s independence in 1963, it has faced a number of During the 1990s, Muslims in Kenya Attacks on churches escalated in 2012. secessionist challenges. From 1963 to were exposed to religious radicalism In one recent incident, on September 1968, ethnic Somalis in North Eastern from al-Qa`ida, as well as from the 30, 2012, militants threw a grenade Province attempted to secede and Somali militant group al-Itihad al- into a church Sunday school service at become part of “Greater Somalia” in Islami (AIAI). AIAI’s goal was to the St. Polycarp’s Anglican Church in the Shifta War.21 The war, as well establish an Islamic government in the Eastleigh area of Nairobi, killing Somalia and the Ogaden region of one child.15 Then, on October 17, 2012, “Al-Shabab can rely on Ethiopia. It attempted to recruit Kenyan a grenade attack targeted officers from Somali youth in Mandera and Garissa the paramilitary General Service Unit radicalized Muslims in districts in Kenya’s North Eastern (GSU) who were cracking down on Kenya to support its Province as well as in Eastleigh.24 It terrorist activity in the coastal city of also raised funds through mosques Mombasa, killing one officer.16 fight in Somalia, and put to support its activities in Somalia. pressure on the Kenyan In 1996, Ethiopia launched a series Although al-Shabab is suspected of of cross-border raids against AIAI, involvement in the series of grenade government by attacking basically defeating the group—yet attacks in Kenya in 2011-2012, the group civilian targets in Kenya.” AIAI’s leaders, Shaykh Hassan Dahir clearly has support from extremists Aweys and Hassan Turki, would later living in Kenya.17 Indeed, the Muslim play key leadership roles in the Islamic Youth Center, a Nairobi-based religious Courts Union (ICU) and al-Shabab.25 extremist group, celebrated some of as subsequent violence such as the Parts of AIAI’s former support the attacks on its Twitter account and Wagalla Massacre in 1984, was brutally network is likely now supporting al- warned, “Public warnings via social suppressed, creating resentment among Shabab, as well as domestic jihadists media are over like we said. May Allah Somalis living in Kenya. After the Shifta in Kenya. keep the mujahedeen strong.”18 War, the Kenyan government declared a state of emergency in North Eastern The emergence of the ICU and then Radicalization in Kenya Province that lasted for almost three al-Shabab in 2006 contributed to Kenya is home to approximately 4.3 decades, further alienating Somalis radicalization in Kenya. Although it million Muslims, or about 9-10% of living in Kenya. was not until 2011 that Kenya began to the country’s population, and they suffer frequent small-scale terrorist predominately live in North Eastern As a product of these repeated conflicts, attacks related to developments in and Coast provinces.19 Many Muslims northeastern Kenya—as well as parts Somalia, al-Shabab has been building in Kenya also live in the Eastleigh of Coast Province—lack basic services a formidable and secretive support neighborhood of Nairobi. Eastleigh, such as paved roads, schools and network in the country since 2007.26 often called “Little Mogadishu,” is hospitals. These regions suffer from mostly home to Somali refugees who, poverty, high youth unemployment, Pumwani Riyadha Mosque over the years, have fled the violence rapid population growth and general Today, there are a number of extremist and instability in their home country.20 insecurity. Resentment toward the support facilities in troubled areas of government is high, and extremists are Kenya. Al-Shabab’s primary source of able to exploit these factors; chronic support in Kenya appears to revolve youth unemployment, for example, around the Pumwani Riyadha Mosque, 14 “Grenade Attack on Church in Garissa Kills Two,” makes al-Shabab’s promise of limited located near Eastleigh in Nairobi. Until 22 BBC, November 6, 2011. income attractive. recently, individuals at the mosque 15 “Boy Killed in Grenade Attack on Kenya Church,” handed out jihadist pamphlets and RTTNews, October 1, 2012. During the 1970s, Saudi Arabian- articles authored by Anwar al-`Awlaqi, 16 Eugene Okumu, “One Police Officer Dies and Several funded missionaries traveled to Kenya the Yemeni-American member of al- Injured in Grenade Attack,” The Star, October 17, 2012. to proselytize and convert Kenyan Qa`ida in the Arabian Peninsula who 17 See, for example, “Kenya Jails Islamist Insurgent for Muslims to Salafism. As a result of these 59 Years,” Agence France-Presse, September 20, 2012. missionary activities, the International 23 “Kenyan Somali Islamist Radicalisation.” 18 This was posted on the Twitter account @MYC_Press Crisis Group argued that “the [Muslim] 24 Ibid. on September 30, 2012. For an in-depth analysis of the community [in Kenya] grew more 25 “Hizbul Islam Group Withdraws Allegiance, Says Muslim Youth Center, see Christopher Anzalone, “Ke- insular, puritanical and conservative; ‘Al Shabab is Weakened,’” GaroweOnline, September nya’s Muslim Youth Center and Al-Shabab’s East Afri- sectarian animosities escalated, and 25, 2012; Anonymous, “A Diagnosis of Somalia’s Failing can Recruitment,” CTC Sentinel 5:10 (2012). Transitional Government,” CTC Sentinel 2:7 (2009). 19 “Kenyan Somali Islamist Radicalisation,” Internation- 21 John Ringquist, “Bandit or Patriot: The Kenyan Shifta 26 Ibrahim Oruko, “Radical Islam Spills into Kenya,” al Crisis Group, January 25, 2012. War 1963-1968,” Baltic Security and Defence Review 13:1 The Star, February 2, 2012; “Report of the Monitoring 20 Ofeibea Quist-Arcton, “Tension Runs High in Ke- (2011). Group on Somalia and Eritrea Submitted in Accordance nya’s Little Mogadishu,” National Public Radio, Novem- 22 “Militants Lure Youths with Goodies,” The Standard, with Resolution 1916 (2010),” United Nations Monitor- ber 19, 2011. September 10, 2011. ing Group on Somalia and Eritrea, July 2011.

14 october 2012 . Vol 5. Issue 10 was killed by a U.S. drone in September Since Kenya’s intervention in Somalia, posing as locals and counting on 2011.27 The cleric’s speeches were authorities and analysts suspect that outdated profiling by Kenyan security translated into Kiswahili and other local militant MYC members are responsible officers that all al-Shabaab members languages, as well as Luganda, a widely for much of the violence at home. In are Somali-looking.”43 spoken language in Uganda.28 Clerics at 2011, the United Nations Monitoring the mosque also reportedly delivered Group on Eritrea and Somalia cited in In recent months, due to increased sermons with religiously inflammatory its report that the MYC is spearheading government oversight, these mosques content.29 recruitment, fundraising, training and are reportedly no longer delivering support of jihad in Kenya.37 Since at extremist rhetoric.44 The International In the clearest case of domestic least 2010, Ahmad Iman Ali has called Crisis Group, however, conducted radicalization, the Muslim Youth Center for jihad in Kenya, instructing MYC interviews in the area in 2012 and found (MYC) was formed at the Pumwani fighters in Somalia to “hit back and that jihadist radicalization “may have Riyadha Mosque in 2008.30 The MYC, cause blasts [in Kenya] similar to the gone underground,” possibly to people’s also known as the Pumwani Muslim Kampala bombings.”38 His mention homes or in madrasas. Youth, was established by Shaykh of the Kampala bombings refers to al- Ahmad Iman Ali purportedly to express Shabab’s suicide attacks targeting Conclusion the grievances of impoverished Muslim civilians watching the World Cup in After the al-Qa`ida terrorist attacks in youth.31 In practice, however, the MYC the Ugandan capital in July 2010. That Kenya in 1998 and 2002, the government has recruited hundreds of Muslims attack killed 74 people. improved its ability to fight terrorism in Kenya to fight with al-Shabab in and related threats.45 It increased its Somalia.32 It has promised to sustain Jihadist speeches and literature as capabilities to identify, arrest and attacks for the “al-Shabab brothers” well as the activities of the MYC at detain suspects through an Anti- until Kenya withdraws troops from the Pumwani Riyadha Mosque have Terrorism Police Unit (ATPU) that was Somalia.33 contributed to the formation of a established in 2002. Yet al-Shabab’s radicalized, secretive group of Kenyan advances in Somalia during the last few Before evidence emerged of the MYC’s jihadists in Nairobi, Mombasa, Garissa, years have challenged Kenya’s ability role in radicalization and militancy, Mandera and other cities.39 This Kenya- to prevent terrorist attacks at home. Ahmad Iman Ali was a respected based group looks to al-Shabab as a Kenya’s border with Somalia is long shaykh in Nairobi. He was secretary source of emulation, while supporting and cannot be secured effectively, and for the mosque’s planning committee, its jihad by sending money and recruits it is easy to smuggle across weapons or where he handled construction at the to Somalia—as well as attacking civilian men. Moreover, al-Shabab can rely on mosque complex.34 Ahmad Iman Ali targets in Kenya.40 According to radicalized Muslims in Kenya to support was also raising money and finding Kenyan Police Commissioner Mathew its fight in Somalia, and put pressure recruits for al-Shabab’s fight in Iteere, hundreds of Kenyan youth who on the Kenyan government by attacking Somalia.35 In 2009, Ahmad Iman Ali trained with al-Shabab in Somalia have civilian targets in Kenya. overtly entered militancy and moved returned home to Kenya.41 to Somalia, where he would become the As al-Shabab continues to weaken leader of al-Shabab’s Kenyan recruits.36 Some analysts suggest that recruitment in Somalia, the Kenyan government now not only includes the Somali must also focus on finding suitable community in Kenya, but also other approaches to deradicalize the small Muslims living in the Kenyan and number of Muslims who have been lured Tanzanian coastal regions.42 According into extremism and are waging jihad to the International Crisis Group, in Kenya. The formation and activities 27 “Kenyan Somali Islamist Radicalisation.” “There is growing evidence to suggest of groups such as the MYC show that 28 Personal interview, anonymous subject matter expert that attacks in North Eastern Province certain segments of Kenya’s Muslim who has visited the mosque, Nairobi, Kenya, October are joint operations of Kenyan Swahili population are at risk of radicalization 2012. and Somali jihadis. Swahili members and recruitment into extremist groups. 29 Ibid. are easily able to evade security by Even if al-Shabab is defeated in Somalia, 30 “Kenyan Somali Islamist Radicalisation.” Kenya’s role in that defeat has now made 31 Ibid. it a target for Islamist militants seeking 32 “Report of the Monitoring Group on Somalia and 37 “Report of the Monitoring Group on Somalia and revenge. Eritrea Submitted in Accordance with Resolution 1916 Eritrea Submitted in Accordance with Resolution 1916 (2010).” (2010).” Fredrick Nzes is a journalist based in 33 Bosire Boniface, “Muslim Youth Centre Aims to Cre- 38 Ibid. Nairobi, Kenya. He writes regularly on ate Religious Strife in Kenya, Analysts Say,” Sabahi, Au- 39 Authorities have arrested a number of Kenyan citizens politics, religion and terrorism. gust 22, 2012. for their role in these attacks. See, for example, Lordrick 34 Nyambega Gisesa, “A Portrait of a Jihadist Born and Mayabi, “Grenade Man Pleads Guilty, Admits Role in Bred in Nairobi,” Africa News Online, January 30, 2012. Attacks,” CapitalFM News, October 26, 2011; “Police: 35 Ibid. Militant-Trained Kenyan Youth a Threat.” 36 Ibid.; Barnard Momayi, “Factions Support Ridyadha 40 Ibid. Mosque Report,” CapitalFM News, August 7, 2011; Abdi 41 “Police: Militant-Trained Kenyan Youth a Threat.” 43 “Kenyan Somali Islamist Radicalisation.” Dahir, “Terror Suspects Hunt Shoots Down Business in 42 “Raid, Grenades, Gunfire: Three Dead in Kenyan 44 Ibid. Eastleigh,” Daily Nation, November 15, 2011. Tourist City,” CNN, October 17, 2012. 45 Ibid.

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Breivik’s Personal Background This description of Breivik does not A Post-Trial Profile of The trial offered new insights about correspond with the remorseless person Anders Behring Breivik Breivik’s personality. The court was one could observe in court. Only once presented with two forensic psychiatric did Breivik display strong emotions By Jacob Aasland Ravndal evaluations that reached opposite during the trial; he cried uncontrollably conclusions regarding the question when the prosecutor showed his on july 22, 2011, Norwegian terrorist of criminal sanity. Several expert homemade propaganda video on the Anders Behring Breivik detonated a witnesses argued that the decision trial’s opening day. Apart from this 2,100-pound bomb in the Norwegian ultimately rested upon whether or not episode, Breivik remained indifferent Government Quarter in the heart Breivik suffered from psychosis before during the proceedings, even when of Oslo, killing eight people, before the attacks, a question that was never victims recounted gruesome stories.6 shooting and killing 69 people at Utøya, resolved with absolute certainty. In a small island 25 miles from the capital. contrast to the first forensic psychiatric The trial also revealed new facts After a trial that began in April 2012, evaluation team that diagnosed Breivik about how Breivik financed the Breivik was sentenced to 21 years in with paranoid schizophrenia, a second attacks, which are connected to his prison after a court declared he was evaluation team concluded that Breivik radicalization process. Breivik was “criminally sane” and guilty on August was criminally sane, but suffering from a dedicated financial entrepreneur. 24. The judicial process produced one or several personality disorders.4 He established several companies, a wealth of new information about During the proceedings, all nine and made approximately $150,000- the man behind the worst atrocities expert witnesses offering testimony on $200,000 between 2002-2003 at in Norway since World War II and Breivik’s mental health agreed with the supports four key conclusions. First, findings from the second evaluation. “Breivik was no Breivik was no stereotypical loner, and he decided to pursue mass violence The court unanimously sentenced Breivik stereotypical loner, and much later than previously assumed. to “preventive detention,” Norway’s he decided to pursue mass Second, through experimentation and strictest form of detention.5 The practical dedication, Breivik managed to build a implication of the sentence is that violence much later than new type of fertilizer bomb never before Breivik will remain in jail for as long as previously assumed.” used in past terrorist attacks. Third, he is considered a danger to society. Breivik’s Knights Templar organization likely never existed before his attacks. The July 22 attacks sparked a renewed Fourth, Breivik’s ideology has less in focus on the threat from what many the age of 24. Although few of his common with the so-called counterjihad call “lone wolf” terrorists. The trial companies were successful, his last movement than with far right violent strengthened the impression of Breivik project, called Diploma Service, extremists.1 as a lone wolf in the sense that he generated substantial money.7 Breivik prepared and executed the attacks on used the surplus from Diploma Service, This article will present previously his own. On the other hand, testimony as well as profit from other investments, unknown facts about Breivik’s personal from Breivik’s closest friends suggests to finance his preparations for the July background, tactics, and networks.2 he was far from a stereotypical loner 22 attacks. When he finally depleted his It will also offer new perspectives on with few friends and poor social skills. personal savings on April 26, 2011, he Breivik’s extremist ideology in light Not only did Breivik belong to a normal started using credit cards, 11 in total. of texts he wrote before and after the and resourceful group of friends, he was attacks of July 2011. Unless otherwise also characterized as one of the caring It is not clear, however, whether cited, all of the facts in this article were and sociable members of the group. This Breivik knew he was going down a presented during Breivik’s trial.3 challenges the common assumption that violent path when he was conducting he was a loner. business between 2002 and 2006. Breivik claimed he attended an 4 Alternative diagnoses that were discussed in court inauguration meeting of the Knights included dissocial and narcissistic personality disorder Templar organization in London in as well as Asperger syndrome. Among the experts were 2002, and that he decided to become representatives from the prison psychiatric team who a martyr in 2007. Prosecutors, on observed Breivik on a daily basis since his arrest. There the other hand, did not believe such a 1 The term counterjihad refers to a transnational politi- were also representatives from a group of 17 experts meeting took place, or that the Knights cal movement whose main objective is to reverse Mus- that monitored Breivik around the clock for two weeks lim immigration and the introduction of Islamic culture against his own will looking for signs of psychosis. Out of 6 Although Breivik came across as soft-spoken and to Western societies. See Toby Archer, “Countering the those 17 experts, 16 reported no such signs. polite throughout most of the trial, he also behaved Counter-Jihad,” RUSI Monitor, August 15, 2008. 5 Preventive detention is an indefinite sentence that may inappropriately on several occasions. For example, he 2 For a pre-trial summary on Breivik’s personal back- be given to dangerous, accountable offenders with the did a closed fist salute on the first and last days of the trial, ground, tactics and networks, see Jacob Aasland Ravn- purpose of protecting the community against new seri- and made several rude remarks to the first psychiatric dal, “A Pre-Trial Profile of Anders Behring Breivik,”CTC ous criminality. For more details, see “Factsheet Preven- evaluation team. Sentinel 5:3 (2012). tive Detention,” Norwegian Correctional Services, Au- 7 This company produced fake diplomas and appears to 3 The author attended the trial hearings in Norway. gust 22, 2012. have operated legally.

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Templar ever existed. They further admired, such as Peder Are Nøstvold Breivik’s most demanding project, both argued that Breivik did not decide Jensen (known as Fjordman), refused intellectually and physically, was the to become a terrorist until 2009, or his proposals for cooperation. At some making of his 2,100-pound fertilizer possibly as late as 2010. For example, point, possibly as late as 2009, he bomb. He claimed in court that he all financial transactions related to apparently gave up his non-violent acquired more than 600 bomb-making the attacks, such as the acquisition of initiatives, and started writing the manuals online, with recipes involving body armor, weapons and bombmaking third book in his trilogy: A Declaration of more than 100 different types of material, occurred between April 2010 Preemptive War. explosives.10 He also studied al-Qa`ida and July 2011. attacks as well as al-Qa`ida in the Breivik’s Tactics Arabian Peninsula’s Inspire magazine It is noteworthy that Breivik appeared The trial proceedings revealed new to obtain knowledge of the types of to have given up his financial activities information about Breivik’s tactics— explosives and techniques to use. as early as 2006. Earning money had such as his mental preparation for the been a key driver in his life since he attacks, bomb production process, and It appears that Breivik, through dropped out of high school in 2001. target selection. Breivik told the court experimentation and dedication, was Why did he suddenly quit his financial that he spent a lot of time preparing the first person to produce a bomb from endeavors? Different explanations were mentally for the atrocities. He worked diluted fertilizer. The measure to dilute discussed in court. One theory was that systematically to “de-emotionalize” the concentration of ammonium nitrate his companies did not produce much himself to prepare for murder. He in fertilizer was introduced in Europe money. This explanation has been compared himself to soldiers going to after the Oklahoma City bombing in dismissed on the grounds that by 2006 war in Afghanistan who, according to 1995 to ensure that fertilizer products he had generated a substantial amount could no longer be used to manufacture of money through Diploma Service. A bombs. Breivik was aware of this, and second explanation was that he suffered “Breivik further explained explained that it was the reason why from depression. Several of his friends that his goal was to kill none of the bomb-making recipes he had believed this could be the reason why acquired would work. They either used Breivik began to isolate himself and everyone on the island illegal explosives materials that were show little interest in social relations. by using the surrounding too risky to obtain, or they required A final explanation was that he had the old fertilizer concentration. He radicalized and changed focus from lake as a ‘weapon of mass therefore had to experiment and combine money to politics. destruction’—forcing knowledge from different recipes. He also explained that despite extensive The last explanation seems the most people to flee into the cold research, he could not identify a single plausible considering the remaining water and drown.” terrorist attack using the diluted part of Breivik’s life, although fertilizer type available on European depression could have contributed to markets today. his radicalization. Either way, this does not necessarily mean that Breivik had Breivik, use dehumanization techniques The trial also shed more light on decided to engage in mass violence by to be able to kill the enemy. In addition, Breivik’s targeting calculations. For 2006. In fact, the first two books in his Breivik claimed he practiced Japanese example, he said that Utøya was not his trilogy compendium hardly mentioned Bushido meditation techniques initial target. He originally intended armed revolution, with the exception combined with music to build “contempt to attack a major Norwegian press of a few sections toward the end of the for death” and repress his fears. gathering called the SKUP-conference, second book. In contrast, texts written or the headquarters of the Norwegian by Breivik in these books discussed Breivik also used computer games to Labor Party.11 and evaluated a range of non-violent prepare for the attacks. In particular, forms of resistance, suggesting this he played the first person shooter game Breivik said he decided to target Utøya was Breivik’s preferred option in the “Call of Duty.”9 According to Breivik, when he realized he would only be able beginning.8 it primarily helped him practice the to produce one bomb instead of three. holographic weapon gun sight he used The second target, therefore, had to be Yet Breivik’s non-violent campaign did on Utøya. He also used the game to a firearms assault operation.12 Utøya not work. Major newspapers rejected his practice a scenario where police forces articles, and counterjihad ideologues he might attempt to capture him using a 10 Breivik’s use of numbers should not always be inter- “pincer movement.” preted literally as he has shown a tendency to exagger- 8 Among other topics, Breivik discussed strategic com- ate. munication, education reform, rhetoric and how to deal 9 Breivik registered an account for this game on January 11 Breivik also considered striking the parliament, the with the media. For more details, see Breivik’s com- 18, 2010, and had an average playing time of 10 hours per worker’s parade on May 1, the Blitz house which belongs pendium: Anders Behring Breivik, “2083: A European month for one year and four months. This is not neces- to Norwegian left-wing radicals, the offices of the Norwe- Declaration of Independence,” sections 2.73–2.80. The sarily an unusual amount of time compared to other com- gian Socialist Party, the offices of the Norwegian newspa- compendium is available in different versions. This ar- puter game enthusiasts. Breivik spent considerable more pers Aftenposten and Dagsavisen, and the royal palace. ticle therefore refers to its numerical sections, rather than time playing World of Warcraft during the same period. 12 Originally, Breivik planned to carry out his shooting page numbers. He also practiced shooting at a pistol club. spree at the SKUP-conference, but the bomb was not

17 october 2012 . Vol 5. Issue 10 was not only selected because Breivik Second, the prosecutor presented Breivik’s Ideology considered it a “political indoctrination evidence suggesting that Breivik’s There are two key challenges when camp” for “cultural Marxists.” He also alleged trips to attend Knights Templar studying Breivik’s ideology: the chose Utøya because prominent Labor meetings in London and in the Baltic magnitude of the 1,518-page long Party politicians were scheduled to countries were in fact related to his compendium, and the fact that Breivik speak on the island. According to diamond trade and money laundering, only authored half of the content. To Breivik, former Prime Minister Gro respectively. For example, Breivik’s decipher Breivik’s ideology, a necessary Harlem Brundtland was his top priority movements during these trips, traced first step is therefore to isolate his own target, and the alleged reason why he electronically by the police, suggested texts. In addition, Breivik has provided chose the date of July 22, the day of her that he did not have the time to attend new ideological statements in court and visit.13 such meetings. in letters written from inside prison.

Breivik further explained how his Third, police tried to trace any possible By studying Breivik’s own texts and original plan was to capture Brundtland meetings between Breivik and people statements, it becomes clear that he and videotape her beheading while connected to the English Defense attempted to provide a comprehensive reading her death sentence. He said League or similar organizations, but did ideological framework to unite that he learned this technique from al- not find any conclusive evidence. different factions of the far right.18 Qa`ida and believed it would have a His main thesis is that Western major psychological effect. Brundtland, In sum, the evidence presented strongly societies are governed by politically- however, had already left the island suggests that Breivik’s Knights Templar correct elites, the so-called “cultural by the time Breivik arrived. Breivik network did not exist before the attacks. Marxists,” who since the end of further explained that his goal was to There are, however, already examples World War II have systematically kill everyone on the island by using the of groups and individuals trying to deconstructed traditional Western surrounding lake as a “weapon of mass establish networks in cooperation with values and traditions, and allowed destruction”—forcing people to flee into Breivik from jail. For example, Nick for massive Muslim immigration to the cold water and drown. Greger, a German former neo-Nazi Europe. convicted of terrorism charges, wrote to Breivik’s Networks Breivik and offered him the support of Cultural Marxism refers to a Before the beginning of the trial, the his Order 777 network.14 There is also continuation of core Marxist principles, media identified a series of possible letter correspondence published online translated from economic to cultural network connections between Breivik between Breivik and Russian extremists terms. Whereas classical Marxism was and other extremists. During the trial, suggesting that a support network is meant to deconstruct economic class the prosecution disputed most of being established in Russia.15 In one differences, cultural Marxism has been these connections, including meetings letter, Nikola Korolev, who is currently used to deconstruct traditional family between Breivik and other members serving a prison sentence for a bomb structures, the roles of men and women, of his alleged Knights Templar attack in Moscow in 2006, is referred to and differences between races.19 As organization. as the leader of a Russian prison network a result, Western culture has been that sympathizes with Breivik.16 In transformed from being patriarchal First, the prosecution investigated addition, Breivik has received support and culturally homogenous into being Breivik’s alleged meeting with a Serb letters from around the world, and there matriarchical and multicultural. This is, war hero in Liberia in 2002. Contrary are numerous blogs supporting him. In according to proponents of the theory, a to Breivik’s allegation that his trip to the Czech Republic, a man was recently dangerous development that will lead Liberia represented a key event in his arrested for planning a terrorist attack to a totalitarian society in line with radicalization process, the prosecutor inspired by Breivik.17 Nazism and communism. One mission of introduced evidence suggesting Breivik’s Knights Templar organization that the trip was in fact a misguided While much of the media reporting is to supposedly fight the three “hate attempt on Breivik’s behalf to set up a about Breivik’s ideology has centered ideologies” of Nazism, communism and blood diamond trading company. To on the counterjihad movement, a closer Islam.20 support this argument, the prosecution reading of his own texts suggests that conducted a video-link interview in his ideology may have more in common 18 He combined elements from traditional far right, anti- court with one of Breivik’s contacts with far right extremists. Islamism, American paleoconservatism, anti-feminism, in Liberia, who said Breivik appeared revolutionary theory and a range of other “isms,” includ- genuinely interested in diamonds. ing well-known conspiracy theories. 19 Ideas about cultural Marxism, which are first present- ed in the introductory chapter of Breivik’s compendium, ready in time and he missed the April 1-2, 2011, event 14 “Ekstremist har sendt Breivik brev - vil stifte Knights are in fact a copy of the anthology Political Correctness: date. He also missed the annual meeting of the Labor Templar,” Dagbladet, June 19, 2012. A Short History of an Ideology, published in 2004. This Party on April 7-10, 2011. 15 “Russian Branch of Breivik’s Organization Headed by collection of short essays was originally written for an 13 Other speakers included Jens Stoltenberg (prime min- Nikola Korolev,” Spas History’s Journal, June 9, 2012. American audience, but Breivik simply replaced “Amer- ister), Jonas Gahr Støre (then minister of foreign affairs) 16 Ibid. ica” with “Europe,” and inserted “Muslims” instead of and Marte Michelet (journalist and former leader of the 17 “Czech Police Charge Man over ‘Breivik-Style’ Plot,” other minority groups described in the essays. political party Red Youth). BBC, August 18, 2012. 20 Breivik, 3.13.

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Breivik believed that it is too late to fathers should always have custody of Recent letter correspondence between reverse this development by democratic children, and that physical punishment Breivik and some of his supporters means, and therefore called for an armed should be legal.25 Marriage should be indicates that Breivik continues to revolution that legitimizes terrorism based on mutual interests rather than regard himself as a revolutionary and the use of chemical, biological, feelings, and sexual relations should leader, and that he is largely unable to radiological and nuclear weapons.21 be practiced with moderation.26 Yet accept his compromised position. In He developed a detailed list of charges Breivik proposed establishing “liberal one of these letters, he discussed “plans against cultural Marxist “traitors,” and zones” where sex could be practiced for the coming decade.”34 He claimed to has also formed a system of different more freely for those who cannot control be planning three books: one dealing traitor categories with corresponding their desires.27 with the July 22 operation, a second penalties.22 In other words, Breivik’s on ideology, and a third addressing armed revolution was first and foremost Breivik was also concerned about the future. Furthermore, he claimed directed against Western elites and protecting the future of the Nordic race to be in the process of establishing a regimes, and less toward the Muslim and suggested using reprogenetics to pan-European think-tank to be called population. secure future generations.28 He proposed “The Conservative Revolutionary establishing state-run surrogate clinics Movement.” According to Breivik, this While Breivik has borrowed most of where Nordic children could be born think-tank will consist of conservative what he has written about cultural and raised.29 The state would take full intellectuals and “keyboard warriors” Marxism, multiculturalism and armed responsibility for the upbringing of fighting for a conservative revolution.35 revolution from other writers, he has these children, and there should be a also developed his own ideas about how bachelor’s degree for state-employed Finally, in the same letter, Breivik he would organize a future society. In “guardian parents.”30 wrote that he and other patriots are establishing a prison network in “The case underscores the He further proposed dismantling the Northern Europe for politically-oriented European Union and importing cheap prisoners, focusing on Germany, Russia, potential importance of the labor from abroad—a “future servant Denmark, Sweden and Norway. In the internet in radicalization class.”31 These workers would live in same paragraph, he drew a parallel to segregated communities and only do Nelson Mandela who a few decades ago processes and indicates cleaning, construction work, drive headed the armed wing of the African that the possibility taxis, and farming. They would be National Congress (ANC) before he was granted short 12-month contracts and imprisoned, but continued to lead the of obtaining training would have to return to their country of armed resistance from prison. and operational skills origin at the end of the term.32 Conclusion online may have been Breivik summarized his ideology in The trial exposed Breivik as a underestimated.” a one hour and twelve minute court strikingly committed extremist and statement. He claimed to speak on ideological entrepreneur, who never behalf of the Norwegian and European fully understood the logic of terrorism. indigenous peoples, and attacked what Terrorists use violence for political the compendium, he discussed religion, he regarded as a systematic suppression reasons. Yet if the spectacle of violence sex, family planning, reprogenetics,23 of so-called cultural conservatives overshadows the political message, international affairs, globalization, by cultural Marxists since the end of the logic of terrorism has failed. In development aid, music and the World War II. He presented extensive the case of Breivik, there is no doubt economy. Breivik proposed a peculiar conspiracy theories as well as unfounded that the level of violence for which world in these texts. assumptions and statistics concerning he is responsible has drawn far more immigration, and Islam in particular. attention than the political message he For example, he called for a reformation He claimed brutality is not necessarily is trying to convey. of the church and proposed a militant evil, and drew parallels to the U.S. version of Christianity in which nuclear bombings of Japan in 1945.33 religious leaders once again call for 24 crusades. With regard to family 25 Ibid., 3.83. structures, Breivik suggested that 26 Ibid., 3.88. and national pride. He argued it is unfair that most indig- 27 Ibid., 3.85. enous peoples are praised for conserving their cultures 21 Ibid., 3.35–3.59. 28 Ibid., 3.92–3-93. and traditions, while his own indigenous people are la- 22 Ibid., 3.2, 3.44. 29 Ibid., 3.90. beled racist when doing the same thing. 23 Reprogenetics is a term referring to the merging of re- 30 Ibid. 34 “Letter to Angus,” The Commander Breivik Report, productive and genetic technologies expected to happen 31 Ibid., 3.94. accessed October 4, 2012. in the near future. The term was coined by Lee M. Silver, 32 Ibid. 35 When describing his think-tank plans, Breivik char- a professor of molecular biology at Princeton University, 33 In the same statement, Breivik idealized states such acterized the current counterjihad network in Western in his book Remaking Eden (New York: Avon Books, as Japan and South Korea for being high-tech nations Europe as quite successful and effective, but criticized 1997). that rejected multiculturalism and embraced ethnic pro- it for fighting against Islam only, and not for European 24 Breivik, 3.80–3.81. tectionism and values such as discipline, codes of honor indigenous, cultural and religious rights.

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The trial also demonstrated how The Syria Balancing Act: East as Salafi-jihadi fighters could use someone who felt ignored and sophisticated weapons, such as surface- misunderstood was able to build an Supporting Transition, to-air missiles, against other targets in alternative reality online, and educate Avoiding Blowback the region. himself on how to plan and execute a massive and deadly terrorist attack. By James Denselow This article reviews the jihadist The case underscores the potential presence among the rebel ranks, importance of the internet in in the last few months, violence examines how Syria’s unsecured radicalization processes and indicates in Syria has escalated into a more borders are allowing money, weapons that the possibility of obtaining conventional civil war. The early and foreign fighters to filter into training and operational skills online manifestations of Syria’s revolution— the country, and finally warns that may have been underestimated. large public protests across the supplying weapons to Syrian rebels country—have been replaced by may destabilize the region further if Finally, the trial revealed that Breivik’s a diverse and fragmented armed these weapons are smuggled outside of life story and psychological profile opposition fighting an insurgency Syria’s borders. involves a number of contradictions and against what is increasingly viewed as a mysteries. He is criminally sane, but government that is running out of time Jihadist Elements in Syria mentally ill. He acted alone, but was not and ideas. International support to this Fighters publicly pursuing a more a typical loner. He seemed emotionally opposition has taken a myriad of forms secular platform dominate the rebel indifferent in court, but cried when providing legitimacy, money and arms movement in Syria. There is clear watching his own propaganda video. to the rebel fighters. evidence, however, that Salafi-jihadis also fight among the rebel ranks. These What Breivik wanted from the trial In June 2012, for example, the Saudi Salafi-jihadi fighters are concentrated was to be sentenced as criminally sane. government reportedly agreed to fund in a number of different groups or Anything else would have undermined Free Syrian Army (FSA)1 salaries. Both militias, the most prominent of which is his project. He wanted to make a Saudi Arabia and Qatar are leading the Jabhat al-Nusra. statement to the world through extreme supply of weapons to the opposition violence, and in this he has succeeded. through Turkey.2 The Times of London In one of the most detailed examinations Whether he will succeed in inspiring reported the scale of such supplies in of the operational capacity of jihadist others to join his armed resistance September as a ship from Libya arrived elements in Syria, Bilal Saab identified remains to be seen, but the level of in Turkey carrying more than 400 tons a handful of small jihadist groups, violence could turn out to be his own of cargo including SAM-7 surface-to- saying that the Syrian battlefield is worst enemy. air anti-aircraft missiles and rocket- “awash with al-Qa`ida-linked jihadist propelled grenades (RPGs), described cells.”4 These cells, Saab argued, are Jacob Aasland Ravndal is a research fellow by a member of the FSA as “the largest disorganized and lack a charismatic and Ph.D. candidate at the Norwegian single delivery of assistance to the rebel leader capable of unifying them.5 Defence Research Establishment (FFI). fighting units we have received.”3 Other media reports describe radical He studies far right extremism with an fringe elements operating within a emphasis on counterjihad ideology and These financial and weapons transfers diverse setup that is still dominated movements. Mr. Ravndal holds a master’s are not without risks. Although the FSA by Syrian nationalists rather than degree in Peace and Conflict Studies from is comprised of secular militias, there transnational ideologues. In arguably the University of Oslo. are also hard-line Salafi-jihadi fighters the most comprehensive study so far, among the rebel ranks, and reports an International Crisis Group report in increasingly suggest that they are October outlined how “the presence of receiving some of the outside financial a powerful Salafi strand among Syria’s and weapons aid. Western policymakers rebels has become irrefutable.”6 worry that a marriage of convenience between secular and Salafi-jihadi The relatively large focus on the fighters against the Bashar al-Assad numbers and exact role of extremist regime could lead to a bloody divorce elements in the Syria conflict is stoked along the lines of the Afghan mujahidin by the Syrian regime’s continual in the 1980s. Such a development would emphasis of the pivotal role played by add to the instability in the Middle jihadists. Following meetings with al- Assad in September, UN envoy Lakhdar 1 Martin Chulov, Ewen MacAskill, and John Densky, Brahimi reported that the Syrian “Saudi Arabia Plans to Fund Syria Rebel Army,” Guard- government estimates that there are ian, June 22, 2012. 2 David E. Sanger, “Rebel Arms Flow is Said to Benefit 4 Bilal Y. Saab, “Unpacking Al-Qaeda’s Presence in Syr- Jihadists in Syria,” New York Times, October 14, 2012. ia,” Jane’s Islamic Affairs Analyst, September 27, 2012. 3 “Syrian Rebels Squabble over Weapons as Biggest 5 Ibid. Shipload Arrives from Libya,” The Times, September 15, 6 “Tentative Jihad: Syria’s Fundamentalist Opposition,” 2012. International Crisis Group, October 11, 2012.

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5,000 foreign fighters in the country.7 a low level terrorist threat from the large urban centers. In July, the regime Al-Assad’s government has regularly Salafi-jihadi group Jund al-Sham, which lost control of the major crossings of accused Western and Arab countries claimed responsibility for numerous Bab al-Hawa and Bab al-Salam on the of exacerbating the violence by sending attacks in the country including one border with Turkey and the main Abu weapons and facilitating foreign on the U.S. Embassy in Damascus in Kamal post on the border with Iraq. fighter travel. In September, the Syrian 2006.12 It is also suspected of targeting Following Syrian artillery strikes on ambassador to the UN Human Rights a Syrian intelligence building in locations inside Turkey in October, the Council, Faysal Khabbaz Hamoui, told Damascus in September 2008, which Syrian regime instructed its military the council that the opposition was killed approximately 17 people.13 After to keep aircraft at least six miles from conducting “a jihad or holy war against the outbreak of violence across Syria Turkey’s border, another example of Damascus…the mercenaries are a time and the deployment of the military the regime’s diminished sovereignty. bomb that will explode later in the against the protestors in 2011, a number country and in the countries supporting of militant groups have exploited the Weapons Proliferation them after they finish their terrorist new operating space created by the The lack of border security creates mission in Syria.”8 conflict. the risk that weapons intended for the secular Syrian opposition could end British officials involved in supporting The state of flux across the North Africa up in the hands of new jihadist groups the opposition, however, see al-Qa`ida region caused by the fall of Mu`ammar in the region that have emerged in as a “very small minority” of the Qadhafi, Hosni Mubarak and Zine the last 19 months, as well as to more opposition,9 while Noman Benotman’s al-Abidine Ben Ali has weakened established groups such as al-Qa`ida in research of extremist websites estimates traditionally strong state security forces Iraq (AQI). In the case of AQI, the group the number of foreign fighters “between and affected the entire Levant. Today, has a number of smuggling routes that 1,200-1,500 members”10 compared to the Syrian state has lost control over a cross the Syria-Iraq border. In the past the FSA’s estimated strength of tens of number of its border crossings and large decade, these routes have been used thousands of armed men.11 swathes of the country. UN officials have reported how both Humvees and “If such weapons were Although the exact number of foreign surface-to-air missiles have moved from fighters is in dispute, it is clear that Libya through the now contested Sinai smuggled out of the Salafi-jihadi groups are operating in Peninsula to the Hamas-controlled Gaza Middle East to Europe or Syria today. As with previous conflicts Strip.14 Syria’s border with Lebanon has in the region, when state authority historically been largely un-demarcated beyond, the effects could be shrinks, new groups move into the due to Syria’s pre-colonial claims to devastating. In the hands less contested spaces. In Syria, the the territory. It is crisscrossed with geography of the country and its history smuggling routes, and despite laying of al-Qa`ida, SAMs could as a thoroughfare for state-sanctioned minefields along sensitive areas the be used against civilian armed groups—whether Hamas and Syrian regime has found it impossible Hizb Allah to the west, the increasingly to prevent weapons and people moving airliners, a tactic al-Qa`ida lawless Sinai to the south or the active in either direction.15 already employed during al-Qa`ida affiliate in Iraq that has longstanding logistical capabilities The BBC reported in September 2012 how the terrorist attacks in in the country—leave it particularly Egyptians were traveling to Syria under Mombasa, Kenya, in 2002.” vulnerable to foreign fighters joining the guise of a “relief convoy” organized the conflict. by an ultra-orthodox Islamic group with contacts in Egypt and Lebanon.16 Increasingly Unsecured Borders Likewise, the long desert border with to move weapons and other supplies For the past 40 years, Syria has used its Iraq has been largely abandoned as a from Syria into Iraq to support AQI’s foreign policy to back proxy groups in result of opposition attacks and the insurgency. With the influx of weapons Lebanon, Iraq and Palestine. Yet prior regime concentrating its forces around to Syria’s rebels, there is the real to the outbreak of protests in March possibility that arms will be smuggled 2011, Syria was already experiencing 12 Beirut-based al-Akhbar reported in June that elements out of Syria to Iraqi insurgents. AQI’s of Jund al-Sham and Fatah al-Islam had left Palestinian access to deadly weapons such as SAMs 7 “Assad Wants to Return to ‘The Old Syria,’ Says U.N. camps in Lebanon and joined Jabhat al-Nusra. could be used with great effectiveness Envoy Brahimi,” al-Arabiya, September 24, 2012. 13 Rafid Fadhil Ali, “Terrorism Comes to Damascus: against Iraq’s Shi`a-led government. 8 “Syrian War Crimes List Drawn Up,” Irish Times, Sep- Syria Faces its Own Islamist Threat,” Terrorism Monitor If such weapons were smuggled out of tember 17, 2012. 6:20 (2008). the Middle East to Europe or beyond, 9 Personal interviews, anonymous officials, UK Foreign 14 Personal interview, anonymous UN officials, October the effects could be devastating. In the & Commonwealth Office, London, September 14, 2012. 4, 2012. hands of al-Qa`ida, SAMs could be 10 Noman Benotman and Emad Naseraldin, “The Jihad- 15 In March 2012, Human Rights Watch reported Syr- used against civilian airliners, a tactic ist Network in the Syrian Revolution: A Strategic Brief- ian opposition activists disarming PMN-2 anti-personnel al-Qa`ida already employed during the ing,” Quilliam Foundation, September 2012. mines and TMN-46 anti-vehicle mines. terrorist attacks in Mombasa, Kenya, in 11 Personal interview, Michael Weiss, research director 16 “Egyptian Jihadist’s Path to Syria,” BBC, September 2002. of The Henry Jackson Society, London, October 2, 2012. 25, 2012.

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British officials have highlighted how Meanwhile, the British government, equipment supplied by Qatar, Turkey which is providing $8 million worth Recent Highlights in and Saudi Arabia has already been of non-lethal support to opposition21 Terrorist Activity “leaked” to other groups.17 U.S. officials fighters who “share our values,” 22 relayed this issue to the New York Times, are conscious of the dangers of giving September 1, 2012 (AFGHANISTAN): claiming, “the opposition groups that direct aid to an opposition that can be Twin Taliban suicide attacks killed 10 are receiving the most of the lethal aid divisive. civilians and two police officers near are exactly the ones we don’t want to a U.S.-run military base in Wardak have it.”18 The bottom-up nature of the Moving Forward Province. – AFP, August 31 organized resistance, the changing and With Western powers unwilling to competitive networks of patronage, as deploy more advisers on the ground September 1, 2012 (MALI): Islamist well as constantly shifting frontlines in Syria’s “liberated areas,” Turkey militants who control northern Mali make it difficult for outside state will remain the critical player in the overran Douentza, a strategic town close supporters to transfer weapons to the careful balance of responsible support to government-held territory. Fighters “right hands.” There is also the issue to the opposition that the West is belonging to the Movement for Unity and of weaponry captured from the Syrian looking to provide. Governments in the Jihad in West Africa (MUJAO) entered regime itself; opposition ground forces United States and United Kingdom will Douentza in 4x4s and disarmed the Gando have already overrun numerous air likely continue to pursue the parallel Iso local militia. MUJAO is affiliated with defense bases and airports. strategy of providing greater support al-Qa`ida in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM). to Jordan, Lebanon and Turkey, while – AFP, September 1 The rebel uprising in Libya is a working to unify the Syrian opposition pertinent example of how arms and isolate foreign fighters. September 1, 2012 (MALI): The intended for one conflict can quickly Movement for Unity and Jihad in West cause unintended developments Against the October backdrop of Syrian Africa (MUJAO) reportedly executed an elsewhere. Following the collapse of artillery attacks and the worst violence Algerian diplomat who they took hostage the Qadhafi regime, an authoritarian in Turkey’s Kurdish southern areas in a after overrunning the Algerian Embassy state’s tight control of weaponry decade, Turkish intelligence continues in Gao, Mali, in April 2012. – al-Bawaba, suddenly became a source of regional to play a key role as a gatekeeper of September 2 supply. A New York Times investigation weapons allowed into northern Syria.23 in June 2012 identified “persistent When Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet September 2, 2012 (YEMEN): A suspected reports of smuggling—to dealers, Davutoglu warned that his country U.S. drone killed 10 alleged members insurgents or terrorists in Algeria, is willing to risk war to establish safe of al-Qa`ida in the Arabian Peninsula, Chad, Egypt, Lebanon, Mali, Syria, zones for refugees in northern Syria,24 as well as three female companions, in Tunisia, the Palestinian territories and Washington and European capitals the Rada area of Bayda Province. Later elsewhere.”19 Some analysts argue that must realize that a “hands-off” strategy reports in CNN quoted Yemeni security al-Qa`ida in the Islamic Maghreb’s toward the Syrian opposition causes officials as saying that all 13 people killed control of northern Mali was a direct regional powers to lead the way. This were civilians, and not members of AQAP, result of Libyan arms being redeployed could have unpredictable consequences in what amounted to “a mistake.” – AFP, to ethno-nationalists and religious for Western interests. September 2; CNN, September 3 extremists in North Africa. James Denselow is a Middle East Security September 3, 2012 (PAKISTAN): A suicide Considering Syria’s direct proximity Analyst based at King’s College London. bomber in an explosives-laden vehicle to the Middle East’s numerous rammed into a U.S. Consulate sport flashpoints, Washington will want utility vehicle in Peshawar, wounding two to avoid a repeat of the weapons Americans and two Pakistani employees. proliferation that occurred in the The attack occurred in a residential area Libya conflict. U.S. officials have of Peshawar called University Town. acknowledged off the record that they – Reuters, September 3; New York Times, are sending more intelligence officers September 3 and diplomats to both advise the rebel forces against the Syrian regime September 5, 2012 (YEMEN): A suspected and crucially to also watch “for al- U.S. drone killed five alleged al-Qa`ida Qaeda’s infiltration of rebel ranks.”20 in the Arabian Peninsula militants in Hadramawt Province. – CNN, September 5 17 Personal interviews, anonymous officials, UK Foreign 21 Non-lethal support includes training, communications & Commonwealth Office, London, September 14, 2012. equipment and body armor. September 7, 2012 (GLOBAL): The U.S. 18 Sanger. 22 Personal interviews, anonymous officials, UK Foreign government designated the Haqqani 19 C.J. Chivers, “Death Illustrates Issues With Loose & Commonwealth Office, London, September 14, 2012. network as a terrorist organization on Weapons Stockpiles in Libya,” New York Times, June 13, 23 Michael Weiss, “Syrian Rebels Say Turkey is Arming the State Department’s Foreign Terrorist 2012. and Training Them,” Telegraph, May 21, 2012. Organizations list. – Washington Post, 20 Kimberly Dozier, “Syria Crisis: U.S. Border Presence 24 “Davutoglu Says War Risk Worth Taking in Syria,” September 7 Grows,” Associated Press, September 9, 2012. Today’s Zaman, September 28, 2012.

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September 8, 2012 (AFGHANISTAN): Abu Yahya in an airstrike in Pakistan, September 14, 2012 (UNITED STATES): A suicide bomber detonated explosives but al-Zawahiri’s statement was the first A U.S. federal court in Virginia sentenced outside NATO headquarters in Kabul, official al-Qa`ida confirmation of his Amine Mohammed El Khalifi to 30 killing six people. – Australian Broadcasting death. - Reuters, September 11; Voice of America, years in prison for plotting to execute Corporation, September 8 September 11 a suicide bombing at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. As stated by September 9, 2012 (IRAQ): A series of car September 11, 2012 (LIBYA): Militants the Washington Post, Khalifi, an illegal bombs exploded in mainly Shi`a districts attacked the U.S. Consulate in Benghazi, immigrant from Morocco, “was arrested in Baghdad after a court sentenced Iraq’s killing four U.S. Foreign Service members, in February [2012] heading to the Capitol fugitive Vice President Tariq al-Hashimi including U.S. Ambassador to Libya with what he thought was an explosives- to death. Al-Hashimi is a senior Sunni Christopher Stevens. – AP, September 13 laden vest and a loaded gun. Undercover politician. – Reuters, September 9 FBI agents had provided both weapons, September 11, 2012 (TURKEY): A suicide which were rendered inoperable.” September 9, 2012 (MALI): A car accident bomber killed at least one police officer – Washington Post, September 14 killed a senior commander for al-Qa`ida at the Sultangazi district police station in the Islamic Maghreb in Gao, located in Istanbul. A Turkish leftist group, the September 14, 2012 (AFGHANISTAN): in northern Mali. He was identified as Revolutionary People’s Liberation Party/ Taliban militants dressed in U.S. Army Nabil Makhloufi, an Algerian national. Front (Dev Sol), claimed responsibility. uniforms attacked Camp Bastion in Makhloufi was known as the “amir of – CNN, September 11; BBC, September 11 southern Helmand Province, killing two the Sahara.” – Reuters, September 9; BBC, U.S. Marines. Britain’s Prince Harry was September 10 September 12, 2012 (PAKISTAN): Al- at the camp at the time of the attack, but he Qa`ida released a new video of American was reportedly “never in any danger.” The September 10, 2012 (AFGHANISTAN): hostage Warren Weinstein, who was large-scale attack destroyed or severely Militants fired into Bagram Air Base in kidnapped from his home in Lahore in damaged eight fighter jets. According to Kabul, destroying a coalition Chinook CH- August 2011. Weinstein is 71-years- the New York Times, “The complex attack, 47 heavy-transport helicopter and killing old, and is likely being held in the tribal which NATO officials said was conducted three Afghan service members who were regions along Pakistan’s border with by three tightly choreographed teams on board. An ISAF spokesman said, “We Afghanistan. – ABC News, September 12 of militants wearing American Army can confirm that an ISAF helicopter was uniforms, was a reminder that the Taliban destroyed by indirect fire. The helicopter September 12, 2012 (SOMALIA): Two remain capable of serious assaults...” caught fire after it was hit.” – New York al-Shabab suicide bombers attempted to The militants managed to enter the base Times, September 11 assassinate the new president of Somalia, perimeter and penetrate the facility. – Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, at a hotel in one Reuters, September 15; New York Times, September September 10, 2012 (PAKISTAN): A car of the most secure areas of Mogadishu. 16 bomb exploded at a market in Parachinar, Mohamud was meeting with Kenya’s Kurram Agency of the Federally foreign minister at the time of the blasts, September 14, 2012 (KENYA): Police Administered Tribal Areas. The explosion and both men escaped injury. Eight people in Nairobi foiled a terrorist attack after killed at least 12 people. – BBC, September were killed. – Reuters, September 12 raiding a house in Eastleigh district. 10 During the operation, which uncovered September 13, 2012 (GLOBAL): Al-Qa`ida suicide bombs and assault rifles, police September 10, 2012 (INDONESIA): A chief Ayman al-Zawahiri released a new arrested two suspects of Somali origin. would-be suicide bomber decided to turn message calling on Muslims to support – CapitalFM News, September 14; Reuters, himself in to authorities rather than carry Syrian rebels. – Reuters, September 13 September 14 through with his planned attack. He told police that he was supposed to attack any September 14, 2012 (UNITED STATES): September 16, 2012 (PAKISTAN): A of the following four targets in Jakarta: Authorities arrested Adel Daoud, an roadside bomb killed 14 civilians in Lower the tactical police headquarters, a police 18-year-old suburban Chicago man, who is Dir District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa station, the counterterrorism force accused of attempting to detonate what he Province. The Pakistani Taliban released Detachment 88, or a Buddhist community thought was a car bomb outside a Chicago a statement and said that the attack was headquarters. – Australian Broadcasting bar. “Mr. Daoud, a United States citizen revenge after villagers in the area formed Corporation, September 11 who lives in Hillside, Ill., on the outskirts a pro-government militia. – Reuters, of Chicago, has been under surveillance September 15 September 10, 2012 (SOMALIA): for months, and in multiple conversations Somalia’s parliament elected Hassan with [FBI] agents expressed a desire to September 17, 2012 (IRAQ): A suicide Sheikh Mohamud as the country’s new kill on a mass scale as revenge for what he bomber detonated an explosives-laden president. – Voice of America, September 10 believed was the persecution of Muslims vehicle at a Green Zone checkpoint, by the United States,” wrote the New York killing seven Iraqis. - Telegraph, September September 11, 2012 (GLOBAL): Al-Qa`ida Times. Officials said that Daoud considered 17; Reuters, September 17 chief Ayman al-Zawahiri confirmed that 29 possible targets, “including military senior leader Abu Yahya al-Libi was recruiting centers, bars, malls and other killed earlier in the year. In June, the U.S. tourist attractions in the Chicago area.” government announced that it had killed – New York Times, September 15

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September 17, 2012 (NIGERIA): Nigerian September 24, 2012 (PAKISTAN): A U.S. CTC Sentinel Staff soldiers reportedly killed Abu Qaqa, the drone killed six suspected militants near spokesman for the militant group Boko Mir Ali, North Waziristan Agency of the Editor-in-Chief Haram. On October 1, however, Boko Federally Administered Tribal Areas. Erich Marquardt Haram leader Abubakar Shekau claimed One of those killed has been identified as Senior Editor, CTC that Abu Qaqa was still alive, but in the Abu Kasha al-Iraqi, a high-ranking al- custody of Nigerian security forces. – Voice Qa`ida planner and facilitator. – Deutsche Editorial Board of America, September 17; Reuters, October 1 Press Agency, September 26, 2012 COL Michael J. Meese, Ph.D. Department Head September 17, 2012 (NIGERIA): Suspected September 26, 2012 (SYRIA): A suicide Department of Social Sciences (West Point) members of Boko Haram assassinated bomber detonated an explosives-laden the attorney general of Borno State at his vehicle outside the perimeter fence COL Cindy R. Jebb, Ph.D. home. – Reuters, September 18 of Syria’s military headquarters in Deputy Department Head Damascus. Seconds after the explosion, Department of Social Sciences (West Point) September 18, 2012 (AFGHANISTAN): A another suicide bomber detonated suicide bomber rammed an explosives- explosives within the grounds of the MAJ Bryan Price, Ph.D. laden vehicle into a minibus carrying facility. Four guards were killed by the Director, CTC foreign aviation workers in Kabul, blasts. – Washington Post, September 26 killing at least 12 people including eight South Africans. Hizb-i-Islami claimed September 27, 2012 (IRAQ): A suicide responsibility, and claimed that the bomber reportedly detonated an suicide bomber was a woman who explosives-laden vehicle at the gate of was angry over an anti-Islam film that Tikrit prison, freeing dozens of convicted ridiculed the Prophet Muhammad. – AP, Islamic State of Iraq militants. The prison September 18 uprising left 16 security force members Contact dead. – AFP, September 28 Combating Terrorism Center September 20, 2012 (GLOBAL): U.S.-born U.S. Military Academy al-Qa`ida member Adam Gadahn released September 28, 2012 (SOMALIA): Kenyan 607 Cullum Road, Lincoln Hall a new video in support of rebel uprisings troops launched a predawn beach landing West Point, NY 10996 in the Middle East and North Africa. – at Kismayo port in southern Somalia, Phone: (845) 667-6383 CNN, September 25 hoping to push al-Shabab out of its last Email: [email protected] major stronghold. Reports suggested Web: www.ctc.usma.edu/sentinel/ September 20, 2012 (SOMALIA): At least that during the early morning hours of one suicide bomber killed approximately September 29, most al-Shabab militants * For Press Inquiries: (845) 667-6383 eight people at the popular Village Café withdrew from Kismayo rather than face restaurant in Mogadishu. Three journalists the better-equipped Kenyan troops. – AP, from the state-run broadcasting services September 28; New York Times, September 29 were among the dead. – Sky News Australia, September 21; CNN, September 21 September 28, 2012 (NIGERIA): Nigeria’s military said that it arrested a number support September 22, 2012 (SOMALIA): Gunmen of security personnel due to their The Combating Terrorism Center would assassinated a member of Somalia’s newly connections with Boko Haram. One of like to express its gratitude to its financial formed parliament outside his home in those arrested was an immigration officer. supporters, for without their support and Waberi district of Mogadishu. – CNN, According to a Nigerian military official, shared vision of the Center products like the September 23 the immigration officer “confessed to CTC Sentinel could not be produced. If you having been trained alongside 15 other are interested in learning more about how September 23, 2012 (INDONESIA): members of the sect on weapon handling, to support the Combating Terrorism Center, Indonesian police announced that they assassination and special operations in please visit http://www.ctc.usma.edu or call arrested nine men accused of planning Niger republic.” – AFP, September 28 Kristin Sorenson at West Point’s Association suicide attacks against the security forces of Graduates at 845-446-1561. and other government targets in Jakarta. September 30, 2012 (IRAQ): Coordinated It was not immediately clear if the group bombs exploded in Shi`a neighborhoods had connections to established terrorist across Iraq, killing at least 26 people. organizations. – al-Jazira, September 23 – AP, September 30

September 23, 2012 (NIGER): State September 30, 2012 (SYRIA): A Security Police arrested five suspected suicide bomber in an explosives-laden The views expressed in this report are those of Boko Haram members who entered Niger vehicle targeted a government security the authors and not of the U.S. Military Academy, from Nigeria through the Zinder region. compound in Qamishli, located in the the Department of the Army, or any other agency – Reuters, September 25 country’s mainly Kurdish northeast near of the U.S. Government. the Turkish border. Several people were killed. – Voice of America, September 30

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