Latest Terrorism Monitor Articles
Brief: Can Mozambique Keep Cabo Delgado Secure from Islamic State Fighters?
Executive Summary The Mozambican army has declared the Islamic State affiliate active in its country effectively "defeated," with only 200 to 250 active fighters remaining. While Islamic State in Mozambique may be significantly degraded, it could capitalize upon the planned withdrawal of the Southern African... MORE
Brief: Violence from Bandits Beginning to Overshadow Boko Haram in Nigeria
Executive Summary While Boko Haram is the most widely known security threat in Nigeria, the total number of deaths connected to violent banditry in northwestern Nigeria now rivals those caused by Boko Haram at its violent "peak" in 2015. Banditry is traditionally thought of as... MORE
Jaish al-Adl and the Persistent Hostilities between Iran and Pakistan
Executive Summary Following a week of hostility after tit-for-tat missile and air strikes, Iran and Pakistan have deescalated tensions and normalized relations, though Jaish al-Adl—the proximate cause for the recent crisis—remains an active threat to regional stability. Jaish al-Adl is an anti-Shia Islamist militant group... MORE
Israeli End Goals in Gaza: A Palestinian Expulsion?
Executive Summary Nearly all of Gaza's 2.2 million people have been displaced by the current conflict, with Israel potentially considering “voluntary” resettlement plans for the Gazan population. Various Israeli officials have proposed several such plans for the removal of Gazans to other nations like the... MORE
Israel–Hamas War’s Impact on Afghan and Pakistani Jihadist Ecosystem
Executive Summary The official reactions of key militant factions based in Pakistan and Afghanistan to the “al-Aqsa Storm” attack by Hamas on Israel on October 7, 2023 reflected an interesting array of agendas and priorities. Al-Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS) issued an immediate response... MORE
Brief: Is Boko Haram Bracing for Another ‘Quiet’ Year in 2024?
Executive Summary Boko Haram and its ISWAP faction have been locked in a stalemate with the Nigerian military. The group may only seek to preserve the status quo rather than risk provoking a major army offensive. The stalemate has persisted since 2014. ISWAP briefly expanded... MORE
Brief: Indonesian Counter-Terrorism Forces on Edge Ahead of Elections
Executive Summary Indonesia's general election is scheduled for February 14, 2024. 59 militants were arrested on October 31, 2023 for planning to disrupt said elections, including 19 members of Jemaa Islamiya (JI), which was previously believed to have been dormant. 40 suspects from the Jamaah... MORE
European Sting Operations Target Suspected Hamas Operatives
Executive Summary German authorities arrested four alleged Hamas operatives in Berlin and Rotterdam in December 2023 for allegedly plotting attacks on Jewish sites in Europe. Three additional suspects were arrested in Denmark and Netherlands. The German interior ministry considers Berlin-based Majed al-Zeer to be "[Hamas's]... MORE
Pakistani Army Chief Faces Uphill Battle in Effort to Reset Relations with Washington
Executive Summary Pakistan's army chief visited the United States in December to "reset" strained relations and potentially secure American aid in the hopes of ameliorating Pakistan's ongoing economic crisis and rising militant threat. Since the 2021 Taliban takeover of Afghanistan, there has been a 65... MORE
Rising Anti-China Sentiment in Balochistan Threatens Increased Attacks on Chinese Interests in Pakistan
Executive Summary The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) militant group in Pakistan opposes Chinese investment projects in Balochistan province, viewing China as complicit in Pakistani government oppression of their people. The BLA has carried out multiple attacks against Chinese nationals and China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) installations... MORE