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April 18, 2024 Special Announcements No. 1468

Jihad and Terrorism Threat Monitor (JTTM) Weekly: April 13-20, 2024

April 18, 2024
Special Announcements No. 1468

The following are some of this week's reports from the MEMRI Jihad and Terrorism Threat Monitor (JTTM) Project, which translates and analyzes content from sources monitored around the clock, among them the most important jihadi websites and blogs. (To view these reports in full, you must be a paying member of the JTTM; for membership information, send an email to jttmsubs@memri.org with "Membership" in the subject line.)

Note to media and government: For a full copy of these reports, send an email with the title of the report in the subject line to media@memri.org. Please include your name, title, and organization in your email.

 

EXCLUSIVE: In Interview With Pro-Taliban Outlet, Aafia Siddiqui's Lawyer Says: 'When It Became Clear To The Americans That [Siddiqui] Was Not A Member Of Al-Qaeda, They Wanted To Get Rid Of Her, And Tried To Kill Her As A Suicide Bomber'

On March 27, 2024, former Pakistani senator tweeted that a British attorney had held a four-hour meeting with Dr. Aafia Siddiqui, the Pakistani neuroscientist who is serving an 86-year prison term in Texas for trying to kill U.S. military personnel in Afghanistan and her links to Al-Qaeda.

 

EXCLUSIVE: Iran-Backed Groups In Lebanon, Iraq, And Yemen Congratulate Iran For Attacking Israel, Deem It A Success Ushering In 'New Stage' Leading To Islamic Victory And Israel's Destruction

The following report is now a complimentary offering from MEMRI's Jihad and Terrorism Threat Monitor (JTTM). For JTTM subscription information, click here.

On the night of April 14, 2024, Iran launched a barrage of 170 attack drones, 30 cruise missiles, and 120 ballistic missiles toward Israel, with 99% of them eventually intercepted by air defenses.

 

EXCLUSIVE: Islamic State (ISIS) Supporters Discuss Responsibility For Stabbing Attack On Christian Bishop In Sydney, Australia: 'If A Muslim Did It, It Is Enough'

On April 15, 2024, a 16-year-old boy concealing a knife entered Christ The Good Shepherd Church in Sydney, Australia, and stabbed Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel during a service that was being livestreamed.

 

Australian Pro-Islamic State (ISIS) Preacher Criticizes Australian Newspaper For Reporting On His Jihadi Activities And Antisemitism, Says Australian Press Should Cover War In Gaza Instead

On April 1, 2024, The Australian, an Australian daily newspaper distributed nationally, published an article titled, "Radical Preacher Abu Ousayd's 'Dawah Van' Charity Takes To Sydney Streets."

 

Hamas-Linked 'Gaza Now' Outlet Relaunches Facebook And Instagram Accounts After Their Deletion Due To U.S., British Sanctions

On April 14, 2024, a pro-Hamas media outlet posted on its Telegram channel that following the closure of its Facebook and Instagram accounts by the U.S. and U.K. authorities, it has established new accounts on both platforms, and invited its followers to follow them.

 

Armenian Cloud Service Provider Hosts Hamas Website On London Servers

Hamas has opened a new official website. The website is hosted on London-based servers, DNS records show. On April 15, 2024, Hamas's official Telegram channel shared a hyperlink to an article which was published on the new website.

 

IRGC-Linked Telegram Outlet: Israel Will Start Major War If It Decides To Strike Iran Back; American Will Likely Intervene

On April 16, 2024, a Telegram channel linked to the Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) shared series of posts discussing the potential Israeli counterattack to Tehran's April 14 drone and missile attack.

 

IRGC-Linked Telegram Outlet Reports: Venezuelan Navy Acquired Iranian Anti-Ship Missiles CM-90, Inaugurates New Missile Maintenance Facility; Missiles Equip Venezuela's New Iranian Fast-Attack Missile Patrol Boats

On April 16, 2024, a Telegram channel linked to Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) shared photos showing Vladimir Padrino Lopez, a.k.a "Padrino," Minister of Defense for the National Bolivarian Armed Forces of Venezuela, during the inauguration ceremony of the new CM-90 AShM maintenance facility at Naval Base Agustin Armario, in Puerto Cabello, Venezuela.

 

Iran-Linked Telegram Outlets Share Posters Suggesting IRGC's Potential Targets In Retaliation For Damascus Consulate Attack: Israeli Ports, Airports, Military Airbases; Israel's Embassy In Jordan

Following the April 1, 2024, attack on the consular building adjacent to the Iranian Embassy in Syria's capital city of Damascus, which resulted in the killing of seven Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) members, including General Muhammad Reza Zahedi, also known as Hassan Mahdawi, the Iran-backed Iraqi militias condemned the attack as "a declaration of war on the Islamic Republic of Iran."

 

Telegram Channels Supporting Iran-Backed Militias In Iraq Threaten Israel, Jordan In Event Of Counterattack Against Iran

On the night of April 14, 2024, Iran launched a barrage of 170 attack drones, 30 cruise missiles, and 120 ballistic missiles toward Israel, with 99% of them eventually intercepted by the air defenses of Israel, the U.S. UK, and Jordan. 

 

Telegram Channels Supporting Iran-Backed Militias In Iraq Celebrate Iran's Attack As 'End Of Israel,' Compare It To Battle Of Khaybar

The following report is now a complimentary offering from MEMRI's Jihad and Terrorism Threat Monitor (JTTM). For JTTM subscription information, click here.

On the night of April 14, 2024, Iran launched a barrage of 170 attack drones, 30 cruise missiles, and 120 ballistic missiles toward Israel, with 99% of them eventually intercepted by air defenses.

 

Hizbullah Brigades: Islamic Nation Must Topple Saudi Regime

In 2024, the anniversary of the demolition of the Muslim Al-Baqi cemetery in Saudi Arabia falls on April 21.

 

Iraqi Hacking Group Linked To Iran-Backed Militias Claims It Disabled Jordan's Official Government Websites Over Participation In Intercepting Iranian Missiles Over Its Airspace

On April 17, 2024, an Iran-backed group of Iraqi hackers claimed to have hacked websites of Jordanian ministries and official government bodies, basing their operation on Jordan's involvement in the interception of Iranian missiles during the April 14 Iranian attack on Israel.

 

Iran-Backed Hacker Collective Claims It Hacked 'Hundreds' Of Israeli Law Firm Websites

On April 17, 2024, a hacker group affiliated with Iran-backed militias in Iraq claimed responsibility for conducting cyber-attacks on the websites of Israeli law firms as part of its claimed support for Palestinians in the Israel-Hamas war.

 

Militia Video From Sayyed Al-Shuhada Brigades Showcases Special Ops Operatives Priming Iranian 'Arash 4' Rocket For Firing; 'Wait For Us'

On April 11, 2024, the Iran-backed Iraqi Sayyed Al-Shuhada Brigades militia, a member of a larger umbrella group, the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, published a short video on its Telegram channel showing "for the first time ever" several "exclusive and high-quality" demonstrations of the group's military capabilities.

 

Islamic State Syria Province Claims Escalation In Attacks Against Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF)

On April 11, 2024, the Islamic State (ISIS) released issue 438 of its weekly Al-Naba' newsletter, which reported on the past week's operations. The article lists seven assaults – some of them claimed for the first time – against the U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) in Syria's Deir Al-Zour and Al-Hasakah governorates, as well as exclusive new details and photos of others.

 

Islamic State Central Africa Province (ISCAP) Publishes Photos Of Operatives Celebrating Eid Al-Fitr In The Democratic Republic Of The Congo (DRC)

On April 15, 2024, the Islamic State Central Africa Province (ISCAP) released a set of 21 photos showing its operatives celebrating Eid Al-Fitr "on the battlefronts of Congo."

 

Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) Publishes Photos Of Operatives Celebrating Eid Al-Fitr In Northeastern Nigeria

On April 12-14, 2024, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) published photos documenting its operatives celebrating the holiday of Eid Al-Fitr in various areas of northeastern Nigeria.

 

Islamic State Central Africa Province (ISCAP) Continues Attacks On Christians In Northeastern Democratic Republic Of The Congo (DRC), Killing Over 30 Within A Week

In recent days, the Islamic State Central Africa Province (ISCAP) published statements claiming several attacks on Christian civilians in the northeast of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), killing 34, several by beheading, and burning property.

 

Islamic State (ISIS) Critic Suggests Islamic State Iraq Province Behind Killing Of Former HTS Official Al-Qahtani

On April 9, 2024, an anti-Islamic State (ISIS) channel on the Al-Qaeda-operated Rocket.Chat server, published a post referring to the recent killing of Abu Mariah Al-Qahtani, a former religious official in the Syrian jihadi group Hay'at Tahrir Al-Sham (HTS).

 

ISIS Weekly Newsletter Features Exclusive Photos Of Attacks In Nigeria, Niger, Cameroon, And Burkina Faso, Including Targeting Of Red Cross And Peacekeeping Forces

On April 11, 2024, the Islamic State (ISIS) released issue 438 of Al-Naba', the group's weekly newsletter. The issue featured exclusive details and photos about recent attacks in West Africa and the Sahel.

 

Article In Issue 34 Of ISKP Magazine 'Voice Of Khurasan' Accuses Bangladeshi Government Of 'Suppressing The Call Of Islam': 'This So-Called Democratic System Of Unbeliever Imperialists Opposes The Fundamental Belief Of Islam'

The following report is now a complimentary offering from MEMRI's Jihad and Terrorism Threat Monitor (JTTM). For JTTM subscription information, click here.

An article in the latest issue of "Voice of Khurasan," an English-language monthly magazine published by Al-Azaim Media Foundation, a media outlet linked to the Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP), which defines itself as a supporting entity for the Islamic State (ISIS), accuses the government of Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina of obstructing the establishment of an Islamic state in that country.

 

Al-Qaeda Affiliate GSIM Accuses Malian Army, Wagner Group, Of Executing Civilians In Multiple Regions Of Mali; Accuses Burkinabe Army Of Executing Women And Children In Som Province

The following report is now a complimentary offering from MEMRI's Jihad and Terrorism Threat Monitor (JTTM). For JTTM subscription information, click here.

On April 15, 2024, Al-Zallaqa, the media outlet of Al-Qaeda's affiliate in the African Sahel, Jama'at Nusrat Al-Islam Wal-Muslimeen (the Group for Support of Islam and Muslims – GSIM), released two statements listing an alleged series of executions by the Malian Army and the Russian state-funded private military company, Wagner Group, in Mali.

 

In Speech To Mark Eid Holiday, Spokesman Of Al-Qaeda Affiliate, Al-Shabab, Extends Support To Gazans, Condemns Somali President For 'Normalizing Ties With Jews', Vows To Double Jihad

The following report is now a complimentary offering from MEMRI's Jihad and Terrorism Threat Monitor (JTTM). For JTTM subscription information, click here.

On April 10, 2024, Shahada News Agency, the official outlet of Al-Qaeda's affiliate in Somalia, Harakat Al-Shabab Al-Mujahideen (Al-Shabab) reported that the group's spokesman, Ali Mahmoud Raji, had delivered a speech in the Somali language on the occasion of Eid al-Fitr.

 

Western-Based Jihadi Ideologues Mock Iran's 'Comical' Response To Israel's Attack As Part Of Iran's 'Malicious Role' In Region, Condemn Neighbors' 'Treasonous' Involvement In Intercepting Iran's Missiles As Betrayal Of Muslims, Palestinian Mujahideen

The following report is now a complimentary offering from MEMRI's Jihad and Terrorism Threat Monitor (JTTM). For JTTM subscription information, click here.

On the night of April 14, 2024, Iran launched a barrage of 170 attack drones, 30 cruise missiles, and 120 ballistic missiles toward Israel. The offensive occurred after Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei spoke on April 10, reiterating a promise to retaliate against Israel for its April 1 attack on the consular building adjacent to the Iranian embassy in Damascus.

 

English-Language Salafi-Jihadi Telegram Channel Criticizes 'Tamed' Version Of Islam That Limits Jihad; Endorses Terror Attacks In Non-Muslim Countries

An English-language Salafi-jihadi Telegram channel recently published posts criticizing the "tamed, non-threatening version of Islam" promoted by Western powers, which prevents Muslims from uniting to wage jihad and restore the caliphate, and endorsing terrorist attacks in non-Muslim countries as serving Muslims' interests.

 

New Group Of Religious Scholars In Idlib Area Expresses Support For Anti-HTS Protests, Calls To Depose Al-Joulani

On April 13, 2024, a new group calling was formed. The group published its foundation statement on a Telegram channel. According to the statement, the group is based in Idlib and consists of about 100 Islamic scholars, preachers, and religious students.

 

Turkestan Islamic Party (TIP) Documents Its Fighters And Their Children Celebrating Eid Al-Fitr In Syria

On April 10, 2024, the Syrian branch of the Turkestan Islamic Party (TIP), a Uyghur jihadi group active in Afghanistan and northwestern Syria, issued a statement in Uyghur and Arabic versions with Eid Al-Fitr congratulations.

 

In Dari-Language Statement, Hizb-ut-Tahrir Afghanistan Criticizes China's Persecution Of Muslims: 'Thousands Of Muslims Are In Forced Labor Camps That Are Psychologically Programmed To Accept Non-Islamic Values During... Ramadan'

On March 24, 2024, Hizb-ut-Tahrir Afghanistan published a Dari-language statement to draw attention to China's persecution of Muslims in its Xinjiang province (i.e., "East Turkestan") during Ramadan.

 

Article In Pakistani Urdu Daily: 'We Have All Kinds Of Modern Weapons... The Almighty Has Also Blessed Pakistan With Nuclear Power'

The following report is now a complimentary offering from MEMRI's Jihad and Terrorism Threat Monitor (JTTM). For JTTM subscription information, click here.

In a recent article in the Urdu daily Roznama Islam, Pakistani columnist Zia-ur-Rehman Zia discussed the lessons that Muslims must learn from the the Battle of Badr, fought during Ramadan in 624 between a group of 313 early Muslims led by Muhammad and a 1,000 men from the Meccan Quraysh tribe.

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