Download the full article.Download Abstract[1] The Tajideen family originally from Lebanon, moved temporarily to Africa during the 1950s.[2] Three brothers, Kassim Tajideen (designated by the U.S. Department of the Treasury in 2009), as well as Hussain and Ali Tajideen (designated in 2010), were sanctioned for
On the modern battlefield, combat is not only conducted through military strikes but also through images, videos, and, especially, narrative design. In recent years, the battle over public perception has become a central component of conflicts between states and terrorist entities, as they seek to
For years, the debate over Hezbollah has been accompanied by a central question: Is it a Lebanese organization operating in the interests of the state and the Shiite community, or an Iranian branch that primarily serves Tehran’s regional strategy? The organization itself has cultivated deliberate
In recent days, there has been a noticeable escalation in the scope of Hezbollah’s attacks against northern Israel, including the use of drones, anti-tank, and rocket attacks. At the same time, the organization has issued evacuation notices to residents of Israel’s northern communities, using wording
On February 6, Wafiq Safa, a veteran senior commander in Hezbollah, stepped down from his position as head of the organization’s “Liaison and Coordination Unit” (it remains unclear whether he resigned or was dismissed). While some observers view this as a dramatic development signaling a
While Hezbollah’s rhetoric is becoming increasingly radical and loyal to Iran and the “Axis of Resistance,” the organization itself is acting with caution and restraint. Behind the militant declarations stands an actor under growing political pressure in the Lebanese arena, required to navigate between its
Download Abstract Research on extremism in gaming has often focused on the content of video games themselves. Much less attention has been given to the digital spaces that surround gaming, including livestreaming platforms, chat systems, and creator communities where audiences spend far more time than
During March 2026, a series of attacks and antisemitic incidents targeting Jewish and Israeli sites were recorded worldwide, alongside foiled plots and arrests indicating ongoing intentions to carry out additional attacks. In Europe, several explosive attacks were carried out. On March 9, an explosive device
Naim Qassem’s recent speech shows Hezbollah’s unsuccessful attempt to shape the narrative of power, to preserve the organization’s former prestige and the enduring legacy of Hassan Nasrallah. On October 26, Naim Qassem, Hezbollah’s secretary-general, delivered what can be described as a “speech of justification”. In
Abstract This report examines how the online multiplayer server “Magic City” on Grand Theft Auto V (GTA5), operated by a Palestinian gaming community via the FiveM modding platform, functions as a digital environment that enables radicalization. Through game visual symbolism reflecting the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, players
Abstract Amid the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran, Hezbollah has remained militarily passive, relying on rhetoric and symbolic gestures over direct engagement. This calculated restraint underscores the organization’s strategic vulnerabilities—domestic opposition, operational setbacks, and deep reliance on Iranian support. The central question now is
In light of the rapidly unfolding “Operation Rising Lion,” the International Institute for Counter-Terrorism (ICT) has reached out to our experts and analysts to provide clarity on the evolving situation. These interviews aim to shed light on the broader context, underlying dynamics, security and political dimensions
Download FileDownload On Thursday, 12 JUNE 2025, Israel launched an operation targeting Iranian nuclear facilities and military assets. In response, Iran initiated missile and drone attacks against Israel, though with limited success compared to the scale and precision of the Israeli offensive. In response, Iran
Abstract This article examines Hezbollah’s coordinated media campaigns on Telegram between November 2024 and May 2025. It reveals how the organization shifted its messaging from declarations of military victory to themes of resilience, national unity, and civil legitimacy. Through analyzing hashtags, visual content, and rhetorical
Abstract This article analyzes the election of Joseph Aoun as President of Lebanon in January 2025, set against the backdrop of the country’s deep political and economic crisis. Aoun’s election, which followed 12 unsuccessful attempts to choose a president, was ultimately secured through a compromise
Fawaz Clan Case StudyDownload This research was conducted with the generous backing, expertise, and funding of CENTEF (Center for Research of Terror Financing). We extend our sincere gratitude for their comprehensive support of this project. This research was made possible through the support of 240 Analytics
Download Terrorist financing systems[1] have evolved over the years. Advances in technology and counter-terrorism financing campaigns influence the patterns of terrorist organizations in this domain. They adopt new methods, open new funding sources and channels, and improve and expand the use of existing methods in feasible
Abstract This paper explores the dynamics of Palestinian refugee camps in Lebanon, focusing on Hamas’s expanding influence under the sponsorship of Hezbollah. The analysis underscores Hamas’s strategic efforts to consolidate control in these camps as part of its broader objective to challenge Israel from multiple
Expert Insights: Dr. Eitan Azani, Acting Director of the International Institute for Counter-Terrorism Recent events in the Middle East have highlighted that the region resembles a multiplayer game with various local, regional, and international players. This is where the drama unfolds. It is not a
Abstract This report delves into the alarming rise of incitement on social media platforms, particularly Telegram, amidst the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The focus is on the West Bank, where extremists, some affiliated with Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ), utilize these channels for
Since 9/11 attacks Iran became a safe haven for senior al-Qaeda members as well as a hub for terror activity planning, fund raising, recruiting and more, especially for Sheikh Saif al-Adel, al-Qaeda’s current leader. Al-Adel, that apparently rose to power after the killing of Ayman
On 07 OCTOBER 2023, Hamas, the Palestinian terrorist group based in the Gaza Strip, began a devastating and coordinated attack that shook Israel. Beginning at approximately 0630 (UTC+03), Hamas launched a massive rocket barrage targeting civilian areas while simultaneously Hamas terrorist operatives initiated infiltration operations,
The article examines the recent media jihad campaign “Supporting Ribat and Jihad” conducted by the Islamic State and its online supporters, focusing on the concept of media jihad and its significance in response to deplatforming efforts. The article also explores the Islamic State’s transition from
On May 11th, 2022, the anti-IS international coalition addressed the jihadi organizations’ expanding footprint in Africa as a growing threat to world security. As a rule, the presence of jihad on the African continent has been on the rise since the early 2000s. It grew
This article deals with the question of why Jihadi single actors attacks in North America and West Europe are not using simple, creative, and effective methods of operation, which the terrorist organizations are promoting and advertising. The research demonstrates that despite many actual examples of
The protests that began in July 2021 and South Africa’s history of Apartheid and Nationalist rule, made it the perfect model to aid White Supremacists in showing and predicting what may happen in other countries in the case that they became “Black” governed countries. To
The following article describes Afaq’s role in Islamic State’s cyber defense arena over the years; the recent cyber-attack on the foundation; and the implications of the attack. Download
Cyberspace has become one of the main arenas for state warfare. It is also largely used by non-state actors or state sponsored actors, including criminal networks and terrorist organisations. In recent years, their operations in cyberspace have become a real challenge for global security. Throughout
Introduction On December 28, 2025, protests erupted in Iran and rapidly expanded to additional cities and regions across the country. This wave of unrest is marked by heightened intensity and an unusually broad geographic scope. Although the immediate collapse of the regime appears improbable, the
Summary: In their July 2021 article, Global Jihad in Africa: Risks and Challenges, the authors detailed the spread of Islamic terrorist organizations in Africa—specifically ISIS and al-Qaeda—and highlighted the challenges in contending with them. Their main conclusion was that a joint umbrella/master strategy would be
Hezbollah of the year 2006 is a pragmatic terrorist organization that is well-armed, well-trained, and equipped with highly sophisticated weaponry. It is far more dangerous than the revolutionary Hezbollah of the 1980’s due to both the means at its disposal and the double faced policy
Having an internationally accepted definition of terrorism is not an easy task and has not been achieved to this date. However, many experts would agree that – although this definition is difficult to achieve – terrorism will be comprised of the following elements: the threat
I have been invited here by this esteemed Committee to answer a question that greatly concerns the European Parliament, and which we are here to discuss today: Is Hezbollah a terrorist organization? It is natural that we should be discussing this question, for there is
On December 22nd, 2006, a federal U.S. district judge ruled that the Iranian leadership was behind the attack and that it must provide compensation to the families of the victims in the sum of 254 million Dollars.
Commentary regarding the Intelligence and Security Committee’s report of the July 2005 London attacks.
