Summary of Information on Jihadist Websites The First Half of June 2016
This report summarizes notable events discussed on jihadist Web forums during the first half of June 2016. Following are the main points covered in the report:
Sheikh Ayman al-Zawahiri and members of the Taliban in Afghanistan throughout Afghanistan swear allegiance the new leader of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, Mullah Haibatullah Akhundzada. According to al-Zawahiri, the oath of allegiance reflects the approach of Sheikh Osama bin Laden when he swore allegiance to the previous leader of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, Mullah Omar.
Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb claims responsibility for a terrorist attack that was carried out by several members of Al-Murabitun, which is affiliated with AQIM, against French army forces and UN MINUSMA forces in the city of Gao, in northern Mali. According to the organization, the military operation was preceded by careful planning and was intended to send several messages: A) A reminder to the French invaders that their crimes will be met with a response and revenge attacks. B) The attack was carried out in revenge for the death of four jihad fighters who were killed by French army forces. C) The countries involved in the French invasion of Mali must withdraw from “this demonic alliance instead of sending more of its sons. And should they refuse and insist”, they will get a taste of the sword.
Iyad Agh Ghali, the leader of Ansar al-Din in Mali, praises the residents of Kidal in northern Mali for their steadfastness in the face of the “new French colonialism”, which is battling Islam and pillaging all of the good in the country. In order to cope with this enemy, Agh Ghali ruled that every Muslim is obligated to wage jihad against France, and he asked the residents of Kidal to support and help his organization in its efforts to expel the French occupier and fight its hegemony in the country. He added that the local regimes are also partner to France’s crimes due to the cooperation between them. In addition, Agh Ghali denied reports that he had died in a battle that took place along the Algeria-Mali border.
Al-Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent criticizes the Pakistani regime’s policy of persecution against its Muslim citizens and accuses it of uniting with the enemies of Islam, led by the United States. In addition, the organization publishes its significant teachings, which emphasize the sanctity of the lives of Muslims, the importance of defending them and of using great caution when declaring takfir on Muslims. According to the organization, the United States, India and their allies, the Pakistani army and the Pakistani government, and leaders of anti-religious groups are considered obstacles to the implementation of shari’a in Pakistan and, therefore, should be considered enemies that must be fought.
Abu Malik al-Shami, Emir of Al-Nusra Front in Qalamoun, threatens that Lebanese Hezbollah will need to pay in the near future for its crimes against the Sunni population in Lebanon and Syria. According to him, Al-Nusra Front succeeded in establishing an army of over 1,000 fighters who are awaiting the order to expand the operation against Hezbollah and Shi’ite villages in Lebanon.
Supporters of the Islamic State call on Muslims in Tunisia to “prepare the ground” for the arrival of the Caliphate to the country by, among other things, carrying out bombing and stabbing attacks against corrupt individuals, heretics, tourists, police officers and senior government officials. In addition, IS supporters call for efforts to be focused on freeing prisoners from jails and killing prison guards.
Against the backdrop of the massacre at an LGBT club in Orlando and the beheading of a French police officer by two Muslims who swore allegiance to the Islamic State, the organization and its supporters launch an extensive campaign in praise of the attacks and calling for the continuation of “lone wolf” attacks on Western soil. In the framework of this campaign, it is emphasized that the killing of civilians, women and children, and not just members of security forces, is permissible.
The Mujahideen in the Environs of Jerusalem calls on Muslims to send money to the organization for the purchase of weapons and supplies in order to fight against the Jews.
