RCMP Arrests Canada-Based Terror Cell - IED Components Seized
[9/01/10] In announcing the arrests of two Ottawa residents, Hiva Mohammad Alizadeh and Misbahuddin Ahmed, and London Ontario resident Khurram Syed Sher, the RCMP revealed that "The individuals targeted by Project SAMOSSA were in possession of schematics, videos, drawings, instructions, books and electrical components designed specifically for the construction of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs). The RCMP has evidence to support... (read more)

SECRET CIA Red Cell Memo: "What If Foreigners See the United States as an “Exporter of Terrorism”?
[9/01/10] A SECRET CIA Red Cell memorandum, titled "What If Foreigners See the United States as an “Exporter of Terrorism”?, has become public, after it was originally published on the Wikileaks website. According to the memo, "Much attention has been paid recently to the increasing occurrence of American-grown Islamic terrorists conducting attacks against US targets, primarily in the homeland. Less attention has been paid to homegrown terrorism... (read more)

Trial of Bronx Jewish Center Plotters Begins
[8/31/10] The NEFA Foundation is highlighting its "Target: America" report "The Plot to Attack Jewish Centers in the Bronx and a Military Facility in Newburgh, NY" in light of the start of the trial of the four conspirators. The men were arrested in the Riverdale section of the Bronx on the night of May 20, 2009 for attempting to bomb a Jewish community center with, what they believed to be, a 30-pound plastic explosive device, which they placed in a car positioned outside of the center. The conspirators also intended to attack the National Guard air base in Newburgh with a surface-to-air-missile, which they acquired from a dealer they believed to be affiliated with the Pakistani terrorist group, Jaish-e-Mohammed. (read more)

Awlaki Disciple Sentenced in Alaska Terrorism Case
[8/27/10] The FBI announced that "Paul Gene Rockwood, Jr., a former King Salmon, Alaska resident, was sentenced...to eight years' imprisonment...for making false statements to the FBI in a domestic terrorism investigation. Rockwood’s spouse, Nadia Piroska Maria Rockwood, was also sentenced...for making false statements to the FBI in connection with the investigation of her husband." According to DOJ, "after he moved to King Salmon in 2006, Paul Rockwood continued his adherence to [Anwar] Al-Awlaki’s ideology... (read more)

"Final Recommendations of the Ft. Hood Follow-On Review"
[8/24/10] The Department of Defense (DoD) released the final review of the recommendations from the independent report "Protecting the Force: Lessons Learned from Fort Hood." The recommendations focus on areas, to include, "Educating commanders about the symptoms of potential workplace violence... (read more)

Taliban: “Allies No Longer Willing to Cover Up Inevitable Defeat”
[8/23/10] The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (the Taliban) has released a statement titled, “Allies No Longer Willing to Cover Up Inevitable Defeat”, in which the Taliban argued that “As things stand, there is a growing tendency among the mainstream media to unveil the facts and figures of the war and what is going on in Afghanistan under the cover of ‘War on Terror.’ In parallel with this, WikiLeaks’ editor-in-chief said he would not... (read more)

Taliban: “Response of the Spokesman of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan about Civilian Casualties Survey”
[8/19/10] The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (the Taliban) has released a statement titled, “Response of the Spokesman of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan about Civilian Casualties Survey”. Responding to a UN report “blaming the Mujahideen for most of the civilian casualties”, the Taliban announced that it regards “such press releases [as] based on one-sidedness and dogmatism instead of neutrality and justification by... (read more)

Taliban: Public Execution of Woman “Real or Rhetorical Propaganda?”
[8/19/10] The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (the Taliban) has released a statement addressing whether the public execution of a woman was “Real or Rhetorical Propaganda?” According to the Taliban, “…mainstream media outlets have nothing to do with propagating the ground realities in Afghanistan. What they really have to do is to pin anything on Taliban that can defame them and tarnish the Mujahideen movement... (read more)

Hamas: Mishaal - “Negotiations Are Worthless”
[8/16/10] The NEFA Foundation has obtained a posting from the Ezzedeen Al Qassam Brigades (the military wing of the Palestinian Hamas movement), in which Hamas senior official Khaled Mishaal “described the Ramallah authority's negotiations with the Israeli occupation authority (IOA) as ‘worthless’.” The communication further noted that “Mishaal…explained that Palestine is ‘our land... (read more)

Taliban: “Statement of the Islamic Emirate Regarding the US Setup of the New ‘Local Militia’”
[8/16/10] The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (the Taliban) has released a statement “regarding the US setup of the new ‘Local Militia’,” which is intended to assist the Afghan National Police in rural areas. According to the communiqué, “The attempt by the US invaders to set up Local Militia is an indirect plot to disintegrate Afghanistan; therefore every individual Afghan, by fulfilling... (read more)

Ezzedeen Al Qassam Brigades Press Release on Deir al-Balah Raid
[8/16/10] The NEFA Foundation has obtained a statement, released by the Ezzedeen Al Qassam Brigades (the military wing of the Palestinian Hamas movement), in which Hamas announced that an Israeli assault on the “Deir al-Balah camp... (read more)

Taliban: “Gen Petraeus’ New War Strategy ‘Mass Murder’”
[8/13/10] The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (the Taliban) released a communiqué titled, “Gen Petraeus’ New War Strategy ‘Mass Murder’”, in which the Taliban stated: “the only accomplishment Gen Petraeus has made so far is civilian casualties (mass murder), which has to be considered his new war strategy and tactics. Regrettably, some 90 non-combatant defenseless civilians have been martyred in the US invaders’ blind bombardments in Helmand’s Kajak, Paktis’s Zurmat districts... (read more)

Hamas: “Haniyeh Names His Grandson ‘Erdogan’”
[8/13/10] NEFA Foundation has obtained a statement, released by the Ezzedeen Al Qassam Brigades (the military wing of the Palestinian Hamas movement), in which Hamas announced that “The Palestinian PM President in Gaza Ismail Haniyeh named his newborn grandson in Gaza City, after the Turkish Prime Minister Erdogan. This dubbing came in honor of Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan who is a strong patron of the Palestinian people... (read more)

British Police Charged with Assaulting Babar Ahmad During Arrest
[8/13/10] The U.K. Crown Prosecution Service announced "that four officers of the Metropolitan Police Service's Territorial Support Group should be charged with causing actual bodily harm to Babar Ahmad during his arrest on 2 December 2003." During his arrest, he "suffered a number of injuries during that arrest, including heavy bruising to the head, neck, wrists and feet." Ahmad has been indicted in Connecticut for conspiring... (read more)

Taliban Praises Dutch Withdrawal, Urges Other NATO Countries to Follow
[8/12/10] The Uyghur-led Turkestan Islamic Party (TIP) -- a Central Asian jihadist movement allied with the Taliban and based along the Afghan-Pakistani border -- has released a new video of a TIP-run "madrassa" for children. The video includes footage of both young boys and girls receiving instruction and indoctrination, along with paramilitary training. The NEFA Foundation is releasing screenshots from the video. (read more)

Treasury Designates HUJI Commander Mohammad Ilyas Kashmiri
[8/11/10] The U.S. Treasury Department designated Harakat-ul Jihad Islami (HUJI) commander Mohammad Ilyas Kashmiri, stating, "As commander of HUJI, Kashmiri provides support to al-Qa'ida operations, including logistical support for al-Qai'da's terrorist attacks. Kashmiri has supported attacks against Pakistani government personnel and facilities, including the 2009 attack against the offices of the Pakistani Inter-Services Intelligence... (read more)

Fourteen Charged with Providing Material Support to Shabaab
[8/11/10] The Department of Justice unsealed four separate indictments in Minnesota, Alabama and California charging fourteen individuals with terrorism violations for providing money, personnel and services to Shabaab al-Mujahideen. In Alabama, Omar Shafik Hammami, a U.S. citizen and former resident of Alabama, was indicted, while in California, Jehad Serwan Mostafa, a U.S. citizen and former resident of California, was charged. In Minnesota, prosecutors unsealed two indictments, one charging Amina Farah Ali and Hawo Mohamed Hassan with providing funds to al-Shabaab, while a third superseding indictment charged ten men with terrorism offenses for leaving the United States to join al-Shabaab. (read more)

Turkestan Islamic Party (TIP): Training Camp for Child Soldiers
[8/10/10] The Uyghur-led Turkestan Islamic Party (TIP) -- a Central Asian jihadist movement allied with the Taliban and based along the Afghan-Pakistani border -- has released a new video of a TIP-run "madrassa" for children. The video includes footage of both young boys and girls receiving instruction and indoctrination, along with paramilitary training. The NEFA Foundation is releasing screenshots from the video. (read more)

Taliban: “Response of the Spokesman of Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan Regarding a Picture Published by Time”
[8/10/10] The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (the Taliban) released a communiqué responding to a Time magazine cover story featuring a picture of Aisha, an 18 year old who “had her nose and ears cut off…on orders from the Taliban because she fled abusive in-laws.” According to the Taliban, “This picture published by Time magazine and the barbaric story wrongly attached to the Islamic Emirate is not only false... (read more)

Kavkaz Center Reports on Sabotage Operation at Baksan Hydroelectric Power Station
[8/09/10] The NEFA Foundation has obtained a communication released by Kavkaz Center, the official mouthpiece of the Chechen insurgents, in which details of the raid on the Baksan hydropower plant in the Kabardino-Balkaria Republic were released: “at least 6 Caucasian Mujahideen in masks and camouflage cloths participated in the operation aimed on the destruction of the Baksan hydroelectric power station.” The statement asserted that... (read more)

State Department Releases "Country Reports on Terrorism 2009"
[8/09/10] The State Department has released its annual report documenting trends and significant terrorism-related issues in 2009. According to the report, "The U.S. intelligence community assessed that al-Qa’ida and its affiliates, particularly al-Qa’ida in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP), were actively engaged in operational plotting against the United States"; "In 2009, the al-Qa’ida core in Pakistan remained the foremost security threat... (read more)

FBI Director Highlights Complexity of Terror Threat
[8/09/10] Testifying before the Senate Judiciary Committee, FBI Director Robert Mueller stated that "al Qa'ida and its affiliates remain committed to conducting attacks inside the United States, and they constantly develop new tactics and techniques in an attempt to penetrate our security measures. (read more)

U.S. Treasury Designation Highlights Iran/Taliban Linkages
[8/09/10] In announcing "a set of designations targeting the Government of Iran's support for terrorism and terrorist organizations, including Hizballah, Hamas, Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ), the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine-General Command (PFLP-GC) and the Taliban," the U.S. Treasury Department noted that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-Qods Force (IRGC-QF) "provides select members of the Taliban... (read more)

As-Sahab Media Foundation: Mortar Attack in Kunar
[8/06/10] Al-Qaida's As-Sahab Media has released a new video clip of a mortar attack on a military base in Afghanistan's eastern Kunar province. The NEFA Foundation is providing select screenshots from the video. The As-Sahab Media Foundation is the official propaganda arm of Al-Qaida and is the exclusive source of audio and video recordings of Bin Laden, Dr. Ayman al-Zawahiri, and other high-ranking Al-Qaida leaders in South Asia. (read more)

Chicago Man Arrested for Planning to Join Shabaab, Interest in Suicide Attack
[8/06/10] Federal agents in Chicago arrested Chicago resident and U.S. citizen Shaker Masri, who they allege "was planning to travel to Somalia" "where he hoped to join the specially designated terrorist group al Shabaab and commit a suicide attack targeting 'infidels'." According to DOJ, he "began espousing his increasingly violent views to an individual he befriended in early 2009. During the ensuing months, Masri began to openly express... (read more)

Taliban: “Statement of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan Concerning ‘Kabul Conference’”
[8/04/10] The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (the Taliban) released a communiqué concerning the Kabul Conference, in which the Taliban asked, “How can a five-hour long…conference in Kabul…come up with a succinct and rational solution to the financial, economic, administrative and security problems; which have not been resolved by the US invaders over the past 10 years.” The statement continued, “As a matter of fact, the strategy... (read more)

ACLU/CCR Sue U.S. Government Over Targeted Killing Program (Anwar al-Awlaqi)
[8/04/10] In a lawsuit filed in D.C. federal court, the ACLU and the Center for Constitutional Rights (CCR) sued Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner "challenging the government’s...claim that it had the power to target and kill U.S. citizens suspected of terrorist crime away from war zones." As the ACLU explained, "While at least 3 Americans are on the list, the only one whose identity is known is Anwar al-Aulaqi. The ACLU and co-counsel Center for Constitutional Rights were retained by Aulaqi’s father, Nasser al-Aulaqi, in order to bring the constitutional challenge to the targeted killing program. (read more)

Caucasus Emirates Leader Doku Umarov Names Successor
[8/03/10] According to a statement obtained by the NEFA Foundation, Caucasus Emirates leader Doku Umarov announced that “in case of his death, commanders of the Mujahideen and governors of provinces of the Caucasus Emirate should pledge bayat (oath) to Emir Aslambek and obey him as long as long as Emir Aslambek obeys Sharia of Allah and adheres to Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh).” In July 2010, the... 
(read more)

DOJ and Defense File Sentencing Memos – Aafia Siddiqui Case
[8/03/10] The defense and prosecution have filed their sentencing memorandums in the case of Aafia Siddiqui, convicted of the attempted murder and assault of U.S. nationals in Afghanistan in connection with her attempt to kill the FBI and U.S. Army personnel guarding her in Afghanistan following her arrest there. DOJ noted that Siddiqui possessed a handwritten document that stated, “a ‘mass casualty attack’ . . . NY City monuments: Empire State Bld., Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge, etc.” (read more)

Two Convicted in Plot to Attack JFK Airport
[8/03/10] Russell Defreitas and Abdul Kadir were convicted in New York federal court of conspiring to attack John F. Kennedy International Airport in Queens, New York, by exploding fuel tanks and the fuel pipeline under the airport. According to DOJ, "The defendants believed their attack would cause extensive damage to the airport and to the New York economy, as well as the loss of numerous lives... (read more)

Taliban: “Remarks of M. Yousaf Ahmadi About the Dismissal of General McChrystal”
[8/02/10] The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (the Taliban) has released a communiqué following the dismissal of General Stanley McChrystal, in which Taliban spokesman Qari Yousaf Ahmedi asserted that the “Al-Fath Operation…resulted in the sacking of most powerful American general. This operation will continue in a more effective, organized and severe manner under the guidance of our central leader and will be successful...(read more)

GAO: Passport Issuance Process Remains Vulnerable to Fraud
[8/02/10] Testifying before the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Terrorism and Homeland Security, GAO investigator Gregory Kutz noted that "State’s passport issuance process continues to be vulnerable to fraud... (read more)

Little Rock Recruiting Station Shooter Targeted Nashville Rabbi
[8/02/10] According to a newly released psychiatric evaluation of Little Rock recruiting station shooter Carlos Bledsoe (a/k/a Abdulhakim Mujahid Muhammed), prior to that attack, he drove to what he believed was a rabbi’s house in Nashville, Tennessee and a threw a Molotov cocktail... (read more)

U.S. Treasury: Taliban Training Camps in Iran
[7/28/10] The U.S. Treasury Department announced that it designated Gul Agha Ishakzai, the head of the Taliban's financial commission; Amir Abdullah, former treasurer to senior Taliban leader Mullah Berader; and Nasiruddin Haqqani, an emissary for the Haqqani Network. According to Treasury, Gul Agha "is part of a recently-created Taliban council... (read more)

Al Jazeera Sued in NY Federal Court by Hezbollah Rocket Attack Victims
[7/28/10] In a lawsuit filed in New York federal court, 91 American, Israeli and Canadian victims of Hezbollah rocket attacks launched during the 2006 war with Israel sued Al Jazeera for $1.2 billion dollars. According to the law firm that filed the suit, "Al-Jazeera intentionally provided real-time coverage of the locations of missile strikes inside Israel in violation of Israeli security regulations... (read more)

Dr. Ahmad Farooq (Head of Al-Qaida in Pakistan’s Media Wing): “Jihad in Pakistan – Reasons and Motives”
[7/27/10] The NEFA Foundation has obtained an As-Sahab video titled “Jihad in Pakistan – Reasons and Motives” featuring Dr. Ahmad Farooq, the head of Al-Qaida in Pakistan’s media wing. In the video, Farooq stated, “anyone who understands the Jihad in Afghanistan against America, should logically understand the Jihad going on within Pakistan too. This is because Afghanistan and Pakistan are actually fractions of a same front... (read more)

(Target: America) “The Boston Cluster and Extended Connections: Case Study on Homegrown Radicalization”
[7/26/10] The NEFA Foundation has released the 26th report in the “Target: America” series; a PowerPoint presentation on a cluster of men originally from the Boston area and their associates. Members of this cluster sought to join Al-Qaida forces overseas to kill Americans and also contemplated an attack in a shopping center in the United States. Several participated in jihad by circulating jihadist propaganda to other Americans. (read more)

Taliban: “Missing American Soldier in Mujahideen Captivity”
[7/26/10] The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (the Taliban) has released a statement announcing the capture of a U.S. soldier and noting that “the captive was taken to a safe place the search may be in vain.” A photo of the soldier’s identification was included in the Taliban release. Taliban spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid further claimed that another U.S. soldier was killed and added that U.S. soldier Bowe Bergdahl “is still in... (read more)

FBI Issues Alert for North Carolina Jihad Cell Conspirator
[7/26/10] The FBI issued an alert seeking Bajram Asllani, who was charged in a criminal complaint with providing material support to terrorists for his connection to the North Carolina jihad cell. According to DOJ, Asllani directed a member of the network "to collect money for the purpose of later purchasing land and establishing a community in Kosovo... (read more)

Jihadist Blogger Charged with Material Support to Al-Shabaab
[7/22/10] Jihadist blogger Zachary Adam Chesser (a.k.a. Abu Talhah Al-Amrikee), who allegedly made online threats against the creators of South Park, was accused in Virginia federal court of providing material support to Al-Shabaab. As DOJ explained, Chesser "volunteered to federal agents that he attempted on two occasions to travel to Somalia to join al Shabaab as a foreign fighter. (read more)

Alaska Couple Pleads Guilty on Terror-Related Charges
[7/22/10] Paul Rockwood (a.k.a. Bilal) and his wife Nadia have agreed to a plea agreement in Alaska federal court whereby he will serve 8 years in prison and she will serve 5 years probation in the U.K. for making false statements to a federal agent in a domestic terrorism investigation. According to court documents, "Rockwood converted to Islam in late 2001 or early 2002 while living in Virginia. After his conversion, and while residing in Virginia, Rockwood became a strict adherent to the violent Jihad-promoting ideology of cleric Anwar al-Awlaki... (read more)

“Inspire” – "Umar al-Faruq al-Nigri (a.k.a. Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab) In Response to the American Aggression on Yemen”
[7/20/10] “Inspire”, the English-language magazine released by Al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP), includes an article titled, “Umar al-Faruq al-Nigri (a.k.a. Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab) In Response to the American Aggression on Yemen”. According to the article, Abdulmutallab “managed to penetrate all devices, modern advanced technology and security checkpoints in the international airports bravely without fear of death, relying on Allah and defying the great... (read more)

Two Sentenced for Transporting Stolen Goods to Support Hezbollah
[7/20/10] Michael Katz of Plainsboro, NJ and Alaa Allia Ahmed Mohamed of Brooklyn, NY, were sentenced in Pennsylvania federal court for conspiracy to traffic in counterfeit goods and trafficking in counterfeit goods. As DOJ explained, "The charges against the two were filed in conjunction with a case against four people, including Hassan Hodroj and Dib Hani Harb, who were charged with attempting to provide material support to Hizballah... (read more)

U.S. Treasury Designates Anwar al-Awlaki
[7/19/10] The U.S. Department of the Treasury designated U.S. citizen Anwar al-Awlaki, identifying him as "a key leader for al-Qa'ida in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP)". Under Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Stuart Levey noted that "He has involved himself in every aspect of the supply chain of terrorism -- fundraising for terrorist groups, recruiting... (read more)

“Inspire” – "Interview with Shaykh Abu Basir: The Head of Al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula"
[7/19/10] “Inspire”, the English-language magazine released by Al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP), published an interview with Nasir al-Wahishi (aka Shaykh Abu Basir), the head of Al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula. Asked “What does Al-Qaida want from the West for it to stop targeting it?", Abu Basir responded, “What we want from the West is one thing: To stop aggression and oppression against the Muslim Nation and to withdraw out of its land. This solution was given... (read more)

Superseding Indictment Against Irish Trading Firm for Exporting U.S. Military Items to Iran
[7/16/10] Mac Aviation Group, an Irish trading company, and its officers Thomas and Sean McGuinn of Sligo, Ireland, were charged in a superseding indictment "with purchasing F-5 fighter aircraft parts, helicopter engines and other aircraft components from U.S. firms and illegally exporting them to Iran." As DOJ explained, "The defendants were originally charged in a sealed 25-count indictment... (read more)

Former Congressman and IARA Fundraiser Plead Guilty
[7/16/10] Mark Siljander, a former congressman and U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, and Abdel Azim El-Siddig, a former IARA fundraiser, have pled guilty in connection with a scheme "to lobby for IARA’s removal from a Senate Finance Committee list of charities suspected of having terrorist ties, while concealing this advocacy and not registering with the proper authorities." (read more)

“Inspire” – Anwar al-Awlaki: "May Our Souls be Sacrificed for You”
[7/15/10] Writing in “Inspire”, the English-language magazine released by Al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP), Yemeni-American cleric Shaykh Anwar al-Awlaki penned an article titled, “May Our Souls be Sacrificed for You”. In the article, Awlaki wrote, “A cartoonist out of Seattle, Washington, named Molly Norris started the 'Everybody Draw Mohammed Day'. This snowball rolled out from between her evil fingers. She should be taken as a prime target... (read more)

Shabaab al-Mujahideen Issues Official Communiqué Claiming Uganda Bombings
[7/15/10] The NEFA Foundation has obtained a communiqué from Shabaab al-Mujahideen claiming responsibility for the dual bombings in Kampala, Uganda that killed over 70. According to the communiqué, “With the atrocities perpetrated by Uganda against the Muslim Somali population escalating, her forces, serving under the auspices of the African Union, grasp every opportunity available to unleash their anger against Islam and the Muslims by bombarding...  (read more)

Senior AQ Leadership in Pakistan Directed NYC Subway Bomb Plot
[7/14/10] In a newly unsealed superseding indictment, DOJ revealed "that the plot against New York’s subway system uncovered in September 2009 involving Colorado resident Najibullah Zazi was directed by senior al-Qaeda leadership in Pakistan, and was also directly related to a scheme by al-Qaeda plotters in Pakistan to use Western operatives to attack a target in the United Kingdom." Further, "the plot involving Zazi was organized by Saleh al-Somali, Rashid Rauf, and [Adnan] El Shukrijumah, who were then-leaders of al-Qaeda’s "external operations" program dedicated to terrorist attacks in the United States... (read more)

Canada Charges Jihadist with Advocating Genocide of Jewish Community
[7/14/10] Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have charged Salman An-Noor Hossain "under a seldom-used section of the Criminal Code of Canada governing hate crimes" after "a five-month investigation revealed that a website and blog operated by Mr. HOSSAIN contained information that, among other things, wilfully promoted hatred and advocated genocide of the Jewish community." According to the National Post, he recently wrote on his blog, “We must never cease in our efforts to eliminate the Jewish people from the face of the earth. (read more)

Three Convicted in Transatlantic Bomb Plot
[7/14/10] Ibrahim Savant, Arafat Waheed Khan, and Waheed Zaman were convicted in a British court of conspiracy to murder in connection with the foiled 2006 transatlantic bomb plot and subsequently sentenced to life in prison. Sue Hemming, head of the Crown Prosecution Service Counter Terrorism Division, commented: "Ibrahim Savant, Arafat Waheed Khan and Waheed Zaman were actively working alongside other men on a plot to cause death and injury on a massive scale. (read more)

Taliban: “The US Has to Get Out of Afghanistan; Why Not Today?”
[7/13/10] The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (the Taliban) has released a communiqué titled, “The US Has to Get Out of Afghanistan; Why Not Today?” The communication warned that “the invading United States of America will suffer the most catastrophic military setback in its history.” Further, “The surprise attacks on Nangarhar Airport and huge military base in Kandahar by the Mujahideen in which dozens of invading soldiers and the puppet elements were killed... (read more)

Two Chicago Residents Sentenced for Plotting Against U.S. Troops
[7/13/10] Chicago residents Zubair and Khaleel Ahmed were sentenced to 10 years in prison and 8 years and 4 months in prison, respectively, after pleading guilty in Ohio federal court to conspiring "to provide material support to terrorists in connection with their efforts to travel abroad in order to murder or maim U.S. military forces in Iraq or Afghanistan. (read more)

Caucasus Emirates Leader Doku Umarov Designated by State Department
[7/13/10] Caucasus Emirates leader Doku Umarov has been designated by the U.S. Secretary of State under Presidential Executive Order 13224. According to State, "The emergence of Umarov as the leader of the Chechen insurgency intensified the split between national separatists and radical jihadists... (read more)

Canadian Convicted on Iranian Export Violation Charges
[7/13/10] Toronto resident Mahmoud Yadegari was found guilty in the Ontario Court of Justice for attempting to export nuclear-related dual-use items to Iran without obtaining the required permits. He had been arrested in April 2009. (read more)

IARA Executive Director Pleads Guilty to Iraq Sanctions Violations
[7/06/10] Mubarak Hamed, a naturalized United States citizen originally from Sudan and the former Executive Director of the Islamic American Relief Agency (IARA), pled guilty in Missouri federal court to conspiring to illegally transfer more than $1 million to Iraq in violation of federal sanctions, and to obstructing the administration of the laws governing tax-exempt charities. (read more)

Two Convicted in Canadian Bomb Plot Trial
[6/30/10] Commenting on the convictions of Steven Chand and Asad Ansari, who "were convicted of participating in a terrorist group that was plotting to bomb a number of symbolic Canadian institutions, including Parliament Hill and the Toronto Stock Exchange", RCMP Assistant Commissioner Gilles Michaud stated, "Had this plot been carried out, it would have resulted in the killing of innocent people... (read more)

U.K. Resident Sentenced on Terror Charges - Threatened Blair/Brown
[6/30/10] U.K. resident Ishaq Kanmi, who identified himself as the "leader of Al-Qaeda in Britain" in an online threat to Gordon Brown, was sentenced to five years in prison after pleading guilty to terror charges. According to the Greater Manchester Police, "At the time of his arrest, Kanmi was at the heart of a network of radicalised young men who intended to support or promote terrorism against the West. (read more)

Senate Foreign Relations Committee Questions Al Hurra
[6/29/10] In a report titled "U.S. International Broadcasting: Is Anybody Listening?", the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations examined the success of Al Hurra—the U.S. 24-hour Arabic television news channel.  According to the report, Al Hurra is "expensive, and with the exception of Iraq, little watched elsewhere in this vital region. (read more)

Taliban Operations in Pakistan
[6/28/10] The NEFA Foundation has obtained a statement highlighting recent Taliban operations in Pakistan, including those that involved “clashes”, “shooting operations”, and “explosive devices”. For example, according to the communication, “A clash occurred between your Taliban brothers and the apostate police in the city of Peshawar. And the clash led to the injury of three apostates.” And, “Your Taliban brothers launched an anti-tank missile over a... (read more)

Al Somood: “Jalaluddin Haqqani, a Legend in the History of the Afghanistan Jihad, Part 3”
[6/24/10] The NEFA Foundation has obtained the third part of an article titled, “Jalaluddin Haqqani, a Legend in the History of the Afghanistan Jihad”, from Al-Somood, a monthly Islamic magazine published by the Taliban’s media center. The first two installments of this Al Somood series can be viewed here and here.  As the author explains, “In this third installment, I had intended to move to another stage in the story of that huge leader whose journey... (read more)

Evidence of Ties Between Yemeni Charity and U.S. Branch Headed by Anwar al-Awlaki
[6/23/10] The NEFA Foundation has published an original copy of a letter written by Ronald Rose, attorney for the Kansas-based "Charitable Society for Social Welfare" (CSSW), an Islamic charitable group which featured Yemeni-American cleric Anwar al-Awlaki on its board of directors. Despite recent statements from CSSW's head office in Yemen strongly denying any link to al-Awlaki or the affiliate group in Kansas he helped manage, Mr. Rose's letter appears to paint a sharply contrasting picture.  (read more)

Times Square Bomb Plotter Pleads Guilty
[6/23/10] Faisal Shahzad pled guilty in Manhattan federal court to all counts of the 10-count indictment against him, admitting he drove a car bomb into Times Square on the evening of May 1, 2010. In court, he said, "I am part of the answer to the U.S. terrorizing the Muslim nations and the Muslim people, and on behalf of that, I'm avenging the attacks." (read more)

CRS Official Highlights AQ Presence in Horn of Africa
[6/22/10] Testifying before the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Subcommittee on Africa and Global Health, the Congressional Research Service's Ted Dagne noted that "Al-Qaeda and its allies are reportedly much stronger today in the Horn of Africa than at any time in the past decade... (read more)

Iranian Pleads Guilty to Attempting to Export Munitions from the U.S.
[6/22/10] Iranian national Omid Khalili pled guilty in Alabama federal court, admitting he attempted to illegally export fighter jet or military aircraft parts from the United States to Iran. As DOJ explained, "Khalili, along with his co-conspirator Masun [last name unknown], have been actively working with the Iranian government to procure military items for the Iranian government. (read more)

Ansar al-Mujahideen Forum Q&A with Sirajuddin Haqqani
[6/21/10] The NEFA Foundation has obtained a transcript of a Q&A session with Sirajuddin Haqqani by members of the Ansar al-Mujahideen Arabic forum.  According to the U.S. State Department, “Sirajuddin Haqqani, a senior leader of the Haqqani terrorist network founded by his father Jalaladin Haqqani, maintains close ties to al-Qa’ida. He has coordinated and participated in cross-border attacks against U.S. and Coalition forces in Afghanistan. He is believed to be located in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas of Pakistan.”  In the session... (read more)

Adam Gadahn: "Legitimate Demands Part 2: Barack's Dilemma"
[6/21/10] The NEFA Foundation has obtained a transcript of a new video recording of most wanted American Al-Qaida spokesman Adam Yehiye Gadahn, titled "Legitimate Demands Part 2: Barack's Dilemma." During the video, produced by Al-Qaida's As-Sahab Media Foundation, Gadahn addressed President Obama: “I know that as you slither snakelike into the second year of your reign as a purported president of change, you are finding your hands full with running the affairs of a declining and besieged empire and – in the process – proving yourself to... (read more)

MA Man Traveled to Yemen for Terrorist Training - Superseding Indictment Filed
[6/21/10] Tarek Mehanna, of Sudbury, Massachusetts and Ahmad Abousamra, who currently resides in Syria, were charged in a superseding indictment with one count each of conspiring to provide material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization. As DOJ explained, "This charge is additional to the prior 10 count superseding indictment charging them with providing and conspiring to provide material support to terrorists... (read more)

TTP Links Detailed in Faisal Shahzad Indictment - Times Square Plot
[6/21/10] Alleged Times Square bomber Faisal Shahzad was indicted in New York federal court in connection with the failed May 1, 2010 plot. According to Attorney General Eric Holder, "The facts alleged in this indictment show that the Pakistani Taliban facilitated Faisal Shahzad’s attempted attack on American soil." The indictment alleged that "In December 2009, Shahzad received explosives training in Waziristan, Pakistan, from explosive trainers affiliated with Tehrik-e-Taliban... (read more)

Kosovar National Charged with Terrorism Violations
[6/18/10] Bajram Asllani, 29, a resident of Mitrovica, Kosovo, was charged in a criminal complaint with providing material support to terrorists and conspiring to murder, kidnap, maim and injure persons abroad. According to DOJ, "Asllani, also known as 'Bajram Aslani,' or 'Ebu Hatab,' was arrested by authorities in Kosovo in connection with a U.S. provisional arrest warrant issued in the Eastern District of North Carolina." Asllani's arrest is linked to the North Carolina Jihad Cell, which plotted against the Quantico Marine Base. (read more)

Hamas: “Thomas: ’Jews Do Not Belong in Israel’”
[6/16/10] The NEFA Foundation has obtained a statement, released by the Ezzedeen Al Qassam Brigades (the military wing of the Palestinian Hamas movement), titled, “Thomas: ’Jews Do Not Belong in Israel.’” Responding to White House correspondent Helen Thomas’ comments that Jews in Israel should “go home” to Poland and Germany, Hamas stated, “No doubt that Thomas Helen [sic] has told the truth that everybody in the world knows. But as [an] American in a very important position she was attacked by Zionists who went mad... (read more)

State Department Officials: "Assessing the Strength of Hizballah"
[6/14/10] Testifying before the Subcommittee on Near Eastern and South and Central Asian Affairs of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations during a hearing "assessing the strength of Hizballah", State Department officials Jeffrey Feltman and Daniel Benjamin noted the organization's global reach: "The recent conviction of a Hizballah cell in Egypt for spying, plotting attacks on resorts frequented by tourists, and arms smuggling illustrates Hizballah’s growing regional reach and ambitions. (read more)

Taliban: “Statement on the Gaza Aid Flotilla”
[6/11/10] An application for a search warrant to search the apartment of Barry Walter Bujol, Jr. has been unsealed and provides background on the investigation that eventually led to Bujol's indictment for attempting to provide material support to Al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula. (read more)

Search Warrant Unsealed in Texas AQAP Cases
[6/11/10] An application for a search warrant to search the apartment of Barry Walter Bujol, Jr. has been unsealed and provides background on the investigation that eventually led to Bujol's indictment for attempting to provide material support to Al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula. (read more)

U.S. Citizen Sentenced in NY for Conspiring to Provide Material Support to Al-Qaida
[6/11/10] A federal judge in New York sentenced Syed Hashmi to 15 years in prison for conspiracy to provide material support to Al-Qaida; he had pled guilty in April 2010. "According to the superseding indictment and statements made during the guilty plea proceeding: In 2004, Hashmi provided material support... (read more)

U.S. Citizen Indicted in Conspiracy to Provide Satellite Technology to Iran
[6/11/10] A federal grand jury indicted six individuals -- one American and five Iranian citizens -- on charges of conspiring to illegally provide satellite hardware and technology to Iran, in violation of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act and money laundering. The indictment alleges that as a result of the conspiracy, an Iranian earth satellite equipped with a camera was launched into space in Russia on about Oct. 27, 2005. (read more)

Two U.S. Citizens Indicted for Planning to Join Al Shabaab
[6/08/10] U.S. citizens Mohamed Mahmood Alessa, 20, of North Bergen, New Jersey, and Carlos Eduardo Almonte, 24, of Elmwood Park, New Jersey were arrested at JFK International Airport, where they intended to take separate flights to Egypt on their way to Somalia to join designated Foreign Terrorist Organization Al Shabaab and wage violent jihad. According to DOJ, "In October 2006, the FBI received a tip concerning the defendants’ activities. (read more)

FARC-Linked Drug Trafficking Indictment
[6/08/10] Eight individuals were indicted in New York federal court for conspiring to use Liberia as a staging area for the distribution of more than $100 million of cocaine. As DOJ explained, "During the last decade, drug trafficking organizations based in South America have increasingly used countries along or near the West African coast... (read more)