A recent UN report has published sources of funding for the West African terrorist group Boko Haram. The area’s cash economy has allowed the group to finance its operations through extortion, …
Al-Shabaab’s Mata Hari Intelligence Network
A researcher has worked to document a surprising element within Al-Shabaab’s operational structure: the use of sex workers and street children in the group’s intelligence apparatus. “If you want …
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Al Qaeda’s alliance with the Taliban ‘remains firm,’ UN says
The alliance between the Taliban and Al Qaeda in Afghanistan “remains firm,” according to a new UN report. While ISIS has expanded worldwide, Al Qaeda remains stronger in places like Somalia, Yemen, …
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Money-laundering watchdog reviews Pakistan
The Asia Pacific Group (APG) on Money Laundering is reviewing Pakistan’s policies and practices surrounding money laundering and terrorist financing. The group has recommended a series of changes that …
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′Islamic State′: Up to 30,000 fighters still in Syria and Iraq, UN says
A UN report indicates that up to 30,000 Islamic State fighters remain in Syria and Iraq, posing a significant long-term threat even as territory previously seized by the group has been …
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Venezuela Attack Highlights Vulnerability to Drone Assassins
"The drones rigged with high explosives used in a plot targeting Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro highlight the risk of drone-enabled attacks that the U.S. has few tools to prevent. Federal law …
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Report: AFRICOM looks to cut special ops missions, pull out hundreds of troops from Africa
While no decision has been made nor action taken, the Pentagon is reportedly exploring plans to reduce counterterrorism forces in Africa and focus more closely on threats from China and Russia. “The …
Taliban official says group spoke with US official
A senior Taliban official announced a recent meeting with U.S. officials in Qatar to discuss future peace talks. U.S. officials have remained silent on the meeting. The Taliban has demanded direct …
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Islamic State kills 215 in southwest Syria attacks
In the group’s deadliest attack in years, Islamic State fighters killed over 200 people in a government-held part of southwestern Syria on Wednesday. The assault coordinated several suicide attacks …
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Pakistan election: Suicide blasts and violence erupts as voters head to the polls
Pakistan is electing candidates at the polls today, as explosions and clashes break out across the country. The long-awaited election has been marred by pre-election violence and terrorist attacks …