Jihad and Terrorism Threat Monitor (JTTM) Weekly: March 15-22, 2025

Memri

21-03-2025

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 [e-mail] 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 [e-mail]. Please include your name, title, and organization in your email.
EXCLUSIVE: Syria-Based Jihadi Cleric, Pro-Al-Qaeda Ideologues, Islamic State (ISIS) Supporters Condemn New Syrian Constitutional Declaration As Violation Of Shari'a, 'New Religion'
On March 13, 2025, Syrian President Ahmed Al-Sharaa – who had previously headed jihadi group Hay'at Tahrir Al-Sham (HTS) under the nom de guerre Abu Muhammad Al-Joulani – signed a constitutional declaration, valid for a five-year transitional period, after receiving it from a seven-member committee which he had tasked with drafting it on March 2.
EXCLUSIVE: Gaza-Based Hamas Supporter Calls President Trump 'Stupid and Ignorant' Over The Detention Of Palestinian Columbia University Graduate And Student Protest Leader Mahmoud Khalil
An influential Hamas supporter based in Gaza lambasted US President Trump on Telegram for his handling of the case of Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian green card holder and graduate of Columbia University who headed the University's student protest movement over the war in Gaza.
EXCLUSIVE: 'Shield Of The Coast Brigade' Threatens To Harm Captured Security Operatives, Escalate Battle Against Syrian Administration; Claims Prisoners Are With Its Leader Outside Syrian Coast
On March 6, 2025, a wave of violence erupted in the coastal regions of Syria, the main center of the country's Alawite minority, which counts among its members former Presidents Hafez and Bashar Al-Assad, between forces of the new Syrian administration – linked to disbanded jihadi group Hay'at Tahrir Al-Sham (HTS) – and armed groups, with reports of atrocities on both sides.
EXCLUSIVE: Two New Iraqi Shi'ite Groups Threaten To Burn Down The Syrian Embassy In Baghdad, Expel Syrians Residing In Iraq
Two unknown Iraqi Shi'ite groups published brief statements on Telegram threatening to expel Syrian refugees who are residing in Iraq.
Received By Syrian President Ahmed Al-Sharaa, Delegation From Qatar-Based Muslim Brotherhood-Affiliated International Union Of Muslim Scholars (IUMS) Pledges To Support Projects In Syria
On March 12, 2025, the Presidency of the Syrian Arab Republic released a photoset showing President Ahmed Al-Sharaa – who had previously headed jihadi group Hay'at Tahrir Al-Sham (HTS) under the nom de guerre Abu Muhammad Al-Joulani – receiving a delegation from the Qatar-based International Union of Muslim Scholars (IUMS), affiliated with the Muslim Brotherhood, in Damascus.
Syrian Foreign Ministry Issues Statement Condemning 'Attacks On Syrians In Iraq'
Syria's Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement calling on the Iraqi Government to protect Syrian residents in the country from harm.
Popular Front For The Liberation Of Palestine (PFLP) Issues Statement Condemning What It Calls A 'Repressive Campaign Against Pro-Palestinian Students And Activists On American Universities;' Calls On 'Progressive Forces, Human Rights Organizations And Student Unions In The United States To Take Urgent Action'
The Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) released a statement calling on progressive groups in the United States to "take urgent action" against what it called a "repressive campaign against pro-Palestinian students and activists on American universities."
Designated Terrorist Groups Samidoun And Masar Badil Organization Condemn American Strikes Against Houthis, Call On Anti-Israel Protesters Everywhere To Escalate Activities Against 'Fascist Powers'
On March 16, 2025, Samidoun: Palestinian Prisoner Solidarity Network – a designated terrorist organization, issued a statement in English, condemning the recent U.S. strikes that targeted multiple leaders of Iran-backed Yemen's Ansar Allah Movement (the Houthis).
Houthi Ansar Allah Movement: We Carried Out 'Hypersonic' Missile Attack On Military Base In Israel And A Fourth Missile-Drone Attack Within 72 Hours On USS Harry S Truman; Houthi Leader: 'We Will Renew The Escalation To The Highest Level'
On March 18 and 19, 2025, Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi Ansar Allah movement (the Houthis) claimed responsibility for the launch of a "hypersonic ballistic missile" at a military base in southern Israel, and for a fourth missile-drone attack on the USS Harry S Truman aircraft carrier within 72 hours.
Houthi Ansar Allah Movement Claims Missile-Drone Attack On U.S. Destroyer, USS Harry S. Truman Aircraft Carrier, In Third Targeting Of Latter In 48 Hours
On March 18, 2025, the armed forces spokesman of Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi Ansar Allah movement (the Houthis), claimed the group's forces had "successfully targeted" the U.S. aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman in the northern Red Sea with two cruise missiles and two drones, marking the third Houthi attack on it within 48 hours.
Houthi Ansar Allah Movement Claims Two Drone And Missile Attacks On USS 'Harry Truman;' Houthi Leader: If U.S. Attacks Continue We'll Move To 'Other Options For Escalation'
On March 16 and 17, 2025, Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi Ansar Allah movement (the Houthis) claimed responsibility for two drone and missile attacks on the American aircraft carrier the USS Harry S. Truman.
Yemen's Ansar Allah Movement (Houthis) Escalate Confrontation With Israel, Renew Naval Blockade, Condemn Arab 'Inaction'
Yemen's Iran-backed Ansar Allah Movement (Houthis) tightens its blockade on Israeli maritime routes, threatening military action if Gaza's siege continues.
Houthi Ansar Allah Movement: The U.S. Attacks In Yemen Are A "War Crime" And "American Terror"; The Response Will Be "Professional And Painful"
On March 15, 2025, four days after Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi Ansar Allah movement (the Houthis) announced the renewal of their naval blockade on Israel, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) announced that its forces had launched a widescale operation against the Houthis in Yemen.
Syrian Administration Accuses Lebanese Hizbullah Of Killing Three Soldiers At Syria-Lebanon Border As Hizbullah Disavows Responsibility; Iraqi Shi'ite Group Claims Attack, While Other Sources Claim Local Tribes Killed Dozens Of Soldiers
Clashes recently broke out at the Syria-Lebanon border killing several soldiers from the new Syrian administration, linked to disbanded jihadi group Hay'at Tahrir Al-Sham (HTS).
Lebanese Hizbullah-Affiliated Media Outlet Reports Social Media Ban Amid War With Israel
On March 12, 2025, a Lebanese Hizbullah-affiliated news website announced on its official Telegram channel that its social media accounts on Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), and Facebook had been banned and shut down during and after Hizbullah's 'Uli Al-Ba's [Formidable in Might] war, which was launched in support of Hamas's Toofan Al-Aqsa [Al-Aqsa Flood] October 7, 2023 attack, and ongoing military campaign against Israel.
Iraqi Hizbullah Brigades Condemns Mistreatment Of Syrians In Iraq; Denounces Syrian President Ahmed Al-Sharaa; Rejects Legitimacy Of His Government And Justifies Armed 'Resistance' Against It
On March 13, 2025, on its Telegram channel, the Iran-backed Iraqi Hizbullah Brigades militia posted an official statement, titled: "The Emergency Circumstances of Al-Joulani's Gangs Cannot Erase the Brotherhood Ties Between Iraq and Syria."
Iran-Backed Groups Lebanese Hizbullah And Iraqi Hizbullah Brigades Decry Israel's Resumption Of Military Action Against Hamas, Condemn Washington's 'Total' Support Of Israel
On March 18, 2025, Iran-backed groups Lebanese Hizbullah and Iraqi Hizbullah Brigades released statements condemning the resumption of Israeli military action against Hamas in the Gaza Strip, while accusing Washington of fully empowering Israel to "massacre" Palestinians.
Two Iran-Backed Militias Pledge Support For Yemen's Houthi Movement Amid Escalation With The United States: 'We Are At The Disposal Of The Houthi Leader To Target The American Enemy In Iraq And The Region'
Two recently-formed Iran-backed militias pledged to support Yemen's Ansar Allah Houthi Movement amid escalation with the United States and Israel by targeting American forces in Iraq and elsewhere.
New Iraqi Shi'ite Group 'Closely Connected To Iran' Threatens Attacks On U.S. Embassy, Other U.S. Targets In Iraq, If Attacked By Israel
On March 17, 2025, following media reports about Israel's intention to attack targets in Iraq, a Telegram channel affiliated with the Iran-backed militias in Iraq, shared a statement from the previously unknown Shi'ite Iraqi group in which it related to recent alleged threats from Israel.
New Iraqi Shi'ite Group Threatens To Drive Syrians Out Of Iraq; Members Filmed Beating Bakery Workers In Group's 'First Operation'
In early March 2025, in Syria's coastal areas, a stronghold of Syria's former President Bashar Al-Assad and Shi'ite Alawite minority, a wave of violence erupted.
Russian Ambassador To Iraq And Secretary General Of Iran-Backed Iraqi Militia Asa'ib Ahl Al-Haq (AAH) Discuss Recent Events In Syria, Economic Cooperation, Russia-Ukraine War
On March 12, 2025, the press office of the Secretary General of the Iran-backed Iraqi militia Asa'ib Ahl Al-Haq (AAH) and a U.S.-designated terrorist, published a press release on Telegram about a same-day meeting between the Secretary General and the Russian Ambassador to Iraq.
WARNING – GRAPHIC: Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) Documents Execution Of Three Nigerian Soldiers
On March 17, 2025, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) released three photos documenting the execution of three Nigerian soldiers, captured by the group's operatives in Azare and Kamuya, in Nigeria's Yobe state.
WARNING – GRAPHIC: Islamic State (ISIS) Weekly Newsletter Releases Exclusive Photos Documenting Operations In Niger, DRC, And Syria
On March 13, 2025, the Islamic State (ISIS) released issue 486 of its weekly newsletter.
Islamic State (ISIS) Weekly Editorial Claims The 'Illusions' Of Coexistence In Syria 'Failed At First Test'; Deems President Al-Sharaa A 'Puppet' Until Partition Plan In Region Is Finalized
On March 13, 2025, the Islamic State (ISIS) released Issue 486 of its weekly newsletter which featured an editorial titled: "Minoritarianism and Sectarianism Blown Up."
Islamic State (ISIS) Supporters Cast Doubt On Reports That Senior Leader Abu Khadijah Killed, Call Deaths Of Leaders 'Victory'; ISIS Critic Asserts Organization Faces Major Leadership Crisis, May Transfer Decision-Making Out Of Iraq And Syria
On March 14 , 2025, the Iraqi Prime Minister announced that forces of the Iraqi National Intelligence Service (INIS), with the "support and coordination" of the Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve and forces of the Global Coalition against ISIS – had killed 'Abdallah Makki Muslih Al-Rafi'i aka Abu Khadijah.
In Video, Syrian Interior Ministry Unveils Islamic State (ISIS) Cell Involved In The Assassination Of Hay'at Tahrir Al-Sham (HTS) Official Abu Maria Al-Qahtani, Failed Bombings Against Christians, Foiled Attack On Sayyidah Zainab Shrine
On March 18, 2025, the Syrian Interior Ministry released a nine-minute video titled, "In Security Custody: The Inevitable Fate."
Islamic State (ISIS) Critic: The Killing Of High-profile ISIS Leader In Iraq Is The Result Of Major Security Breach Inside His Inner Circle
On March 17, 2025, an anti-Islamic State (ISIS) channel on the Al-Qaeda-operated Rocket.Chat server, published a post commenting on the circumstance that led to the killing of Abdallah Makki Muslih Al-Rifai, alias 'Abu Khadijah,' a senior ISIS leader in Iraq.
ISKP Magazine Lists Battles In Which Muhammad Fought During Ramadan: Jerusalem 'Is Once Again In The Control Of Jews'
The latest issue of the Urdu-language magazine published by a media outlet linked to ISKP, which defines itself as a supporting entity for the Islamic State (ISIS), features an article listing major battles in which Muhammad, founder of Islam, and the Muslim commanders who came after him, fought during the fasting month of Ramadan.
ISKP Magazine Criticizes Afghan Taliban For Seeking UN Membership: 'The Foundation Of This Tyrannical Organization Was Established To Fight Against Islam And Prevent Muslims From Establishing An Islamic State'
A lengthy article in an English-language monthly magazine published by a media outlet linked to the Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP), which defines itself as a supporting entity for the Islamic State (ISIS), criticizes Afghan Taliban rulers for seeking membership of the United Nations and goes on to argue that the principles and values enshrined in the UN Charter contradict shari'a.
ISKP Magazine Responds To Trump's Statements On Bagram Base, U.S. Weapons Left In Afghanistan: 'No [U.S.] Aid Has Been Stopped, No Weapons Will Be Seized, And Trump Will Not Take Any Action Against The [Afghan Taliban] Militia'
The latest issue of the English-language monthly magazine published by a media outlet linked to the Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP), which defines itself as a supporting entity for the Islamic State (ISIS), features an article accusing U.S. President Donald Trump of continuing to fund the Afghan Taliban.
Poster In English By Pro-Islamic State (ISIS) Media Outlets: Jihad Is Mandatory
On March 16, 2025, a pro-Islamic State (ISIS) media foundation, in collaboration with English-language media, released a poster titled "Jihad Is the Path of Dignity."
Pro-Islamic State (ISIS) Outlet Calls For Jihad In Uttar Pradesh, India; Poster Depicts Armed Fighter Standing Over Crowd Of Hindus Celebrating Holi
A pro-Islamic State (ISIS) media outlet called for jihad in India after a Muslim man was reportedly killed in Uttar Pradesh for refusing to take part in a Hindu festival.
Pro-Islamic State (ISIS) Outlet Releases Step-By-Step Manual To Equip Drones With Video System Using Custom-Made 3D-Printed Mount
On March 11, 2025, a channel on the ISIS-operated Rocket.Chat server released the fifth issue of the series of manuals, "Modern Warfare."
Pro-Islamic State (ISIS) Poster Urges Supporters To Target U.S. President, Western Leaders
On March 13, 2025, a pro-Islamic State (ISIS) organization, published a poster on the ISIS-operated Rocket Chat server inciting attacks against "nonbeliever," non-Muslim leaders of the West.
Pro-ISIS Female Writer Dubbs Jews 'Brothers Of Monkeys' And America As A 'Traitor of Jesus,' Accusing Them Of Duplicity For Ending Ceasefire In Gaza
A pro-Islamic State (ISIS) media outlet published an article on Telegram authored by pro-ISIS female writer.
Pro-Islamic State (ISIS) Media Outlet Solicits Cryptocurrency Donations With Poster Featuring Arabic, Turkish, English, And Russian-Language Text
A pro-Islamic State (ISIS) media outlet released a poster soliciting online donations in cryptocurrency during the Islamic month of Ramadan.
Al-Qaeda Affiliate Al-Shabab Claims Killing, Wounding Over 150 Soldiers, Capturing New Areas In Series Of Attacks In Southern Somalia
On March 15, 2025, the media arm of Al-Qaeda's affiliate in Somalia, Harakat Al-Shabab Al-Mujahideen (Al-Shabab), released an Arabic translation of a Somali statement from Al-Shabab's military command reporting on same-day Al-Shabab attacks against Somali armed forces in the country's south.
Al-Qaeda Affiliate Al-Shabab Claims 'Qualitative Operation' Targeting Somali President Mohamud's Motorcade At Gate Of Presidential Palace In Mogadishu
On March 18, 2025, an official Arabic-language media outlet of Al-Qaeda's affiliate in Somalia, Harakat Al-Shabab Al-Mujahideen (Al-Shabab), issued a claim reporting that the group's fighters had targeted the motorcade of Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, pejoratively nicknamed Gurguurte ("Crawler"), in a "qualitative operation" at the gate of the presidential palace in Mogadishu, as he was heading to the international airport.
Al-Qaeda Affiliate Al-Shabab Issues Statement Commending Fighters For Recent Series Of Attacks On Somali Forces And Turkey-Backed Militias
On March 19, 2025, the media arm of Al-Qaeda's affiliate in Somalia, Harakat Al-Shabab Al-Mujahideen (Al-Shabab), issued a statement highlighting attacks claimed by the group over the past two days in Central Shebelle and Mogadishu.
Al-Qaeda Affiliate Al-Shabab: We Repelled Integrated Attack By Somali Forces With U.S. Air Support
On March 12, 2025, the media arm of the Al-Qaeda affiliate in Somalia, Harakat Al-Shabab Al-Mujahideen (Al-Shabab), announced that seven members of an integrated force comprised of the Somali Special Forces who are trained by the U.S., and the Somali Armed Forces, were killed, and another six were wounded when Al-Shabab fighters repelled an attack.
Al-Qaeda Affiliate Group For The Support Of Islam And Muslims (GSIM) Claims Dozens Of Attacks Since March 1 In Burkina Faso, Mali, And Niger; Documents Operations In Photos
Between March 4 and 12, 2025, the media arm 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 a flurry of statements claiming responsibility for several armed attacks against the Malian, Burkinabe, and Nigerien armed forces.
WARNING – GRAPHIC: Group For The Support Of Islam And Muslims (GSIM) Kills Dozens Of Burkinabe Soldiers In Seven Attacks Targeting Military Sites Across Country
From March 14 to 15, 2025, Al-Qaeda's affiliate in the Sahel, the Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (GSIM), claimed responsibility for killing dozens of Burkinabe soldiers in seven attacks across the country.
Al-Qaeda Affiliate Group For The Support Of Islam And Muslims (GSIM) Releases Photos Documenting Its Fighters Observing Ramadan
On March 13, 2025, the media arm 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 a photoset documenting the group's fighters observing the fasting month of Ramadan.
In Photos, Al-Qaeda Affiliate, The Group For The Support Of Islam And Muslims (GSIM), Documents Ramadan In Burkina Faso
On March 14, 2025, the media arm 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 a set of six photos showcasing the group's operatives in Burkina Faso camps engaging in activities related to the holy month of Ramadan.
Al-Qaeda In The Indian Subcontinent (AQIS) Releases Video Biography Of Slain Commander From Dhaka, Bangladesh Who Fought In Afghanistan Against U.S. Forces
Al-Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS) released a video biography of a commander from Dhaka, Bangladesh.
Al-Qaeda In Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) Condemns Attacks By U.S., Israel, And Houthis On 'Peaceful Muslims In Yemen,' Calls On Muslims To Unite Against All Three
On March 19, 2025, the official media arm of Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP), issued a four-page statement in Arabic titled "A Statement Regarding The Killing Of Women And Children In Yemen In U.S. Airstrikes."
Afghan Taliban Editorial Criticizes Donald Trump's Gaza Plan: 'Every Individual [In Afghanistan] Longs For The Opportunity... To Show The Zionist Invaders Their Path And Fate'
In a Pashtu-language editorial, Afghan Taliban's state-owned daily editorial criticized Muslim countries for their indifference to U.S. President Donald Trump's proposal for Palestinians to be moved from Gaza into neighboring countries of Jordan and Egypt.
Afghan Taliban Spokesman Rejects Trump's Claim Of Chinese Control Of Bagram Airbase, Says Weapons Left By U.S. Forces Are Spoils Of War
In recent interviews, Afghan Taliban spokesman rejected U.S. President Donald Trump's claim that Bagram airbase in Afghanistan is under China's control and the American weapons left by the U.S. forces should be returned.
Pro-Afghan Taliban Media Outlet: 'Muhammad Sharif[Ullah] Was Not The Mastermind'; 'Both The Trump Administration And Pakistan Have Strategic Motives For Inflating Muhammad Sharif's Alleged Involvement In The Kabul Airport Attack'
On March 5, 2025, a pro-Afghan Taliban website published a report saying that both the Trump administration and Pakistan are exaggerating the importance of Muhammad Sharifullah aka Jafar, the Islamic State Khurasan Province (ISKP, or ISIS-K) militant arrested for the 2021 Kabul airport attack.
Hizb-ut-Tahrir Afghanistan: 'For Three Years Now, The West Has Been Trying To Assimilate The Taliban Into This [International] Order And Prevent The Transfer Of Political Islam From The East To The West'
In a Pashtu-language article dated February 23, 2025, Hizb ut-Tahrir Afghanistan praised the Afghan Taliban's decision to withdraw from the Rome Statute, which established the International Criminal Court (ICC), and called for a complete break from the Western-led international order.
Hizb-ut-Tahrir Bangladesh Organizes 'March For Khilafat' Rally, Calls On Bangladeshi Army Officers To Revolt: 'You Are The Sons Of The Muslim Ummah Who Have The Military Power In Their Hands'
On March 7, 2025, Hizb-ut-Tahrir Bangladesh, which seeks to cause an uprising in the armed forces of Muslim countries as a means to the establishment of a global Islamic caliphate, organized a mass rally billed as the "March for Khilafat [Caliphate]" in Dhaka.