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

Memri

21-02-2025

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: A Review Of The Use Of Tunnels By Hamas, Hizbullah, Al-Qaeda, ISIS, Ansar Allah (Houthis), And Other Jihadi Groups And Ramifications For U.S. National Security – With Foreword By General (Ret) Kenneth F. McKenzie Jr., USMC
General (Ret) Kenneth F. Mckenzie Jr., USMC says of this large MEMRI study of terrorist use of tunnels: "This MEMRI report is timely and disturbing. They have done a remarkable job of exposing the new complexities of combat in a built-up urban area, and also how tunnels add a new and concerning dimension to conflict outside of urban areas."
EXCLUSIVE: Celebrating The Shutdown Of USAID, Iran-Backed Iraqi Militias: The Agency Of The Great Satan Is Dying
Capitalizing on President Donlad Trump's administration decision to close the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), a Telegram channel affiliated with Iran-backed militias in Iraq published, on February 11, 2025, a series of posters demonizing the work of the agency in Iraq.
EXCLUSIVE: Al-Qaeda Central Command Calls To Foil Trump's Plan For Gaza By Targeting U.S., Israeli, Western Interests; Toppling Arab Regimes; Attacking In U.S. And West
On February 19, 2025, Al-Qaeda's Central Command issued Arabic and Urdu versions of a two-page "Statement about the Plan to Expel Our Dear People in Gaza."
EXCLUSIVE: Massachusetts Man Arrested For Threats On X And Google Against City Of Boston, Authorities, School Children; Threats Invoked ISIS And Al-Qaeda: 'Paralyze The City Of Boston'
Massachusetts man was arrested on February 6, 2025, in Florida, accused of interstate transmission of threatening communications.
EXCLUSIVE: Iran-Backed Pro-Russia Outlet Eulogized Iraqi National Killed In Ukraine Fighting Alongside Russians In The Fight Against 'America's Expansionism' Into Russian Land
On February 3, 2025, a Telegram channel affiliated with Iran-backed militias in Iraq and supportive of Russia eulogized an Iraqi national who was killed in battle while fighting with Russian forces in Ukraine.
EXCLUSIVE: Lebanese Daily: Iraq To Disconnect From Iran-Backed Axis Of Resistance; Unconfirmed Reports That Heads Of Shi'ite Militias Were Granted Asylum In Russia, Belarus
On February 17, 2025 a Lebanese daily newspaper published an op-ed that claims that Iraq is working to disconnect, within several months, from the Iran-backed axis of resistance and to integrate the members of the Iran-backed Shi'ite militias in Iraq into the ranks of the Iraqi Armed Forces.
EXCLUSIVE: London-Based Saudi Daily: Iran, Via Houthis Establishing Armed Militia In Horn Of Africa To Control International Shipping Lanes In Red Sea
On February 16, 2025, the London-based Saudi daily newpaper published an article about steps being taken by Iran, via the Houthi Ansar Allah movement (the Houthis) to establish an armed militia in the Horn of Africa.
Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) To Integrate Into New Syrian Army, SDF Commander Says
A commander of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) announced that SDF forces will integrate into the structure of the army of the new Government of Syria.
Syrian President Al-Sharaa Appoints Seven-Member Preparatory Committee For Planned National Dialogue Conference
On February 12, 2025, the Presidency of the Syrian Arab Republic issued a statement signed by President Ahmed Al-Sharaa aka Abu Muhammad Al-Joulani – who had previously headed jihadi group Hay'at Tahrir Al-Sham (HTS) – announcing the formation of a preparatory committee for Syria's planned National Dialogue Conference.
Syrian Security Forces Arrest Three For Involvement In Assad Regime's 2013 Tadamon Massacre
On February 17, 2025, the government-run Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) quoted the head of the Public Security Administration (PSA) in Damascus who reported that "after surveillance and monitoring," the PSA had apprehended "one of the arch-criminals" responsible for the April 2013 massacre in Damascus' Tadamon neighborhood.
Russia's Putin Congratulates Syrian President Al-Sharaa On His Appointment In Conversation Emphasizing 'Strong Strategic Ties' Between Both Countries, Expresses Readiness To Reconsider Agreements With Assad Regime
On February 12, 2025, the Presidency of the Syrian Arab Republic reported that President Ahmed Al-Sharaa aka Abu Muhammad Al-Joulani – who had previously headed jihadi group Hay'at Tahrir Al-Sham (HTS) – received a telephone call from Russian President Vladimir Putin congratulating him on his January 29 appointment as interim president of Syria.
'Syrian Popular Resistance' Explains Leadership's Cryptic 'Final Statement' As Intelligence Ruse; Accuses Rival Resistance Groups Of Lying, Being Run From Abroad, Serving Foreign Agendas
On February 13, 2025, the "Syrian Popular Resistance," which opposes the new Syrian administration linked to jihadi group Hay'at Tahrir Al-Sham (HTS), issued a series of "strategic clarifications" and "statements of clarification," explaining an earlier statement alleging that its leadership had ceased its activity and making accusations against rival resistance groups.
Syria-Based Saudi Jihadi Cleric: Hamas Won The Battle Of Morals; Trump's Gaza Proposal Is Impulsive And Arrogant
A Syria-based Saudi jihadi cleric published posts on X (formerly Twitter) sharing his perspective on the Israeli-Hamas conflict.
The Islamic Resistance Front In Syria – Formidable In Might Claims Attack On IDF Forces in Southern Syria; Calls For 'Sweeping Revolution Against Occupation'
On February 18, 2025, on its Telegram channel, the Islamic Resistance Front in Syria – Formidable in Might militia claimed responsibility for an attack on the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) in southern Syria.
Gaza-Based Palestinian Mujahideen Movement Dismisses President Trump's Proposal As 'Arrogant'; An Attempt To Restore 'Damaged Reputation' Of The U.S. After Afghanistan, Iraq; Commends Yemen's Ansar Allah Houthi
The Gaza-based Palestinian Mujahideen Movement (PMM) continues its criticism of President Donald Trump's proposal to rebuild the Gaza Strip and resettle Palestinians elsewhere in the region.
On X And BlueSky, Egypt-Based Graphic Designer Creates Pro-Sinwar, Nasrallah Content In English; Raises Funds On BuyMeACoffee
An English-speaking Egyptian graphic artist on X and Bluesky shares original graphics which reflect her pro-Hamas, Hezbollah, and Houthi ideology.
Lebanese Daily Al-Akhbar: Houthi Ansar Allah Movement Prepares To Resume Military Operations If Israel Renews Its 'Aggression' On Gaza; Threatens That U.S. Plan To Displace Gazans Will 'Widen The Scope Of Resistance Axis'
On February 13, 2025, the pro-Hizbullah Lebanese daily newspaper published an article titled "Sanaa Behind Gaza: Preparations for New Round."
Senior Houthi Ansar Allah Movement Officials: We Will Strike U.S. And Israel With 'Painful Military Blows' If Attacks On Gaza Resume Or An Attempt Is Made To Expel Gazans
On February 13-14, 2025, following the announcement of the Trump initiative to relocate the Palestinians in the Gaza Strip and the U.S. president's ultimatum to Hamas that if it does not release all the Israeli hostages, "the gates of hell will open on Gaza," senior Houthi officials threatened an immediate military response to every attack on Gaza, whether it be Israeli or American.
In A Video, Houthi Ansar Allah Movement Celebrates Closure Of USAID For Its Alleged Hidden Agenda, Accusing It Of CIA Ties, Economic Sabotage In Yemen, And Intelligence Operations Under The Guise Of Humanitarian Aid
On February 13, 2025, Yemen's Houthi Ansar Allah movement shared a video produced by an affiliated media outlet.
Iran-Backed Militia In Iraq Questions Iraqi Government's Legitimacy After Iraq Invites Al-Sharaa To Baghdad; Condemns Al-Sharaa Recognition, Calls For Public Mobilization Against Political 'Betrayal And Corruption'
On February 1 4 , 2025, Iraqi Foreign Minister announced that his government had extended an invitation to the new Syrian President, Ahmed Al-Sharaa, to attend the upcoming Arab League summit, scheduled to be held in Baghdad in May 2025.
Deputy Commander Of Iran-Backed Iraqi Militia Al-Nujaba' Movement: 'Criminal Trump's Gaza Proposal Shows He Is Madman; Resistance Will Not Stand Idly By'
On February 13, 2025, the deputy commander of the Iran-backed Iraqi militia, the Al-Nujaba Movement, shared a post on X (formerly Twitter) in which he commented on U.S. President Donald Trump's proposal to take over Gaza and resettle Palestinians in Arab countries.
Islamic State (ISIS) Weekly Claims 330 Casualties Among Puntland Security Forces In Northeastern Somalia Over A Week
The first news article in Issue 482 of Islamic State (ISIS) weekly magazine released on February 13, 2025 summarizes recent operations by the ISIS affiliate in Somalia against forces of the autonomous Puntland region, claiming "more than 330 killed and wounded" in attacks by "soldiers of the caliphate."
Islamic State (ISIS) Weekly Editorial Denounces The Afghan Taliban For Its Embrace Of Democracy And Rejection Of Islamic Monotheism
On February 13, 2025, the Islamic State (ISIS) released issue 482 of its weekly newsletter.
Islamic State Central Africa Province (ISCAP) Claims Killing Eight Soldiers, Wounding 11 In Attack On Barracks In Eastern Democratic Republic Of Congo (DRC)
On February 18, 2025, the Islamic State's (ISIS) official news agency released a statement claiming that, according to "military sources," ISIS operatives carried out an "armed assault" on the morning of February 17 targeting a Congolese army barracks near Mukondo, in the Lubero territory of the Democratic Republic of the Congo's (DRC) North-Kivu province.
Islamic State (ISIS) Weekly: Islamic State Central Africa Province (ISCAP) Freed Over 80 Captured Christians After Conversion To Islam
Issue 482 of Islamic State's (ISIS) weekly magazine, released on February 14, 2025, reported on the operations of Islamic State Central Africa Province (ISCAP) in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Posters By German-Language, Pro-Islamic State (ISIS) Outlet Incite Acts Of Stabbing, Car Ramming In Austria, Belgium, And Germany
A German-language outlet supportive of the Islamic State (ISIS) started issuing threatening material inciting lone operatives to emulate the February 15, 2025, stabbing attack in Villach, Austria, as well as car ramming attacks in Austria, Belgium, and Germany.
Islamic State (ISIS) Supporters Online Celebrate Austria Stabbing By 'Laughing Jihadi': 'Brother Is A Legend, May Allah Bless Him'
On February 15, 2025, a 23-year-old Syrian asylum seeker carried out a stabbing attack in Villach, in Austria's Carinthia state, which resulted in the death of a 14-year-old boy and injuries to five others.
Australian Pro-Islamic State (ISIS) Preacher Solicits PayPal Donations To Fund Legal Battle Against Charges Of 'Antisemitic Rhetoric'
On February 17, 2025, the Telegram channel run by a Sydney-based pro-ISIS preacher and his followers advertised a fundraising campaign for the preacher.
Australia-Based Pro-Islamic State (ISIS) Preacher Frames Lawsuit Against Him As 'Attack On Islam'; Calls On Muslim Community For Solidarity As He Faces Charge Of 'Antisemitic Rhetoric'
February 13, 2025, a Sydney-based pro-Islamic State (ISIS) preacher published a three-minute video on Telegram providing an update on his legal case.
Islamic State (ISIS) Supporters Discuss Using AI-Generated Models
On February 18, 2025, a conversation among ISIS supporters revealed an insight into jihadist discussions on an ISIS-operated Rocket.Chat server, where members explored AI-generated tools for potential use in jihadi operations.
Over Two Days, Al-Qaeda Affiliate Al-Shabab Claims Repelling Attacks By U.S.-Trained Special Forces, Government Forces North Of Mogadishu, Inflicting Casualties
On February 14, 2025, the media arm of Al-Qaeda's affiliate in Somalia, Harakat Al-Shabab Al-Mujahideen (Al-Shabab), issued a statement claiming that Al-Shabab operatives repelled "fierce" joint attacks by U.S.-trained Somali special forces, operatives of the Somali intelligence apparatus, and Somali government militias on the outskirts of Balcad, north of Mogadishu.
Syrian Outlets Report U.S. Airstrike In Idlib Countryside Killed Two Libyan Nationals Who Were Military Commanders In The Now-Dissolved Al-Qaeda Affiliate, Hurras Al-Din
On February 16, 2025, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) Forces conducted a precision airstrike in northwest Syria, killing a senior finance and logistics official in the Syria-based Al-Qaeda affiliate Hurras al-Din (Guardians of Religion).
Al-Qaeda Affiliate GSIM Condemns Alliance Of Sahel States (AES) For 'Massacring,' Displacing Civilians To Establish Secularist Rule, Urges Locals To Unite Against 'Ruling Militias'
On February 17, 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), issued an Arabic-language "Statement Regarding the Escalation of Aggression in the Sahel."
Following U.S. Airstrike In Northwest Syria, Jordan-Based Pro-Al-Qaeda Ideologue: U.S.-Led Coalition Is Killing The Best Of Brothers
On February 16, 2025, a Jordan-based pro-Al-Qaeda ideologue shared a post on X (formerly Twitter) eulogizing a senior member of the Al-Qaeda branch in Syria who was reportedly killed in a U.S. airstrike, on that same day, in northwest Syria.
Jordan-Based Pro-Al-Qaeda Ideologue Condemns Turkey's 'Massacres' In Sahel; Warns That Support For Ahmed Al-Sharaa Validates 'Anti-Shari'a' Regime In Syria
On February 18, 2025, a Jordan-based pro-Al-Qaeda ideologue posted commentary condemning Turkish military involvement in the African Sahel region to combat efforts to establish a shari'a-based governments there.
Afghan Taliban-Linked Website Reports Arrests Of ISKP Fighters In Afghanistan: ISKP 'Has Established Operational Centers And Training Camps In Baluchistan [In Pakistan], Where Individuals From Various European And Asian Countries Are Being Trained'
According to a website linked to the Afghan Taliban intelligence, the Taliban security forces executed extensive operations against the Islamic State Khurasan Province (ISKP) fighters in the northern Afghan provinces of Takhar, Kunduz, Baghlan, and Samangan.
Afghan Taliban Writer Examines ISIS Strategy On Women: ISIS 'Encourages Women And Young Girls To Marry Its Fighters, Aiming To Raise A New Generation Indoctrinated With [ISIS] Ideology'
In a recent article, Afghan Taliban writer examined Islamic State (ISIS) methods of recruitment women and children.
Afghan Taliban Launch Massive Online Archive Of Urdu-, Pashtu-, Dari-, And Arabic-Language Jihadi Content Produced And Used During 20-Year Afghanistan War
A media foundation linked to the General Directorate of Intelligence (GDI) of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (the Afghan Taliban), has launched a specialized, multi-language website for broadcasting its audio-visual jihadi content.
Afghan Taliban Condemn Trump's Gaza Plan: 'Such Plans... Reflect The Sinister Motives Of The Zionist Regime'; 'Hamas, Islamic Jihad, And Other Resistance Groups Must Develop Comprehensive Defense Strategies'
This report includes the text of a statement issued by the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA, i.e., the Afghan Taliban) as well as an editorial published by the IEA's state-owned news agency, outlining the official IEA position on U.S. President Donald Trump's proposal to take over Gaza.