BOTTOM LINE UPFRONT: Winter's icy wrath in Texas last week prompted online extremists to take note of power grid and other infrastructure failures and vulnerabilities. A Boogaloo supportive Telegram Channel characterized the massive storm as easily taking Texas power grids and other electrical infrastructure offline - a not too subtle hint of tactics espoused by various extremist groups. Though the Telegram channel did not give specific instructions on how to take out electrical grids, plenty of other extreme far right Telegram channels have been passing around exact how-to guides since summer 2019; not to mention the readily available jihadi manuals already in circulation. Other Telegram channels also pointed out that Texas and Quebec power grids were easier to take out because they were on their own compartmentalized network in October 2019. It is only that massive power failure from the unprecedented snow storm the week that has prompted the renewed interest in the Texas power supply including the published map showing the interconnectivity of North American grids. At this writing, 2,700 people have viewed the message and map at the time of this writing. It is worth noting that the Oath Keepers National Telegram channel also reposted the message and map.
|
|
Top Analysis Last Seven Days |
|
Image (Above): In statement, al-Qaeda mentions that clashes occured between Islamic State West Africa and their defectors to Boko Haram in Sunawa village.
|
|
(Statement) Thabat Media (al-Qaeda) in its Newspaper #17: Boko Haram Kills 40 Islamic State West Africa (ISWA) Elements in Sunawa Village on The Borders Between Niger and Nigeria
|
In a statement released through al-Qaeda's Thabat Media, Boko Haram killed 40 Islamic State West Africa (ISWA) Elements in Sunawa Village on The Borders Between Niger and Nigeria. The statement mentions that the clashes started when Islamic State kidnapped 13 Muslim women because they are married to defectors. In retaliation, Boko Haram attacked Islamic State's positions and military bases in Sunawa village on the borders between Nigeria and Niger. Boko Haram elements controlled Islamic state positions in the village and killed dozens. Sources mentioned that Boko Haram were not able to free the kidnapped women and 6 Muslims were killed in these clashes.With expansion efforts, coupled with rumors of Shekau's health issues, it could be possible that Boko Haram is reaching out to AQC for support. If true, then the regional implications would indicate that more fighting between ISWAP and Boko Haram will ensue. Traditionally, Boko Haram and ISWA have left each other alone mainly because the lower ranks are still friendly with each other. Boko Haram (Jama'atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda'awati wal-Jihad - JAS) has never pledged allegiance to al Qaeda Central Command. The only allegiance it has ever pledged was to Islamic State before IS ousted Abubakar Shekau causing Shekau to reform Boko Haram.
|
|
TRAC Incident Report: Ambush on United Nations' Convoy Kills Italian Ambassador to Congo, Luca Attanasio, and 2 Others, in a Failed Kidnap Attempt Near Kanyamahoro Town, Goma, North Kivu, Eastern Congo |
On 22 February at 10:15 am local time, unknown assailants ambushed a United Nations' World Food Programme's convoy near Kanyamahoro town, Goma, North Kivu, Congo. The convoy was travelling from Goma to visit a World Food Program (WFP) school project in Rutshuru. The attack led to the death of the Italian ambassador to Congo, Luca Attanasio, an Italian carabiniere gendarmerie officer and the driver and the injury of another 2 who were on board. The ambassador's vehicle was part of the United Nations' World Food Programme's (WFP) convoy which was ambushed by unknown assailants. The attackers intended to take hostages but when the government forces intervened to repel the attack, the ambassador was shot with several bullets in his abdomen, then died of his injuries. The Congolese government appears to have been warned or had some intelligence of an impending attack. On 19 February 2021, the Congolese government started reinforcing Kangbayi Central Prison, fearing an attack. This prison was attacked by Islamic State Central Africa (Wilayat Wasat Ifriqiyah / ISCA) in October 2020 and led to the escape of more than 1000 inmates. ISCA the most likely group responsible for the failed kidnapping.
|
|
Image (above): (Source Telegram) Above: The Dead body of the Italian ambassador to Congo, Luca Attanasio.
|
|
Images: (Above) debris scattered on the street in front of the attack. (Below) Mogadishu Mall.
|
|
TRAC Incident Report: Suicide Bombing in a Cafe at Mogadishu Retail Mall Injures 4 in Xamar Weyne, Mogadishu, Somalia |
On 23 February, a suicide bomber threw his suicide vest inside a cafe at Mogadishu retail mall during a chase by security forces suspecting him. The Mogadishu retail mall is next to Xamar Weyne District Police Station and the cafe is frequented by officials have coffee and meet friends. The explosion led to the injury of two Xamar Weyne District Police Commissioners and two civilians. Although no group has claimed responsibility for the attack at the time of writing, Mogadishu is an active area of al Shabaab operations who favor soft targets in the urban environment. Shabaab most recently used a suicide bomber to begin the siege on Afrik Hotel in Mogadishu on 31 January 2021.
|
|
(Video) Unknown Militants Threaten Oil Installations in Niger Delta, Nigeria
|
|
|
Three jihadists killed by security forces in a raid on a compound near Tehsil Mir Ali in North Waziristan, Pakistan |
|
TRAC's Weekly Analyst Review is a small curated list of many events.
For more events TRAC is monitoring click here
|
|
Attend Weekly Analyst Briefing
As many of our clients know, we invite one organization a week to sit in on our Analyst Briefing. The briefings take place at 10 AM US eastern time and last an hour. We meet virtually in TRAC's online conference center.
If your organization is interested in attending, please schedule with the link below. We look forward to having you join us and ask questions.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
