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Saide Bossa from Mucojo has emerged as the de facto leader of Islamic State Mozambique (IS-M/Shabaab Cult), according to insider accounts within the organization. Under Bossa's leadership, IS Mozambique has orchestrated a surge in militant activities across Northeastern Mozambique, marking a significant shift in the region's security landscape.
Since the onset of 2024, IS Mozambique has made considerable advancements, effectively isolating Pemba and positioning themselves for further territorial expansion. These advancements highlight not only the deficiencies within the Mozambican state and military but also the group's adoption of innovative tactics and strategies.
The group has been actively disseminating images of their operations and Dawah activities, providing TRAC with unprecedented insight into their operations. A recent image of Saide Bossa engaging in what appears to be preaching further underscores IS's growing influence over the Muslim population of Cabo Delgado.
Local accounts corroborate the suspicion of an internal leadership transition, with residents identifying Saide Bossa as the central figure behind the recent major assault on Quirimba and Ibo Island. The successful takeover of Mucojo marked the beginning of a series of territorial conquests, culminating in the militants' control over a city just last month.
Saide Bossa's meticulous approach to expansion is evident in his habit of carrying a book, reportedly used to document the inventory of items seized by Shabaab Cult (IS-M) during each expansion. The significance of this practice is underscored by handwritten notes circulated in late October and November 2022, one of which was attributed to Mur H. Ben. It remains unclear whether Mur H. Ben continues to hold a leadership role within IS-M or if Bossa has since assumed full command.
Presently, the militants' dominion extends beyond Mucojo, encompassing Quissanga city, the surrounding areas, a significant portion of the Chiure district and its connecting highways, as well as Ibo and Quirimba Islands. This expansion represents a troubling escalation in the group's territorial control and operational capabilities, posing a grave threat to regional stability and security.
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TRAC Incident Report: Al-Shabaab Besieges SYL Hotel, Taking Full Control, Following Car Bomb (Vehicle Born Improvised Explosive Device -VBIED) and Armed Assault, Green Zone, Mogadishu, Somalia | |
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On 14 March 2024, at 9:45pm local time, al-Shabaab militants gained access to the SYL Hotel, located in the green zone of Mogadishu, after a suicide bomber detonated a Vehicle Born Improvised Explosive Device (VBIED) at the entrance of the building. Heavy gunfire against the guards subsequently erupted. The authorities identified Liban Mohamed Mohamud as one of the five al-Shabaab militants who stormed the Mogadishu Syl Hotel on 14 March. It was unveiled that Mohamud worked as a technician in the Lower House of the Parliament, which makes TRAC contend that the jihadist was the mastermind behind the raid, due to the intel-gathering activity he likely carried out on the Somali legislators before the attack.
The hotel is popular with members of Somali Parliament, ministers, and government officials due to its proximity to Villa Somalia. The situation is evolving, as the militants are reportedly still in the building, shooting at everyone they encounter. As well as security guards, an unknown number of officials were killed, among them Somali MP, Osman Dhere, while prominent journalist, Hassan Adde, was injured.
No terrorist group in the world, of any ideology, targets hotels as frequently as al Shabaab and this is not the first time that Somali Youth League Hotel, better known as SYL Hotel, has been targeted by al-Shabaab.
On this occasion, the assailants used the same modus operandi, detonating VBIED to breach the secured entrance, followed by heavy gunfire against the security guards before entering the premises. Considering that the SYL Hotel compound is heavily guarded and difficult to access if not by government officials or high-ranking military personnel, it is evident that the militants plotted this attack well in advance thanks to the collaboration of at least one inside men and the complacent staff of the hotel. Notoriously being on the Shabaab pay hotel staff, such as maids and bellmen, who then provide valuable intelligence to the group, spanning from information to key cards. The raid will very likely last between 12 and 24 hours.
This incident is the result of days of advances by al Shabab across the country, with the Government losing ground to the Shabaab fighters.
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TRAC Incident Report: Two Factions Associated with Hafiz Gul Bahadur (HGB) of the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) Behind a Series of Double Tap Suicide Bombing & Armed Assault on a Military Post in Khaddi, Mir Ali, North Waziristan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan | |
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On 16 March 2024, around 6am local time, reports emerged in connection with a complex attack against a military post in Khaddi village in the Mir Ali area. A team of six militants reportedly attacked in different phases. Firstly, a suicide bomber drove a Vehicle Borne Improvised Explosive Device (VBIED) into the said post, which led to the collapse of a portion of the building. Then the attackers raided the site. The bombings claimed the lives of seven militaries, while an unclear number of troops were injured.
Based on the conflicting reports, and the scale of the attack, it's reasonable to assume that the actual number of casualties is likely between the two extremes presented by the two groups and the authorities.
This is the first recorded operation carried out Jaish-e Fursan Muhammed in the area. Reportedly created in 2014, it has seen its theatre of operation in Afghanistan during the United States' presence in that country. Following the establishment of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, the group moved to North Waziristan in 2023, pledging alliance to the Hafiz Gul Bahadur Group.
It is relevant to note that, Hafiz Gul Bahadur Group (HGB) is known for its frequent SBIED attacks, but rarely undertakes operations of this scale, signalling a possible evolution in its technical capabilities. This type of complex attack is generally part of the tactics of Tehreek-e-Jihad Pakistan (TJP).
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TRAC Incident Report: Hayy’at Tahrir Al-Sham (HTS) Militants Raided Syrian Armed Forces (SAA) Positions, Killing 9, in the Qabtan al-Jabal Area, Western Aleppo, Syria | |
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On 17 March 2024, Hayy’at Tahrir Al-Sham (HTS) militants raided Syrian Armed Forces (SAA) positions, in the Qabtan al-Jabal area, Western Aleppo, Syria. The operation resulted in the deaths of nine soldiers and inflicted injuries on several others. HTS also reported the destruction of a tank and the successful capture of a T-72.
This is one of the most successful Hayy’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) raid in the last couple of months, underscoring their continued presence and capacity for large-scale offensives. Besides kiling several SAA soldiers the Turkish proxies reported the destruction of a tank and the successful capture of a T-72, which was promptly taken into their territory.
However, amidst this display of strength, HTS has found itself embroiled in internal strife and external resistance within Idlib. Recent revelations of secret prisons and the detention of activists have sparked turmoil and dissent within HTS’s ranks. These developments have not only eroded public trust but also prompted scrutiny and condemnation from international observers. As HTS grapples with these challenges, its ability to maintain control and influence in the region remains uncertain.
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TRAC Incident Report: Islamic State West Africa (ISWA/Wilayat Gharb Afriqiyah) Militants Clashed with Nigerian Armed Forces & Utilised a Suicide Borne VBIED, near Kirenowa Forest, Borno State, Nigeria | |
(Right Wing Extremism) Accelerationist ‘Z-Cell’ Group Shares Stochastic Poster ‘Death to the ZOG’ | |
(Propaganda Video) Russia-Linked Wagner PMC “Africa Corps” Circulates a Threatening Clip from the ‘Call of Duty’ Video Game, Depicting Fictional Attack on the Eiffel Tower, Paris, France | | | | |
