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On 11 and 12 May 2024, a minefield prepared by Islamic State West Africa (ISWA) in and around Lada village resulted in the death of at least 20 soldiers, several injured, as well as to the destruction and damage to seven vehicles. The minefield itself was made up of nine explosive devices. This assault proved to be one of the most significant blows to the Nigerian Armed Forces in recent months, resulting in the loss of at least 20 soldiers, with several others sustaining injuries. Additionally, the landmines led to the destruction and damage of seven vehicles, including both regular and armoured units.
This incident underscores two realities: Firstly, the presence of a skilled bomb maker within ISWA’s ranks in the region, as evidenced by the intricate minefield laid out for the attack. Secondly, it highlights the militants’ sophisticated planning capabilities, enabling them to execute such a coordinated and deadly assault on the military.
Of particular concern is the nature of the explosives used. Images shared by the Islamic State Central Command suggest a departure from standard mines, with ISWA militants possibly modifying PVC pipe bombs into makeshift landmines. TRAC speculates that these land mines are likely pressure plates, even though the detonation device is not seen in the photo released by Islamic State. That said, given the accuracy of these land mines, it is also possible that the mines were remotely detonated as the soldiers were passing over the area.
The targeting of advancing soldiers on four separate occasions throughout April has transformed Lada into a focal point of insurgent activity. This sustained aggression underscores ISWA’s determination to maintain control over strategic locations and resist any attempts by security forces to regain ground.
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On the same day, only 11 km / 7 miles (19 minutes) further, in the village of Assaka Koura, Islamic State West Africa (ISWA/Wilayat Gharb Afriqiyah) militants executed an alleged informant of the Nigerien Army.
Based on the observation of the photo that circulated on social networks, two of the militants appear to be armed with Serbian-made Zastava assault rifles. Notably, the Zastava rifle is among the service weapons of the Chadian and Cameroonian Armies. This detail makes TRAC deduce that the ISWA militants depicted in the said photo arrived from nearby Chad, after capturing those arms during previous attacks on Chadian Army forces. It is also likely that the said rifles were smuggled from Chad or Cameroon.
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TRAC Incident Report: Hundreds of Suspected Islamic State Mozambique (IS-M/Shabaab Cult/Wilyat Muzinbik) Militants Overrun Macomia City, Cabo Delgado, Mozambique | |
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On 10 May 2024, over 500 “suspected” Islamic State Mozambique (IS-M/Shabaab Cult/Wilyat Muzinbik) militants launched an assault on the city of Macomia and the neighbouring Xinavane. Xinavane has an airfield, which is of interest to the militants after just successfully downing a military helicopter days ago. Macomia lies on the N1, which is almost completely under IS-M control. TRAC is certain that this attack was more than a mere resupply mission, showing force by holding the town for at least 24-hours without fear of reprisal attacks. The militants left at their leisure, reinforcing the concept that they can strike at will wherever they choose.
Since January 2024, TRAC has been monitoring the escalating IS-M attacks in the Cabo Delgado region and has highlighted the militant’s intentions of taking over large towns, such as Macomia, Pemba, and Mocímboa da Praia.
Locals identified a new local leader to accompany the militants, Abu Fasade Ali Alide. This is the third leader name identified by TRAC; the other two being Abu Jaadar (Jafar Nuraddin) and Saide Bossa.
It cannot be stressed enough, that although the show of Shabaab Cult (IS) forces at 500 fighters strong against Macomia City is impressive, this by far is not the most complex Shabaab Cult assault historically speaking. Four years ago, Shabaab Cult attacked both Pamunda & Milamba Neighborhoods of Mocimboa De Praia by land and sea taking complete control in April 2020. Just a year later, Shabaab Cult took control of Palma City by both land and sea as well, forcing Total Gas to evacuate at the 11th hour. It should not be forgotten that Shabaab Cult fighters were also able to take control of the crucial port of Mocimboa da Praia in August 2020 for 10 days.
For the past five years, Shabaab Cult has flirted with control over the entire coastline from Mocimboa da Praia to the border with Tanzania. State building is not unknown to these fighters. As other Western Oil companies attempt to capitalize on Total Gas’ retreat from Cabo Delgado in March 2021, Shabaab Cult has learned from each strategic takeover and their knowledge of the dense forest that surrounds each physical location, as well as cooperation from the locals, should not be underestimated.
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(Instructional Manual / Anarchists) Anarchists Post Instruction Manual for a Cost Effective and Easy Method to Build Incendiary Devices | |
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Anarchists claim attacks using incendiary devices weekly. It has become an anarchist staple tactic throughout 2023. The arsonist trend began in Greece, which has an extremely large support base, and Greece is often the prototype for other anarchists around the world. TRAC has covered incendiary device attacks in Greece, the United States, Bolivia, Spain, Switzerland, and Germany.
The manual was circulated on a forum that focuses on the construction of "Cop City" in Decatur, Georgia on the old Atlanta Prison farm. Sharing how to construct incendiary devices cheaply and effectively will likely increase the documented incendiary device attacks in the next months.
The manual was posted to an anarchist forum that targets Cop City-related interests specifically. The manual’s focus on sabotaging heavy equipment is likely a reference to the excavators being used in what the anarchists feel is environmental destruction.
Of note is that TRAC has long observed how eco-fascists within the Terrogram Collective are advocating for similar attacks, referred to as the so-called horseshoe effect in political science. The eco-fascists highlight that all forms of arson attacks are viable tactics insofar as they are cheap and easy to do, and 90% of arson attack cases go unsolved. TRAC is certain that this manual will cross over ideologies and circulate among both right and left-wing extremists.
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TRAC Incident Report: Free Papua Movement (OPM) Militants Armed Assault and Arson on a Church During the Morning Prayers, Borme District, Bintang Mountains Regency, Papua, Indonesia | |
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On 05 May 2024, at 11am local time, four armed militants of the Free Papua Movement (OPM) conducted an arson attack on a church in Borme District, Bintang Mountains Regency, Papua. The perpetrators specifically targeted the worshipers engaged in the morning prayers, and robbed them of their belongings, while the facility was destroyed.
Despite the predominantly Christian identity of Papuans, with approximately 65% identifying as Protestants and 6% as Catholics, while 29% are Muslims, TRAC asserts that the attackers' motives extend beyond religious imposition. The OPM's historical stance against modern development, including religious groups and governmental organizations, underscores their broader agenda of resistance.
Founded in December 1963, the OPM's initial declaration of "We do not want modern life! We refuse any kind of development: religious groups, aid agencies, and governmental organizations just Leave Us Alone!" echoes their anti-establishment sentiments. However, the recent attack on the church signifies a blatant assault on religious freedom and a declaration of war against local church congregations.
TRAC anticipates similar OPM-linked incidents across Papua in the coming weeks, reflecting the group's ongoing campaign of defiance against perceived external influences and asserting their autonomy.
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TRAC Incident Report: Islamic State Khurasan (ISK) Explosive Laden Motorcycle (VBIED) Detonation Targeted a Taliban (IEA) Convoy, in PD-03 of Faizabad, Badakhshan Province, Afghanistan | |
TRAC Incident Report: Hundreds of Groupe Union Défense (GUD) Members March to Commemorate Sebastien Deyzieu on the Streets of Paris, France | |
TRAC Incident Report: Suspected Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wa al-Muslimin (JNIM) Armed Assault Results in the Killing of 18 Civilians in Tapoa-Barrage Near Boungou Gold Mine, Tapoa Province, Burkina Faso | | | | |
