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On 03 February 2022, reports came in that Islamic State Emir Abu Ibrahim al-Hashimi al-Qurayshi (aka Sheikh Mujahid Abu Ibrahim Al-Hashimi Al-Qurashi aka Amir Muhammad Sa’id Abdal-Rahman al-Mawla) had been killed. Military officials indicated that the pre-dawn raid of al-Qurayshi’s home resulted in al-Qurayshi detonating a suicide vest, killing himself and his family. However, TRAC can neither confirm nor deny the death of Abu Ibrahim al-Hashimi al-Qurayshi. The most recent issue of Al-Naba (#325) did not mention the U.S. assault in northwest Syria, where it was reported that al-Qurayshi had killed himself in a bomb blast in his apartment. Though continuous claims continue to be made at a constant pace, no other IS propaganda has been produced that mentions the death of the Emir. Importantly, it should be noted that it only took Islamic State six days to come forward with Baghdadi’s death and declare al-Qurayshi as the new Caliph. This would not be something that the Islamic State would sit on. Islamic State was one of the loudest voices to demand the Taliban (IEA) prove Mullah Omar was still alive after pretending he was alive and active for two years after his death. It is unlikely that IS would make the same mistake the Taliban made in 2015. The hesitation could be because: a) the US claim is patently false and al-Qurayshi is still alive and IS knows this for a fact, or b) it is unverifiable if the man killed was indeed al-Qurayshi. There is enough reasonable doubt to proceed with caution when making claims about the fate of Islamic State after al-Qurayshi’s death.
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TRAC Insight:
Democratic Mayoral Candidate Craig Greenberg Survives Assassination Attempt in Louisville, Kentucky, United States
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Image: Screenshot from Craig Greenberg press conference regarding assassination attempt. | |
On 14 February 2022, Democratic Mayoral candidate Craig Greenberg survived a confirmed assassination attempt in Louisville, Kentucky, United States. During a press conference, Greenberg stated that a man had opened fired after walking into the campaign office and then fled the scene. While little is known about the perpetrator, who has since been detained, it is highly likely the gunman was a right-wing extremist, particularly given Greenberg’s political affiliation. It's worth noting that right-wing extremists regularly advocate assassinations of political figures and the propaganda that has been circulated has spurred a wave of anti-politician violence, with perpetrators attempting to target Democratic offices and politicians more widely. It is highly likely that as the news spreads of this assassination attempt, right-wing extremists will celebrate the incident to inspire similar lone wolf attacks. | |
TRAC Incident Report:
Pro-Islamic State (IS) Al-Saqri Foundation of Military Sciences Shares Instructional Guide on C-4 and Mercury Fulminates as Part of ‘Easy Explosives’ Series
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Images: Cover pages of Parts 1-7 of the 'Easy Explosives' series released by
al-Saqri Foundation of Military Sciences
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The Al-Saqri Foundation of Military Sciences is a pro-Islamic State (IS) media outlet that distributes articles on warfare and step-by-step, bomb-making instruction manuals to incite sympathizers to launch attacks against the organization’s enemies. The organization has been operating at least since 2018 and is promoting lone-wolf attacks by disseminating instructions on easy home-manufacturing of various weapons and explosives that could inflict serious damage to people and property. Interestingly, the group has also distributed material on how to neutralize camera sensors using lasers, how to dig tunnels, and how to spy on apostates using modified phones. All of the aforementioned guides are published as PDFs with step-by-step instructions, accompanied with pictures. In January 2022, the group introduced a new series, titled ‘Easy Explosives.’ So far, instructional guides on how to make and prepare TNT, PETN, Urea Nitrate and Hexamine have been released in English and Arabic languages. Additionally, in January, an ‘Easy Toxin’ series was launched, including instructions on how to prepare Botulinum Toxin and Cyanide Toxin. | |
TRAC Incident Report:
Israeli Citizens in both Vehicles and Trucks Joining the Anti-COVID Regulations ‘Freedom Convoy 2022′ in Jerusalem, Israel
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Images: Screenshot from video footage Israeli citizens partaking in "Freedom Convoy 2022" | |
On 23 January 2022, hundreds of truckers in Canada took to the road, kicking off the so-called “Freedom Convoy” to protest the federal government’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate for cross-border truckers. Taking its inspiration and cue from the Canada protest, a 'Freedom Movement’ demonstration has been brought to Jerusalem by a grassroots movement. Regardless of the fact that the initiative only started on Friday 11 February 2022 with the mere creation of a Facebook page and no specific time or location, over 27,000 people have already signed up, and the number is rapidly growing. The Facebook group discussions specify that any vehicle is welcome to participate. The members are planning to start with local gatherings across the country, with the goal of coming together in Jerusalem. The goal of this mass protest is to show the Israeli government that the people will no longer accept these COVID related restrictions. | |
The LPR opened fire on Ukrainian positions after the death of a soldier, Ukraine | |
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Far-Right Extremism: Right-Wing Telegram Celebrates ‘A Very Successful Weekend for Nationalists in Europe’ Featuring Video Footage from Right Wing Extremists Protests in Bulgaria, Germany, & Hungary
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TRAC Incident Report: Islamic State Supporters Celebrate After French Police Shot and Kill Knife Attacker at Gare du Nord Railway Station in Paris, France | | | | |
