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Jihad and Terrorism Threat Monitor (JTTM) Weekly: March 8-15, 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 jttmsubs@memri.org 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 media@memri.org. Please include your name, title, and organization in your email.

EXCLUSIVE: Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) To Integrate Into Syrian Government Institutions – The Agreement Document

On March 10, 2025, a Syrian news agency reported that Syrian President Ahmad Al-Shara'a signed an agreement with the head of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) to integrate the SDF into Syrian Government institutions.

EXCLUSIVE: After Violence On Syrian Coast, Syrian Administration Accuses 'Assad Regime Remnants' Of Provoking Civil War, 'Resistance' Groups Accuse Government Forces Of Massacring Thousands Of Civilians; Committees Formed To Investigate Events, Restore 'Civil Peace'

In recent days, the coastal regions of Syria, the main center of the country's Alawite minority to which Presidents Hafez and Bashar Al-Assad belonged, have seen violent clashes between forces of the new Syrian administration – linked to disbanded jihadi group Hay'at Tahrir Al-Sham (HTS) – and armed groups, with reports of atrocities on both sides.

EXCLUSIVE: Syria-Based Jihadi Group Of Foreign Fighters Supervises Training Of Syrian Army Recruits, Prepares Them To Repel 'Monkeys,' (Alawites), 'Zionists,' And 'Atheists' (Kurds)

A Syria-based tactical military training group published photos on its X (formerly Twitter) account showing its fighters supervising the training of recruits who had recently joined the Syrian armed forces.

EXCLUSIVE: Conflicting Reports Emerge On Death Of Russian Officer In Syria Amid Coastal Violence; Russian Media Refutes Allegations, Confirms His Death While 'Fighting Terrorism'

On March 11, 2025, reports surfaced about the death of a Russian officer in Syria, with conflicting narratives from pro-ISIS sources, Syrian journalists, and Russian media.

EXCLUSIVE: Spanish Communist Party's Secretary Of International Relations, Manuel Pineda, Attends Lebanon Funeral Of Hizbullah's Hassan Nasrallah In Beirut

The Secretary of International Relations of the Communist Party of Spain, posted photos and videos on Instagram showing his attendance at the funeral procession and memorial ceremony for former Hizbullah Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah—the leader of the U.S.-designated terrorist organization Hizbullah—and his successor, Hashem Safieddine.

EXCLUSIVE: In Ongoing Train Hijacking, Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) Gives Pakistan 48 Hours For Prisoner Exchange, Threatens China: 'President Xi Jinping, You Still Have Time To Quit Balochistan,' China-Pakistan Economic Corridor 'Will Fail Miserably

On March 11, 2025, the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), an armed group fighting for the independence of Balochistan from Pakistan, hijacked the Jaffer Express train, which was on way from Quetta to Peshawar, in Bolan district of Balochistan and took scores of passengers hostage.

EXCLUSIVE: Chicago-Area Man, Who Promotes Jihad, Claims To Be On FBI Watchlist; Has Recently Corresponded With Incarcerated Jamaican Pro-ISIS Cleric Sheikh Faisal

An Illinois-based man and convert to Islam has promoted jihadi ideology on various social media platforms for several years.

Jihadi Idealogue: Sunnis In Syria Should Kill Alawites; Authorities Should Establish Sunni Paramilitary Group Similar To Iran's IRGC

On March 6, 2025, a pro-Al-Qaeda jihadi idealogue shared posts on Telegram discussing the deadly clashes in Tartus and Latakia between Syrian forces and loyalists to the former Syrian regime.

Jihadi Cleric Affiliated With Hay'at Tahrir Al-Sham (HTS): To Avoid Sectarian Violence, Shari'a Should Be Enforced, Mujahedeen And Their Families Should Move To Alawite Areas

On March 1, 2025, a Syria-based Egyptian jihadi Salafi cleric who used to be a prominent religious official in Hay'at Tahrir Al-Sham (HTS), published a commentary discussing the deadly clashes in Tartus and Latakia between Syrian forces and loyalists to the former Syrian regime.

Syrian Administration's Committee To Investigate Violence On Syrian Coast Announces That President, Judiciary Will Decide Whether To Convict Violators, Findings Won't Be Publicized; Arrests Made For Attacks On Civilians; NGOs Provoking 'Sectarian Tensions' To Be Prosecuted

On March 6, 2025, a wave of violence erupted in the coastal regions of Syria, the main center of the country's Alawite minority, which counts among its members former Presidents Hafez and Bashar Al-Assad, between forces of the new Syrian administration – linked to disbanded jihadi group Hay'at Tahrir Al-Sham (HTS) – and armed groups, with reports of atrocities on both sides.

After Agreement Between SDF And Damascus Government, Reports Of Military Forces En Route To Take Over Key Facilities, Widespread Celebrations Of Syria's 'Complete Liberation'

On the evening of March 10, 2025, Syrian president Ahmed Al-Sharaa, who had led jihadi group Hay'at Tahrir Al-Sham (HTS) under the nom de guerre Abu Muhammad Al-Joulani, signed an agreement with Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) leader to integrate the SDF into the Syrian state.

Syria's 'General Security Directorate' Reports Fight Against ISIS In Daraa Governorate

On March 6, 2025, a Telegram channel which is supportive of the Syrian Government forces reported clashes between security forces and members affiliated with the Islamic State (ISIS) in the city of Al-Sanamayn, in Syria's Daraa Governorate.

Military Council In Al-Suwayda' Rejects Syria's 'De Facto Authority,' Refuses To Allow Its Forces Into Governorate

On March 5, 2025, the Military Council in Al-Suwayda' issued a statement asserting that "some groups" had assisted Syrian jihadi group Hay'at Tahrir Al-Sham (HTS) – to which the new Syrian administration is linked – and tried to let its forces into the governorate without coordinating with the Military Council, "civil society, or religious bodies."

Syrian Interim Foreign Minister Asaad Al-Shaibani Meets With Key Figures At Chemical Weapons Watchdog At The Hague

On March 5-6, 2025, the Syrian Foreign Ministry released photos documenting the Foreign Minister's meetings with foreign officials and key figures at the Executive Council of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons in the Hague.

ISKP-Linked Media Outlet Accuses Hay'at Tahrir Al-Sham Of Deviating From Shari'a, Befriending Unbelievers, Failing To Attack Israel, And Suspending Jihad

On February 17, a media outlet linked to the Islamic State Khurasan Province (ISKP), released a 23-page Dari-language booklet accusing Syria's new ruler Ahmad Al-Sharaa aka Abu Muhammad Al-Joulani of suspending jihad and violating shari'a by befriending unbeliever countries and "Rafidhi [rejectionist, a pejorative term for Shi'ite]" Iran.

Pro-ISKP Facebook Account: Syrian Government's Silence About Israeli Attacks Is Divine Humiliation

In a March 1, 2025 Pashtu-language article, the Facebook account of a pro-Islamic State Khurasan Province (ISKP) media outlet said that the silence of the Syrian government led by Ahmad Al-Sharaa aka Abu Muhammad Al-Joulani in response to Israeli attacks in Syria is a form of divine humiliation against the group.

Prominent Pro-Islamic State (ISIS) Writer Frames Syrian Conflict As 'Religious War': Condemns Nationalism, Alawites, And Ahmed Al-Sharaa's Leadership; Calls For Jihadist Unity

On March 9, 2025, a pro-ISIS media outlet published a commentary by a prominent supporter addressing the latest events on the Syrian coast.

Iran-Backed Militias In Iraq And Yemen: Syrian Regime 'Engineered' By America And Israel Massacres Shi'ites; Shi'ite Holy Places Are 'Red Line;' Weapons Should Be Trained On Israel

The violent clashes between the forces of the new Syrian regime and those who were loyal to the deposed president of Syria, Bashar Assad, and the members of the Alawite sect, sparked numerous responses from senior officials in the Iran-backed militias in Iraq, Yemen, and Lebanon.

Houthi Ansar Allah Movement Declares Renewal Of Naval Blockade Against Israel: 'Any Israeli Ship Attempting To Violate Ban Shall Be Targeted'

On March 11, 2025, Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi Ansar Allah movement (the Houthis) declared the renewal of the naval blockade against Israel in the Red Sea, the Arabian Sea, the Bab Al-Mandab Strait, and the Gulf of Aden, until access to Gaza is provided and humanitarian aid once again reaches its residents.

Al-Houthi, Yemen's Ansar Allah Movement Leader, Threatens Attacks On Israel For Blocking Gaza Aid; Accuses Israel Of Fueling Violence In Syria; Condemns Arab 'Inaction' And Alleged 'Cover Up' Of Extremist Crimes

On March 7, 2025, Abd Al-Malik Badr Al-Din Al-Houthi, leader of Yemen's Ansar Allah Movement (the Houthis), warned that his group would resume naval operations against Israel if it did not allow humanitarian aid to reach Gaza within four days.

Houthi Ansar Allah Movement Leader Threatens Renewal Of Naval Operations Against Israel If Access To Gaza Not Restored Within Four Days; Says Siege To Be Met With Siege

On March 7, 2025, Houthi leader Abd Al-Malik Badr Al-Din Al-Houthi threatened to renew naval operations against Israel if within four days the country didn’t restore access to the Gaza Strip and the delivery of humanitarian assistance to its residents, and the Houthi Supreme Political Council issued a statement saying that the Houthi armed forces were ready to carry out the instructions of its leader.

Following U.S. Designation, Yemen's Ansar Allah Movement (The Houthis) Accuses Washington Of Escalating Conflict, Demonstrates Military Readiness And Challenges U.S. Military Presence In The Region

On March 4, 2025, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio issued a statement: "The State Department is fulfilling one of President Trump's earliest promises upon taking office, and I am pleased to announce the designation of Ansar Allah — commonly referred to as the Houthis — as a Foreign Terrorist Organization."

Senior Ansar Allah Movement (Houthi) Official Mocks U.S. Designation: Yemeni People Will Not Be Shaken By Any Threat Or Designation

A member of the Political Bureau and Shura Council of the Ansar Allah Movement (the Houthis) posted commentary on X (formerly Twitter) celebrating another downing of a U.S. MQ-9 drone, and mocking President Donald Trump's sanctions of the Houthis' negotiating team.

Hamas-Linked Media Outlet Solicits Funds Using New Cryptocurrency Wallet

On March 10, 2025, a Palestinian outlet sanctioned by the U.S. for its involvement in fundraising for Hamas in the wake of the October 7, 2023 invasion of Israel posted a link on its Telegram channels to an address for donating the USDT TRON cryptocurrency.

Following Reports Of Massacres Of Shi'ites In Syria By Regime Forces, Two Unknown Shi'ite Groups In Iraq Vow To Drive Out Pro-Regime Syrians; 'No Room For Supporters Of Terrorism'

In early March 2025, violent clashes erupted in Syria's coastal regions between forces of the new Syrian administration – linked to disbanded jihadi group Hay'at Tahrir Al-Sham (HTS) led by Ahmed Al-Sharaa aka Mohammad Al-Joulani – and armed groups of opponents to the new regime.

Following Agreement To Merge Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) Into Syrian Government, Islamic State (ISIS) Supporters Denounce 'Infidel' Syrian Army, Urge Preparations For 'Decisive Battle'

On the evening of March 10, 2025, Syrian president Ahmed Al-Sharaa, who had led jihadi group Hay'at Tahrir Al-Sham (HTS) under the nom de guerre Abu Muhammad Al-Joulani, signed an agreement with Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) leader to integrate the SDF into the Syrian state.

Islamic State Central Africa Province (ISCAP) Claims Beheading 20 Christian Villagers, Burning Over 30 Houses In Eastern Democratic Republic Of Congo (DRC)

On March 5, 2025, the Islamic State Central Africa Province (ISCAP) issued a statement claiming that operatives of the group assaulted the villages of Samboko and Mekania in the Democratic Republic of the Congo's (DRC) Ituri province on February 26.

Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) Documents Two Attacks On Nigerian Military Positions; Soldiers Killed, Base And Checkpoint Burned, Vehicles And Weapons Seized

On March 7, 2025, the Islamic State's (ISIS) official news agency published a statement reporting that according to "military sources," on March 6, Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters burned down a Nigerian military base after seizing control over it, in the city of Wajiroko, in Nigeria's Borno state.

Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) Documents Naval Assault On Military Camp In Northern Cameroon; Soldiers Injured, Property Burned, Weapons, Ammunition, Boats Seized

On March 10, 2025, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) issued a statement claiming that on March 7, operatives of the group assaulted a Cameroonian army camp in Darak, in Cameroon's Far North region, using "various weapons."

WARNING – GRAPHIC: Islamic State (ISIS) Weekly Newsletter Releases Exclusive Photos Documenting Operations In Nigeria And The DRC

On March 6, 2025, the Islamic State (ISIS) released issue 485 of its weekly newsletter.

Former Afghan Intelligence Chief, After Arrest Of ISIS Mastermind Of Kabul Airport Attack: 'Today, ISIS-K Is Simply The Latest Pawn In Islamabad's Geopolitical Game – One Designed To Expand Its Regional Influence While Securing Support From The West'

In his speech to the U.S. Congress on March 4, 2025, President Donald Trump thanked Pakistan for its help in the arrest of the Islamic State (ISIS) militant who was responsible for the killing of 13 U.S. soldiers at the Kabul International Airport on August 25, 2021, during the chaotic American withdrawal from Afghanistan.

Islamic State (ISIS) Editorial: Trump-Zelensky Exchange Deepens Estrangement Among Allies; Lack Of Future U.S. Engagement Undermines Anti-ISIS Coalition: 'Exploit The Rift In The Crusader Camp'

On March 6, 2025, the Islamic State (ISIS) released Issue 485 of its weekly newsletter which featured an editorial titled: "The Incident at the White House," discussing the alleged repercussions of the February 28 showdown between U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Pro-Islamic State (ISIS) Media Outlet Releases Step-By-Step Bengali-Language Guide For Accessing The ISIS-Operated Server From Google Play And Apple's App Store

A pro-Islamic State (ISIS) media outlet released Bengali-language instructions for creating an account on the ISIS-operated server.

Islamic State (ISIS) Supporter Shares Poster Calling To Kill Civilians In Anti-ISIS Coalition Countries

On March 5, 2025, a user of the Islamic State (ISIS)-operated server shared English and German versions of a poster by a pro-ISIS media outlet.

Sydney-Based Pro-Islamic State (ISIS) Preacher Exploits Online Threat Against Local Mosque To Incite Young Australian Muslims Against Democracy

A Sydney-based pro-Islamic State (ISIS) preacher called on Muslims in Australia to separate themselves from society after a 16-year-old threatened a local mosque on Instagram.

Pro-Islamic State (ISIS) Telegram Channels Exploit Ramadan To Solicit Donations For Families Of Detained Fighters In Syria's Al-Hol And Roj Camps, Framing Contributions As 'Acts Of Worship'

Pro-Islamic State (ISIS) Telegram channels are exploiting Ramadan to solicit donations for families of detained fighters in Syria's Al-Hol and Roj camps, framing financial contributions as acts of worship, promising divine rewards.

New Pro-Islamic State (ISIS) Media Outlet Established To Provide Translations In More Than Ten Languages

A newly-established media outlet supportive of the Islamic State (ISIS) announced that it will provide translations in more than ten languages.

Al-Qaeda Affiliate Al-Shabab Claims 24 Killed In Attack On Government Militias Base In Somalia's Middle Shabelle Province

On March 7, 2025, the media arm of Al-Qaeda's affiliate in Somalia, Harakat Al-Shabab Al-Mujahideen (Al-Shabab), released a statement claiming that the group's operatives carried out a "crushing" attack against a military base of pro-Somali government militias on the outskirts of Bos Hareri, in Somalia's Middle Shabelle province.

WARNING – GRAPHIC: Al-Qaeda Affiliate Al-Shabab Publishes Photos Documenting Fighters Repelling Attacks By Pro-Government Militia In Somalia

On March 12, 2025, the media wing of Al-Qaeda's affiliate in Somalia, Harakat Al-Shabab Al-Mujahideen (Al-Shabab), released photos documenting the group's fighters repelling attacks by a Somali government-backed militia in the Bersu Sheikh suburb of Adale district in central Shabelle state, in southern Somalia.

Al-Qaeda Affiliate Al-Shabab Releases Video: Leader Urges Readiness For 'New Phase Of War' In Somalia, With Military Display

On March 10, 2025, the multimedia arm of the Al-Qaeda's affiliate in Somalia, Harakat Al-Shabab Al-Mujahideen (Al-Shabab), released a video titled, "Indeed, Allah's Victory Is Near."

Al-Qaeda In Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) Video Declares Jihad Is Remedy To Yemen's Ailments: Afghan Taliban Model Is Best Model To Follow

On March 10, 2025, the official media arm of Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) released a 3-minute 43-second video by its affiliated Shahed media outlet, titled: "The Ailment and the Remedy," arguing that the best solution to the various crises in Yemen is jihad, and that the Afghan model is a worthy example for Yemenis to follow.

Canada-Based Pro-Al-Qaeda Cleric Scoffs At Syrian President Al-Sharaa's Surrender Of Armed Sunni Support; Warns The Price For Submission To International Dictates 'Will Be Painful And Costly'

A Canada-based pro-Al-Qaeda cleric regularly criticizes Syria's interim President Ahmed Al-Sharaa, aka Abu Muhammad Al-Joulani, for surrendering the cause of Islamic shari'a under international pressure, adding that enemies of Islam will accept only "total surrender" from Sunnis.

Suicide Bomber In Pakistan Kills Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam – Samiul Haq (JUI-S) Party Leader, Head Of Pakistan's Top Jihadi Madrassa, And Former Pakistani MP Maulana Hamidul Haq Haqqani

On February 28, 2025, following Friday prayers, a suicide bomber detonated his vest near the leader of the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam – Samiul Haq (JUI-S) party, head of Jamia Darul Uloom Haqqania madrassa in the town of Akora Khattak in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, and a former member of parliament, killing him, his young son, and six others, according to an Urdu-language daily.

Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) Condemns Suicide Bombing At Jamia Darul Uloom Haqqania: 'This Attack Is Not Just Against The Late Maulana, But Against All Religious Seminaries, Religious Institutions, And The Ulema'

On February 28, 2025, within hours of a suicide bombing at Pakistan's top-ranking jihadi madrassa Jamia Darul Uloom Haqqania at Akora Khattak, Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) issued an Urdu-language statement condemning the attack and describing it as an attack on Ulema (Islamic religious scholars) and all religious seminaries.

Pakistani Editorial: 'Factions Within The TTP May Join [ISIS] After Developing Internal Differences'

Amid reports that Afghan Taliban members are carrying out attacks in Afghanistan on behalf of the Islamic State Khurasan Province (ISKP), an editorial titled "The Threat of Terrorism In Afghanistan" in Pakistan's Pashtu-language daily has warned that Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) mujahideen may also join the Islamic State.

Pro-Afghan Taliban Media Outlet: IRGC Delegation Met With Afghan Opposition Leaders In Turkey, Sought Intelligence Cooperation Against U.S., West

According to a report published by a pro-Afghan Taliban newspaper a high-ranking delegation from the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) went to Turkey to meet with Afghan opposition leaders who are fighting the Afghan Taliban.

Dari-Language Media Report Warns That Afghan Taliban Members Are Joining ISKP, Executing Attacks On Taliban Officials

On February 24, 2025, an online media report said that senior Taliban members in Afghanistan are joining the ranks of the Islamic State Khurasan Province (ISKP) and have been involved in a series of recent attacks.

ISKP-Linked Media Outlet Accuses Afghan Taliban Of Suppressing Muslims In Exchange For U.S. Aid: 'While The Taliban Are Getting Fat On American Dollars, The Lions Of The Islamic State Are Also Sharpening Their Knives To Slit Their Throats'

A Facebook account recently shared a jihadi video accusing the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA, i.e., the Afghan Taliban) of receiving money from the United States in order to suppress true Muslims.

Hizb-ut-Tahrir Afghanistan Article Discussing Taliban Cotton Policy Discusses Its Caliphate Constitution: All 'Factories That Are Publicly Owned Or Privately Owned... Belong To The War Industry'

On February 26, 2025, Hizb-ut-Tahrir Afghanistan published a Dari-language article about the Afghan Taliban's cotton policy but reveals some aspects of the shari'a-based constitution drafted by the Islamist organization for a global Caliphate government.

Afghan Taliban Spokesman, After Trump's Speech To Congress: 'The Fact That ISIS Members Are Arrested On Pakistani Soil Shows That ISIS Has Taken Refuge There'

Following U.S. President Donald Trump's announcement that an Islamic State (ISIS) militant was captured in Pakistan for the 2021 killing of 13 U.S. soldiers in Kabul, the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA, i.e., the Afghan Taliban) asked the U.S. to find the ISIS hideouts in Pakistan.

Afghan Taliban Spokesman Rejects Trump's Claim That Bagram Military Base Is Under China's Control: 'In The U.S., The Mindset Regarding Afghanistan Remains Close To That Of Wartime'

The spokesperson of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA, i.e., the Afghan Taliban), has rejected U.S. President Donald Trump's claim that the Bagram Airbase is under China's control, according to an Afghan media report.

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