ISIS new target: Lebanon steels for big battle ahead?

ISIS (Islamic States of Iraq and Syria) clearly hasn't had enough of expanding its territory, as the group has set sights on neighbouring Lebanon after capturing key areas in Syria. Though battlefield for Daish (Dawlat al Islamia fi Iraq Sham) in Syria is still as complicated as it was at the start, the ultra-hardcore faction is fighting multiple enemies in s.

NYMag story on ISIS activities: With Islamic States fighters likely to move into Lebanon, a Christian village bordering Syria has grabbed the headlines. People aren't afraid of a possible invasion by ISIS as they think Hezbollah is by their side and will protect the village.

Read here: ISIS sets sights on a Lebanon. Hezbollah is all set to face advancing Sunnis rebels 

A ruthless ISIS may be of uneven quality and its strict interpretation of religion has earned it a bad reputation, but it has shown resilience in the battlefield. Syrian government of Assad and ally Hezbollah clearly have what it takes to engage an eager ISIS within Syria, keeping it from making considerable gains in Lebanon (in case the hardcore Islamic faction attempts to move into Hezbollah's home). It remains to be seen whether ISIS that has now locked horns with Kurdish YPG near Turkish border will expand its goals beyond Syria in recent months.

Hezbollah and regime forces are putting up a tough fight in Qalamoun as they repelled an ISIS attack, killing several insurgents.

Read here: Hezbollah and Syrian troops repel ISIS attack in Northern Qalamoun

Hezbollah will not take it any more as Israel told to stay calm

A Lebanon-based Shiite Jihaidist group Hezbollah has warned Israel of dire consequences if it does not stop its cross-border attacks in Lebanon. A statement from the Jihadi group's head Hassan Nasrallah said that Israel has started a war and if the IDF are not going to stop their offensive, Hezbollah will be forced to ramp up misery on Israel.

Speaking at gathering in Beirut, Lebanon, Syed Hassan Nasrullah said Hezbollah is not afraid to face a military conflict as it has done this several times before. He said if Israel is ready to continue war with Hezbollah, the Jihadi group will retaliate with full force.

IS ISIS capable of using chemical weapons?

With a key weapon expert killed in a recent airstrike in Mosul, Iraq, ISIS appears to be in big trouble and it is expected that the group's capability to battle US-led Iraqi forces in the country will further deteriorate. 

But a key question that has worried war experts is whether ISIS is capable of using chemical weapons? 

First and foremost, the chemical weapons that fell into the hands of ISIS last year are almost useless and are too degraded to be kept in the group's arsenal. 

ISIS had proudly declared the takeover of a chemical weapon factory named Muthanna chemical weapons facility in June 2014. It was feared that the terror group would now ramp up attacks on US interests and a fragmented Iraqi alliance currently ruling the country. 

The news of ISIS's capturing Saddam's Muthanna chemical weapon factory had sent shock waves across Europe and America. The news had even concerned the UN and NATO officials. A UN official had even spoken to Washington Post under condition of anonymity and admitted that the United Nation is seriously worried about the negative developments in the region. 

 

ISIS weapon expert worked at Saddam's Muthanna chemical weapon facility

A airstrike in Mosul that killed an ISIS (Islamic State of Iraq and Syria) chemical weapon expert is revealing some disturbing facts. Abu Malik, the assassinated chemical engineer and ISIS weapon expert, worked at Saddam Hussain's Muthanna chemical weapon facility.

How convenient is that? Most of Iraqi members of ISIS, a terror Jidahi group that has even scared Al Qaeda in the Middle East, have worked with Saddam Hussain regime in the past and they know how to worm their way out of things.

These ISIS members are now everywhere. They have infiltrated Sunni areas and key organizations and are now using their sectarian identity to their own advantage. Abu Malik was one of several Saddam Hussain's ex employees who are well-versed in dealing with a Shiite majority. Things are looking grim here.

Although US officials are happy that they have eliminated a key chemical weapon expert from ISIS, Iraq and Syria are far from safe and stable when it comes to security. 

Jihadi chemical weapon expert from ISIS eliminated in Iraq

It looks like ISIS is on the defensive on various fronts, with its militants having lost ground in key Syrian districts last week. But the recent killing of its weapon expert in Iraq has put a severe dent in the organization's capability to carry out lethal attacks on Iraq security forces and civilians.

A weapon expert, whom ISIS has been very proud of and whose claim to fame is to kill countless civilians and security members, is now gone. Abu Malik, who is said to a chemical engineer from a university, was the target of an airstrike led by US forces in Mosul. The strike instantly killed Abu Malik who was suspected to be collecting sensitive information on government buildings and facilities. The plan, as claimed by US officials, was to use chemical weapons in an attempt to disrupt the peace efforts being made by America and allies.

US officials said that security forces had been collecting information about Abu Malik, who is believed to have worked at Saddam's Muthana Chemical Weapons Facility. It is indeed a remarkable victory and now things may take a new turn as ISIS's ability to hit Iraqi and US interests may get hurt. 

Hezbollah kills at least 15 Israeli soldiers

Hezbollah militants have killed at least 15 Israeli soldiers at Golan Heights, raising the specter of a full-fledge military confrontation between the Jihadi faction and IDF (Israel Defence Force).

Hezbollah fighters fired several missiles at an IDF convey at Golan Heights, killing two soldiers on the spot and destroying several military vehicles. Two soldiers were also injured in the attack. 

Al Qaeda-inspired ISIS shows off big arsenal in military parade at Raqqa City, Syria

ISIS (Islamic State of Iraq and Syria) that recently announed its caliphate in Iraq after capturing two key cities, appears to have got its hands on some big arsenal.

The Al Qaeda-inspired Jihadist group marched through streets in Raqqa city of Syria on Tuesday, with trucks loaded with scud missiles, tanks and humvees. The group claims to have seized a cache of heavy weapons in Iraq while it routed Iraqi forces late last month.

An ISIS militant stands guard near scud missile, which the group claims to have seized from military facilities overrun last month

While the group has gained notoriety through its fierce fighting tactics lately, most of the experts think the weapons flaunted by the ISIS insurgents in Raqqa aren't functional. 

ISIS insurgents march through a street, flaunting a scud missile

Anti-American Taliban love Blue Lady, Secret Love and other American products

Miran Shah:  The Taliban who are at war with America on their own turf, Afghanistan and Pakistan, do not appear to be that anti-American when it comes to using daily-routine products.

The Taliban prefer American products over locally-manufactured Pakistani products. Perfumes like Blue Lady, Secret Love are the hottest pick. To keep their hair healthy, the Taliban insurgents like to use "Head & Shoulder" and "Clear."

Local traders shipping foreign goods (sometimes smuggled through Afghanistan) in Pakistani tribal areas, claimed that most of the Taliban fighters hiding in complex mountainous terrains of North Waziristan and Afghan border were regularly seen roaming through markets in Miran Shah and other businesses hub to buy American products.

"Now that a new military offensive has been launched against the TTP (Tehreek e Taliban Pakistan), insurgents have disappeared," a trader told on condition of anonymity.

However, before the current military operation, shopping was on the list of the things the Taliban did on a regular basis.

Syrian jets bomb ISIS terrorists across the border

June 30, 2014 (updated 4:10 PM)

Syrian jets have reportedly targeted hideouts of ISIS (Islamic State of Iraq and Syria) inside Iraq, trying to mount pressure on Sunni rebels who are now vowing to capture Baghdad and other strongholds under control of a Shiite-led government.

According to sources, Syrian fighter jets launched air strikes early on Sunday against ISIS, an Al Qaeda-inspired Jihadi faction, hideouts in the Iraq's porous border along with Syria. 

The air attack primarily hit rebels from the hardcore insurgent group that now controls about 800 kilometre long Syria-Iraq key border crossing, hurting Prime Minister Maliki's attempt to eliminate insurgents. 

Related story:

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/jun/29/iraq-isis-new-alliances-old-enemies-advance 

ISIS head meets Izzat Al-Douri

In the aftermath of a swift takeover of North Iraq, the head of ISIS (Islamic State of Iraq and Syria) has reached out to Izzat Ibrahim Al Douri, a key military commander from Saddam era. ISIS head Umar al Baghdadi met representatives of Al Douri who patronizes Jaish al Naqshbandiyah

Izzat al Douri, former military official and leader of Saddam Hussain's Bath Party

The meeting was held in Al Qiyara area, South of Mosul and the key points discussed have already been circulated across the territory now under control of ISIS militants.

Unified command structure 

ISIS has agreed that it will now look to former Iraqi military officials (Sunni ones) who had worked with Saddam Hussain. Al Douri apparently will call the shots and issue directions regarding future advancements. Several key former Sunni army personnels have been rounded up from across Northern Iraq and Baghdad to take part in ISIS's new adventure.


Removal of non-Iraqis from ISIS ranks 

ISIS has also agreed to remove non-Iraqi fighters form the group's higher ranks in an attempt to dispel concerns that foreign Jihadists have invaded Iraq.  The deal with Al Douri constitutes a very important part of the whole ISIS adventure, which is, Sunni community is, in one form or another, happy with the ISIS taking over Mosul and Tikrit.

A more moderate face

If ISIS and Sunni insurgents take over Baghdad, the leadership will be transferred to Al Douri as insurgents don't want the International Community to label ISIS success "an extremists' success".

Shiite militants steel for big battle as ISIS vows to capture Baghdad

Updates from Iraq (June 14, 2014)

Shiite militants that were busy helping Bashar Al Asad remain in power in Syria until a week back, are not being ordered to move to Iraq to stop advancing Al Qaeda-aligned fighters defend Baghdad and surrounding areas where a number of Shiite holy shrines are situated.

Fighters from Islamic State of Iraq and Syria take positions after capturing Tikrit 

With the ISIS (Islamic State of Iraq and Syria) marching toward Baghdad and other key Shiite strongholds after capturing Mosul and Tikrit, grand Ayatollah Ali al Sistani, powerful Shiite cleric who has followers across Iraq, Iran and Syria, has called for young Iraqis to assist security forces and defend holy shrines situated in Baghdad and neighbouring cities.

The current picture of Tikrit is that ISIS has taken over security forces' facilities and the arsenal that was provided to the US-trained security forces is now in insurgents' custody.

Iraq is predominantly a Shiite country and has seen the majority rule since the US handed over the security and administration to Iraqis. During these years, Sunni insurgency had been contained. However, a fresh crisis in neighbouring Syria changed the scenario.

Syrian crisis that started about three years ago breathed new life into Sunni insurgency as Europe and the United States felt Syrian regime has close ties to Iran and Sunni majority in the country can cut Asad the Dictator down to size.

Al-Qaeda offshoot militants emerge

By Shahid Sher Ali


Fighters of Al-Qaeda offshoot, Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan (IMU), who attacked Karachi Airport this week were all shot in the head by Pakistani SSG commandos.  The attack, which left at least 30 people dead, saw some of the IMU attackers blow themselves up after the security forces surrounded them at Cargo Terminal of Jinnah International Airport, Karachi.

IMU terrorist, dressed as Airport Security Personnels, lying dead after Pakistan Army commandos shot him in the head with a sniper rifle

Most of the attackers were teenagers and security forces said some of them were trying to head for the passengers' terminal for a cover when the security forces blocked them, killing them before they could cause serious damage. 

Aggressive in their war tactics, IMU fighters are notorious for launching sophisticated attacks. Unlike local Taliban who rely more on suicide bombings, IMU militants are expert in urban warfare and have proved their mettle in the past by launching a similar attack on Mehran Air Base a few years back in Karachi. 

Keeping in mind their brutal approach to battle and aggressiveness, the TTP (Tehreek e Taliban) cadres have kept an affectionate eye on IMU militants, sheltering and supporting them after the Pakistan Army asked local tribesmen in Waziristan to push Uzbek militants out of the tribal belt. 

IMU is mostly active in North and South Waziristan and has enjoyed support from the TTP. 

Al Qaeda-inspired IMU claims responsibility for Karachi attack

By Shahid Sher Ali

A lesser-known Al Qaeda offshoot, Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan (IMU), operating in and around tribal areas of Pakistan proved that it is as fierce as local Taliban when a dozen of its fighters stormed Karachi International Airport, killing at least 29 people.

IMU fighters that the group's website claims took part in the Karachi Airport attack

The attack on Karachi International Airport demonstrated an increasingly disturbing reality for the government of Pakistan: From Waziristan to Khyber Agency and beyond, battle-hardened factions of Al Qaeda and TTP (Tehreek e Taliban Pakistan) are expanding their ambitions and directly threatening US security interests not only in ally Pakistan — and Afghanistan too where NATO troops are trying to end a decades-long militancy.

Al Qaida-inspired factions that usually don’t have much local support in the tribal areas of Pakistan, heavily rely on the TTP strongholds for survival. One of them is Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan that has become a bigger threat than what remains of the old foreign fighters from days of Russia invasion in Afghanistan, and one that is in several ways more difficult to contain or end. The brazen attack on Karachi Jinnah International Airport, Pakistani war experts acknowledged, is a great demonstration of the extremists’ increasing efficiency and battlefield expertise.

IMU spokesman, who delivered a brief speech through a Jihadi website, said Uzbek fighters have avenged the deaths of their comrades killed in recent air strikes by Pakistan Army. He claimed that IMU will consolidate its gains as it has what it takes to carry out more such lethal attacks. 

Al Qaeda is back in Iraq: Massive killings reported after second city falls to Sunni militants

By Sean Nelson


Al Qaeda-inspired ISIS (Islamic State of Iraq and Syria) overran Iraqi forces in Tikrit City after celebrating their victory in Mosul --- second largest Iraqi city that fell to Sunni militants on Tuesday.

Militants have taken over Tikrit main centers, police stations, and army facilities. Disturbing developments emerged after the dust settled as some sources claimed militants killed several civilians as well.

In a fresh raw footage that shows militants making their way in Mosul yesterday, gun-wielding men are seen indiscriminately shooting down non-combatant civilians

International Organization for Migration has reported that dozens of non-combatant civilians were killed in indiscriminate drive-by shootings. Some Shiite towns were also reportedly attacked by insurgents.

According to news sources, militants took control of Tikrit hands down as the Army and security forces already abandon posts after losing Mosul to ISIS. There were no check posts to stop militants from entering the city. All the military bases were already abandoned hours before the ISIS marched toward the predominantly Sunni city.

Insurgents stormed empty police stations and set most of them on fire. Witnesses say the Turkish Consulate was also stormed and about 40 officials are still missing.

Karachi airport attack: Taliban vow more such attacks in future

By Shahid Sher Ali 

The Taliban operating inside Pakistan have claimed responsibility for Karachi Airport attack that left at least 29 people dead and dozens seriously wounded on Sunday night. The implications of this attack are, without a doubt, far-reaching -- not just for Pakistan, but also for neighbouring India. 

The biggest worry the Pakistani government has is that the Taliban are still capable of carrying out attacks almost anywhere in the country, despite a number of military operations launched in the tribal belt since 2009. The ability to launch brazen attacks in the settled areas have given the Taliban some room to assert influence. 

The claim by the TTP (Tehrik e Taliban Pakistan) came amid speculations about negotiations talks that the government is being forced to pursue. The Taliban have said the airport attack was carried out to take avenge the death of former TTP heads, Hakim ullah Mehsud and Wali ur Rehman Mehsud , who were assassinated in a suspected drone strike by the US a few months ago. 

Pakistan government's response to the Taliban has been muted and less aggressive lately, though some of the TTP factions have announced to continue their terrorist activities. On the other hand the Army is looking at the issue from its own perspective, brushing aside government's advises and recommendations for future policies regarding Waziristan and the Taliban. It is believed that the Army might be considering a full-scale military offensive in the North Waziristan. 

Notable deaths in the Taliban camps in recent months have shaken the militants badly. With a military pressure mounting by the day, prominent TTP factions have decided to talk to the government but have also sent a list of demands to Prime Minister.