Category: Leaders

New audio message from Abū Sufyān al-Azdī (Sa'īd al-Shehrī) of al-Qā’idah in the Arabian Peninsula: "Victory for you oh Ahl al-Sunnah"

Posted on by Aaron Y. Zelin

UPDATE 2/16 8:11 AM: Click here for an English translation of the below audio message.
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NOTE: In late November AQAP released a statement with a similar title, which you can read here, which claimed responsibility for the attacks on the Ḥūthīs. Then AQAP had a follow up message in early December, which can be seen here.
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New audio message from Abū Sufyān al-Azdī (Sa’īd al-Shehrī) of al-Qā’idah in the Arabian Peninsula: “Victory for you oh Ahl al-Sunnah”

New statement from the Amīr of The Caucasus Emirate Dokku Umarov: "Brief Comment on the Issue of the State Language of the Caucasus Emirate"

Posted on by Aaron Y. Zelin

NOTE: The Caucasus Emirate’s media mouthpiece the Kavkaz Center discussed the issue of the official language of the Caucasus Emirate back in November too.
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I want to stress again the importance of this issue. We should weigh all the pros and cons, and carefully examine the prospects of a solution, since this question is of strategic importance for the peoples of the Caucasus and our state.
There are advantages in the choice of Ottoman or Arabic language. The Arabic language is the language of the Holy Quran, the native language of Islam and its study is both necessity and obligation for the Muslims.
The Ottoman language is the language of the Ottoman Caliphate, which in 600 years of its existence had an enormous influence on the Caucasus, the Caucasian languages and the culture of our peoples.
For many centuries, the Ottoman Caliphate was the mainstay of the Islamic Ummah and Caucasian Muslims, and it left a deep mark on the consciousness of our peoples.
In our choice, we must take into account all the nuances of today’s situation, both in the Caucasus and the situation in the world which entered into a period of global instability and change.
Therefore, we must take into account not only cultural priorities, but also historical perspectives and political aspects in the light of rapidly changing political configurations in the geographic regions that are important for us.
I think that the discussion on the state language of the Caucasus Emirate should be expanded; suggestions, comments, and arguments must be systematically and carefully analyzed.
We have no doubt in our victory, and so today we must prepare for the arrangement of our state, as Allah commands. And Allah is sufficient for us as a protector, and He’s the best of the protectors!
I ask Allah, praise Him, the Most High, to forgive us our sins and mistakes that were made voluntary or involuntary, and ask Him to instruct us on the right path. He is One Knowledgeable and Experienced.
Allahu Akbar!

As-Saḥāb Media releases new audio message from Usāmah Bin Lāden: "From Usāmah Bin Lāden to the French People"

Posted on by Aaron Y. Zelin

UPDATE 2/8 8:46 AM: al-Qādisīyyah Media Productions released an Urdu and Hindi translation of the below audio message. For more background on the creation of the al-Qādisīyyah Media outlet see here.
Urdu:

Usāmah Bin Lāden — “From Usāmah Bin Lāden to the French People” (Urdu)
[scribd id=48424397 key=key-5sqgtecyf01h2vzedua mode=list]

Usāmah Bin Lāden — “From Usāmah Bin Lāden to the French People” (Hindi)
[scribd id=48424489 key=key-bl8si4i0tebq409jwle mode=list]
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UPDATE 1/26 7:52 AM: Here is a video with English subtitles:



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UPDATE 1/24 7:38 AM: Click here for an English translation of the below audio message.
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UPDATE 1/23 7:50 AM: Anṣār al-Mujāhidīn Arabic Forum posted a Russian translation of the below audio:


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UPDATE 1/23 7:42 AM: Click here for an Arabic transcript of the below audio message.
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NOTE: This was originally released through al-Jazeera Arabic TV yesterday. This statement is a follow up to AQIM’s statement this past November by their amīr Abū Muṣ’ab ‘Abd al-Wadūd (‘Abd al-Malik Drūkdīl) titled “Any Negotiations For French Hostages Must Be Conducted With Bin Lāden Himself.” Additionally, UBL’s last release was about the French hostages as well, which came out in late October titled “A Letter for the People of France.” Here are some key quotes from the below audio:

President Nicolas Sarkozy’s refusal to remove his forces from Afghanistan is nothing but a green light to kill the French hostages. But we will not do that at the time that he determines to try and finish off with the repercussions of his position, which will cost him dearly inside and outside of France.
We repeat the same message to you: The release of your prisoners in the hands of our brothers is linked to the withdrawal of your soldiers from our countries, its doubt and budget deficit does not need a new front.

As one can see, UBL provides AQIM with sanction to kill hostages if they would like at a time of their choosing. In the tape UBL also gives permission for attacks inside and outside France. As such, it would not be surprising to see more attempted plots and/or attacks against France in the near future.

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As-Saḥāb Media releases new audio message from Usāmah Bin Lāden: “From Usāmah Bin Lāden to the French People”
Audio:

Video:


My new article at The Atlantic: "Jihadists: The Wallflowers of the Tunisian Uprising"

Posted on by Aaron Y. Zelin

AQIM Pic2.jpg
In the wake of Tunisia’s popular uprising this past week, some are debating whether Twitter,WikiLeaks, or even George W. Bush might have played a role in enabling the historic protest movement. But one thing seems clear: The jihadist movement, which has long defined itself as Arab governments’ staunchest and most authentic opposition, had nothing to do with it. Jihadists’ non-involvement in organizing, encouraging, or even participating in the Tunisian protests suggests that the jihadist current has been largely irrelevant to Tunisia’s popular uprising. For as long as jihadists have been in business, one of their main goals has been to overrun an “apostate” Arab leader such as Tunisian President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali. But with the possible exception of Egyptian President Anwar al-Sadat’s 1981 assassination, they never came close. That Tunisia’s protesters succeeded where the jihadists so often fail, and appear not at all driven by anything close to jihadist ideology or even general religious grievances, has left members of the online jihadist community unsure how to respond. The uprising, after all, fulfills a top jihadist goal, but it also rebukes their belief that only violent and pious struggle can bring down a man like Ben Ali.
Two days before Ben Ali’s ousting, the amir (leader) of al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM), Abu Mus’ab ‘Abd al-Wadud, released a statement titled “In Support of the Intifadah of our People in Tunisia.” He appealed to Tunisians, selling AQIM as an ally in their protests. “I found it a fit chance to inform you, on behalf of my Mujahideen brothers in the Islamic Maghreb, our partisanship and consolation with you. And our stand alongside you in your problem and uprising, with advice, inspiration and affirmation,” he wrote. “Your battle you fight today isn’t alienated from the general battle the Muslim Ummah is engaged in against its external and domestic enemies. … And I encourage our people in Tunisia to be ready and prepare preparations and send their sons to us to train on weapons and gain military expertise. … My Muslim brothers in Tunisia: your Mujahideen brothers are with you, and your problem is our problem and your happening is ours, and the bereaved isn’t like the adopting.”
Read the rest here.

New statement from the Amīr of al-Qā’idah in the Islamic Maghreb Abū Muṣ’ab ‘Abd al-Wadūd [‘Abd al-Malik Drūkdīl]: "A Call to Our Revenging People in Algeria"

Posted on by Aaron Y. Zelin

UPDATE 1/14 12:20 PM: Click here for an Arabic transcript of the below video.
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NOTE: For more background on the protests in Algeria see here, here, and here from Kal at the Moor Next Door.
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New statement from the Amīr of al-Qā’idah in the Islamic Maghreb Abū Muṣ'ab 'Abd al-Wadūd ['Abd al-Malik Drūkdīl]: "In Support of the Intifāḍah of our People in Tunisia"

Posted on by Aaron Y. Zelin

UPDATE: Click here for an English language translation of the below message.
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NOTE: It should be noted that AQIM has nothing to do with the uprisings in Tunisia. They are trying to take advantage of the situation and attach themselves to the cause in a very cynical manner. One should therefore be weary of their reason for supporting this uprising.
For more background to the citizen uprising in Tunisia one should check out the following coverage, articles, and twitter accounts:
Brian Whitaker at al-Bab.
Foreign Policy’s Middle East Channel (Unfortunately, they do not have a specific Tunisia tag so you might have to search around a bit).
al-Jazeera maps the protests.
Global Voices coverage.
Kal at the Moor Next Door: Here and here.
Follow on Twitter: Nawaat, Weddady, jilliancyork, themoornextdoor, and ibnkafka among others. As well as the hashtag #sidibouzid
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Statement from the Amīr of al-Qā’idah in the Islamic Maghreb Abū Muṣ’ab ‘Abd al-Wadūd [‘Abd al-Malik Drūkdīl]- “In Support of the Intifada of our People in Tunisia”
[scribd id=46802445 key=key-97qkgpih5q7s37jd8tb mode=list]

New statement from Qārī' Yūsef Aḥmadī, the spokesman of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan: "Regarding the Rumors of Ceasefire in Sangin District"

Posted on by Aaron Y. Zelin


For the past two days,  reports have been appearing in some local and international media outlets,  originating from the rumors spread by the enemy that in Sarwan Kalla of Sangin district, Helmand province,  local people along with the Mujahideen have reached a ceasefire with the enemy. They say,  that they have  agreed to avoid attacking the enemy in the area.   The rumors are being  disseminated by Gulab Mangal –  Helmand province  governor who has  been nominated by the Americans—in a time that the jihad activities of the Mujahideen in Sangin district  like operations  of  Mujahideen in other parts of the Helmand province, are in full swing and are continuing unremittingly. Then what would be the motive of the enemy behind such fatuous claims of ceasefire?   In our view, the enemy is weary of  the war  now and facing defeat at the battle field. Therefore, they want to erect an illusive pillar to support its stance and give empty hopes of victory to soldiers who are  now sagging from exhaustion and fatigues.
Time and again, the enemy spread rumors about areas which are inaccessible to media. Previously, the enemy had claimed that Mujahideen had executed a ten years old boy in the same locality of the Sangin district. But subsequent investigation proved the claim to be a mere baseless allegation.  The local leaders of the Islamic Emirate made investigation about this event. They did not come across any incident in Helmand or in the said area to indicate  the Mujahideen or the local people have reached a deal with the enemy. Therefore, the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan refutes these baseless claims of the enemy. Those media outlets which have published the report or are publishing it now, commit violation of journalistic code.
The common Afghans and mainstream media outlets should take their precaution  as regards  the enemy’s  propaganda. The enemy now only relies on hypes. It resorts to disseminating some fatuous and unbelievable reports every day and week, so our astute people and the Mujahideen should not allow the enemy to succeed in these schemes.
Qārī’ Yusef Aḥmadī
Spokesman of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan

Christmas Special – Recent article from ‘Umar Bakrī Muḥammad: “Christmas: The Path To Hellfire”

Posted on by Aaron Y. Zelin

NOTE: ‘Umar Bakrī Muḥammad also recently wrote an article on Halloween. Muḥammad was the founder and leader of al-Muhājirūn in Britain prior to it disbanding in 2004. Since then, there have been a variety of al-Muhājirūn successor groups in Britain as well as the United States (e.g. Islam4UK, Savior Sect, al-Ghurabā’, Islamic Thinkers Society, Revolution Muslim, Iẓhārudīn, Muslims against Crusades, and others). Following the 7/7 attack Bakrī Muḥammad moved to Lebanon after living in London for more than 20 years. He is still currently associated with the British jihadist scene through over the internet communication and live speeches online. al-Muhājirūn and its successor groups have been involved or linked to a variety of terrorist attacks or plots. Some of the larger ones include: Mohammed Bilal Suicide Bombing (India) in 2000, Mike’s Bar Bombing, Tel Aviv in 2003, Operation Crevice in 2004, 7/7 and 7/21 in 2005, Operation Praline in 2005, Toronto 18 in 2006, and 9/11 Anniversary Plot in 2009. He was recently arrested and then released from jail this past November in Lebanon.
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In the world today many Muslims, especially those residing in Western countries are exposed to the evil celebration, Christmas.  Many take part in the festive celebrations by exchanging cards, gifts, decorating homes, having Christmas turkey dinners & congratulating one another for the coming of season etc. For many the practice is viewed as harmless amusement & pleasure for young & old.
The build up to Christmas is aggressively promoted; businesses deploy every possible tactic to captivate the masses in every spectrum of society, in shopping centres, high streets, television, radio, magazine & newspapers.
Even though Christmas has been taken hostage by Capitalist to increase business revenues, many still practice this corrupt celebration as a remembrance of the birth of Jesus, who is considered as ‘the incarnation of God’  second third of the trinity, hence it is a celebration of the birth of divinity.
Though the date 25th December is taken by Christians as the birth of Jesus, the origins of this date can be linked to the birthday of the Hindu god Khrishna, & the Greek god of light, Mithra.  This evil celebration is from many angles of origin is a deeply rooted practice of Shirk (worshipping along with the Creator [i.e. Allah], a crime which Allah will never forgive.
“Verily, Allâh forgives not that partners should be set up with him in worship, but He forgives except that (anything else) to whom He pleases, & whoever sets up partners with Allâh in worship, he has indeed invented a tremendous sin” [4:48]
How can a Muslim possibly approve or participate in such a practice that bases itself on the notion that Allah has an offspring?
Allah (swt) said,
“Such was Jesus, the son of Mary; it is a statement of truth, about which they vainly dispute. It is not befitting to the majesty of God, that He should beget a son. Glory be to Him! When He determines a matter, He only says to it, ‘Be’ & it is” [19:34-35]
If the prophet of Allah, Jesus (Isa the son of Maryum, peace be upon him) was to return now, he would never tolerate such accusations being levied against him.  Rather when he was born his first proclamation was clarifying his status as slave & messenger of Allah & nothing more.
He (Jesus) said: ‘Verily! I am a slave of God; He has given me the Scripture & made me a Prophet; “[19:29-30]
The very concept of Christmas contradicts & conflicts with the foundation of Islam, & that is the testimony of faith, “La Ilaha Ila Allah – None has the right to be worshipped but Allah”.  Any person with basic knowledge of Islam could never accept or tolerate such a false accusation against Allah.  Allah is free from having any offspring or being an offspring, for He (swt) said,
“Say: “God is Unique! God, the Source [of everything]. He has not fathered anyone nor was He fathered, & there is nothing comparable to Him!” [112:1-4]
Even though this practice is heavily glamorised & practiced by the majority, it is paramount for every worshipper of Allah to avoid following the masses in this evil celebration, Allah (swt) said,
“If you obey most of those upon the earth, they will lead you away from the way of Allaah.” [6:116]
It is the ruling of Allah & His Messenger, that those who imitate anyone in dress, manner, behaviour, speech or even celebration becomes part of that community, for the messenger of Allah (swt) said,
“Whoever imamates a group of people he is one of them”. [Reported in Abu Dawood]
Every Muslim has a responsibility to protect his family from the misguidance of Christmas, because its observance will lead to hellfire (a punishment which is seventy times hotter than the fires of this world).
“O you who believe! save yourselves & your families a Fire (Hell) whose fuel is men & stones..” [66:6]
Know dear Muslim, to offer Christmas cards, attend any Christmas events, to congratulate others (i.e. by saying “Merry Christmas” or “Happy New Year” etc), Decorating the house, purchasing Christmas trees, or having Christmas turkey meals are completely prohibited by Allah.  Protect your Paradise from being taken away from you & your family; protect yourself & your family from Christmas.

New audio message from the Emir of al-Qā’idah in the Islamic Maghreb Abū Muṣ'ab 'Abd al-Wadūd: "Any Negotiations For French Hostages Must Be Conducted With Bin Lāden Himself"

Posted on by Aaron Y. Zelin

UPDATE 3: The Anṣār al-Mujāhidīn English Forum has translated the below audio message into English.

Abū Muṣ’ab ‘Abd al-Wadūd- “Any Negotiations For French Hostages Must Be Conducted With Bin Lāden Himself”
[scribd id=43938522 key=key-axyhz2x4t7e13gd2lxi mode=list]
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UPDATE 2: Abū Muṣ’ab ‘Abd al-Wadūd’s audio message has been officially released to the forums.

[wpvideo JfoQaQA6]
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UPDATE: Here is the key quote from the below audio translated:

If you don’t stop intervening in our affairs and the oppression of Muslim people, and if you want peace for your citizens that we hold hostage, you must withdraw your forces from Afghanistan as soon possible according to a set timetable that you will announce publicly.

This is almost word for word what Usāmah Bin Lāden said in the below referenced audio:

Is it fair that you intervene in the affairs of Muslims, especially in North and West Africa, support your agents against us, and take a lot of our wealth in suspicious deals, while our people suffer various forms of poverty and despair?
The way for preserving the security of your is to remove all your injustice and its effects off our people and most importantly, withdrawal of your forces from Bush’s wicked war in Afghanistan.

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NOTE: The below audio was released through al-Jazeera Arabic TV. On October 27, Usāmah Bin Lāden released an audio message titled “A Letter for the People of France.”
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Click the below link to play the audio:
‘Abd Al-Wadoud- Any Negotiations For French Hostages Must Be Conducted With OBL