Libya: Thoughts on the kidnapping of 2 Italians and 1 Canadian workers at Ghat
Rida Lyammouri September 27, 2016 There are still no news and more questions asked than answers one week after the kidnapping of two Italians and one Canadian in southwest Libya. Italian government was first to confirm the abduction of two of its citizens while...
Niger: Tebu armed movement in Niger released threatening video.
Video started circulating on the messenger application Whatsapp of Tebu armed movement. The group was supposedly created in 2008 but never really conducted any violent attacks against Nigerien authorities. In the video, a representative of the group confirmed the...
Libya: Chronology of security incidents and violent clashes in Libya of 01 – 07 August period
There are two types of Islamist militant groups operating in Libya. Local groups: Benghazi Revolutionaries Shurah Council (BRSC), Darnah Revolutionaries Shurah Council (DRSC), Ajdabiya Revolutionaries Shurah Council (ARSC), Ansar al-Sharia Libya (AAS), Defense Brigade...
My Thoughts on Alleged AQIM Men Defected to IS in S. Libya!
By Rida Lyammouri April 17th, 2016 On 10 April 2016 an article quoting Algerian security sources claimed members of al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) joined the so-called Islamic State (IS) in south Libya. Security investigators indicated that this was a result...
March 2016 AQIM and Related Security Incidents in Mali
By Rida Lyammouri April 1st, 2016 Summary Violent extremist organizations (VEOs) operating in Mali remain determined to disrupt efforts by Malian government and its partners to stabilize the country. VEOs currently operational in Mali include Ansar al-Din, the Macina...
Libya as a Source of Weapons to Mali Through Northeast Niger
By Rida Lyammouri March 18th, 2016 Important: This post provides information about weapons, drugs, and other illicit trafficking seizures in Northeastern Niger between September 2014 and May 2015. Please note that information provided is taken directly from a recent...