New Videos from Al-Qaida Affiliates in Iraq
Al-Qaida's Committee in Iraq--led by Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, the Ansar al-Sunnah Army, and the Islamic Army of Iraq have all released new videos of suicide bombings, martyr wills, and roadside bombings targeting U.S. and Iraqi forces in the Sunni triangle of Iraq, including the battered cities of Mosul and Baghdad.

- Dec. 25 Islamic Army in Iraq (IAI) roadside bombing
- Dec. 29 Al-Qaida/Zarqawi Suicide Bombing in Mosul
- Suicide will from Jan. 3 attack on Iraqi National Accord HQ

Islamic Army in Iraq (IAI) Threatens U.S. Homeland
The Islamic Army in Iraq (IAI) has issued a new communiqué dated Jan. 2 warning, "do you know that the percentage of people who agree on attacking America in her own homeland has greatly increased? Those who were content with defending our land have now become supporters of the idea of transferring the battle from our homeland to yours to give American civilians a taste of what our civilians are tasting in our country... This year will feature great surprises that the fighters have prepared for your sons outside America and even greater surprises that have been prepared for inside of America."

New Communiqués from Al-Qaida/Zarqawi in Iraq
Al-Qaida's Committee in Iraq--led by Abu Musab al-Zarqawi--has issued the following new video and communiques since January 4 regarding ongoing military operations in the Sunni triangle:

- Dec. 7 roadside bomb attack on U.S. soldiers (video)
- Jan. 4 assassination of the Baghdad mayor Ali al-Haydara
- Jan. 4 suicide car bombing in Al-Qadisiyah
- Jan. 6 suicide car bombing at police academy in Al-Hillah
- Jan. 6 suicide car bombing at checkpoint in Baqubah
- Jan. 8 announcement of operations over last 3 months
- Jan. 8 announcement of Jan. 7 operations in Baghdad
- Jan. 8 summary of Jan. 7 operations in Baghdad

New Statements/Video from Ansar al-Sunnah Army
The Ansar al-Sunnah Army has released the following statements and video since January 3:

- Jan. 3 suicide bomb attack on National Accord Party HQ
- Jan. 4 assassination of Iraqi Interior Ministry official
- Jan. 4 suicide car bomb attack outside Al-Bakr Air Base
- Jan. 4 video of suicide bomb attack on Al-Bakr base (video)
- Jan. 4 suicide bomb attack on Iraqi National Guard in Balad
- Jan. 4 Katyusha rocket attack on Iraqi soldiers in Taji
- Jan. 5 suicide bomb attack in Amariyah, west of Baghdad
- Jan. 6 roadside bomb attack on Iraqi soldiers in Samarra
- Jan. 6 claim for Jan. 5 mortar attack on Baghdad police
- Jan. 9 claim for Jan. 7 roadside bombing west of Baghdad
- Jan. 9 suicide car bomb attack in Al-Mahawil
- Jan. 10 claim for Jan. 9 ambush on Baghdad airport road
- Jan. 10 suicide car bombing at Baghdad police station
- Jan. 11 car bombing at Salahuddin police station in Tikrit

Al-Qaida Targets Iraqi Government and Elections
Al-Qaida's Committee in Iraq--led by Abu Musab al-Zarqawi--has issued a number of statements since January 10 regarding ongoing military operations targeting Iraqi government officials and election workers.

- Jan. 10 assassination of Baghdad Deputy Police Chief Amer
- Jan. 11 suicide bomb attack on Iraqi police in Tikrit
- Jan. 11 twin suicide bomb attacks in the city of Basrah
- Jan. 11 alleged kidnapping of Iyad Allawi spokesman
- Jan. 12 firefights in Ar-Ramadi and Baghdad
- Jan. 13 claim for Jan. 12 assassination of Iraqi colonel
- Jan. 13 assassination of Iraqi director of elections center
- Jan. 13 suicide bomb attacks and ambushes in Mosul

Al-Qaida Issues Final Warning for Iraqi Elections
After claiming responsibility for dozens of recent suicide attacks, roadside bombings, and ambushes across central and northern Iraq, Al-Qaida's Committee in Iraq--led by Abu Musab al-Zarqawi--has issued a final warning on the eve of the Iraqi elections: "take care not to go near to the centers of sin and disbelief (election centers) and this is your warning so do not blame us for anything that will happen as a result... We ask the gardens and the virgins in heaven to prepare themselves, and for the Martyrs Brigade to be happy because the wedding of the martyrs is very close.”

- Click to view English translation
- Click to view video of Jan. 13 roadside bombing by Al-Qaida (video)

Ansar Al-Sunnah Army Strikes At Iraqi Elections
Following in close succession to similar statements from Al-Qaida's Committee in Iraq and other militant groups, the Ansar al-Sunnah Army has issued two final "ultimatums" to the Iraqi people regarding the upcoming democratic national elections. The statements make clear that Ansar al-Sunnah is intent upon attacking voters, election centers, poll volunteers, and political candidates--even after the election is over. Ansar al-Sunnah appears to be particularly focused on potential election targets in the northern Iraqi city of Mosul.

- Jan. 27 final warning about participation in Iraqi elections
- Jan. 27 ultimatum to the directors of Mosul election centers
- Video of Jan. 27 bomb attack on election center in Mosul (video)

Nine Suicide Bombings Fail to Stop Iraqi Elections
Despite a wave of nine suicide bombings, rocket barrages, and mortar shelling, anti-democratic militants in Iraq were largely unsuccessful in stopping historic national elections, even in areas of the deadly Sunni Triangle. Insurgent attacks--capped off by a Saturday night rocket impact on the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad--may have killed as many as 45 people.

Al-Qaida Denies Election-Day Victory in Iraq
Al-Qaida's Committee in Iraq--led by Abu Musab al-Zarqawi--has released several new statements in response to the results of Iraqi election day. In addition to taking credit for a rocket attack on the U.S. embassy in Baghdad, Al-Qaida has also firmly denied that elections were permitted to take place in the Sunni Triangle, vowing "these elections and their results will not affect us. On the contrary, it will make us more confident, strong, and determined to fight evil and its supporters until the state of Allah is established."

- Jan. 31 statement on the results of election day in Iraq
- Jan. 31 claim for rocket attack on U.S. embassy in Baghdad
- Jan. 31 claim for the execution of an Iraqi KBR employee

Renewed Al-Qaida Terror Strikes in Central Iraq
Al-Qaida's Committee in Iraq--led by Abu Musab al-Zarqawi--has issued new statements claiming responsibility for attacks on Iraqi soldiers and a purported suicide bombing targeting a "CIA convoy" on the Baghdad airport road. Several recent claims from Al-Qaida have been made in the name of the "Abdelaziz al-Muqrin Brigade", a reference to the late senior commander of Al-Qaida in Saudi Arabia killed in a firefight with security forces in June 2004.

- Feb. 1 videotaped threat to the Governor of Mosul (video)
- Feb. 2 claim for attacks on Haifa St. by the Muqrin Brigade
- Feb. 3 claim for suicide bomb attack on CIA convoy

New Videos from the Islamic Army of Iraq (IAI)
The Islamic Army of Iraq (IAI)--a group that has conducted recent joint missions with Abu Musab al-Zarqawi's Al-Qaida faction in Iraq--has released several new videos of ongoing military operations. The videos depict a downed French-built drone aircraft, several Iraqi soldiers taken captive in the Abu Ghraib neighborhood of Baghdad, and a roadside bomb attack on a U.S. Humvee. In early January, the IAI promised, "This year will feature great surprises that the fighters have prepared for your sons outside America and even greater surprises... for inside of America."

- Jan. 31 video of downed French-built drone aircraft  (video)
- Feb. 3 video of Iraqi soldiers taken captive in Abu Ghraib (video)
- Feb. 5 video of roadside bombing targeting U.S. Humvee (video)

Al-Qaida Claims Iraqi Election Day Suicide Bomber
Al-Qaida's Committee in Iraq--led by Abu Musab al-Zarqawi--has released a video and a statement claiming responsibility for the Jan. 30 suicide bomb attack on the Badr Kobra polling station in Baghdad during Iraq's recent national elections. According to Al-Qaida, the suicide bomber was "Abu Nour al-Najdi", whose name suggests that he was a Saudi Arabian national. A policeman and four other Iraqis were killed while trying to avert the attack--carried out with a suicide bomb vest. Within hours of the incident, Iraqi voters returned to the Badr Kobra station in defiance of threats from Abu Musab al-Zarqawi and other Sunni insurgent factions.

New Insurgent Videos from Iraq's Sunni Triangle
Various anti-coalition mujahideen factions--including the Islamic Army of Iraq (IAI)--have released videos of recent military operations in the restive Sunni Triangle. In the town of Salman Pak south of Baghdad, militants are seen ambushing Iraqi police officers and then hijacking their abandoned vehicles. Separately, the IAI has distributed recordings of its own attacks on targets in and around the capital Baghdad with roadside bombs and rocket barrages. The IAI claims that its persistent rocket attacks on Al-Bakr and Al-Asad Air Bases have caused dozens of casualties.

- Feb. 10 video of insurgent attack on police in Salman Pak
- Feb. 8-12 videos of various attacks by IAI near Baghdad (video)

New Statements and Video from Al-Qaida in Iraq
Al-Qaida's Committee in Mesopotamia--led by Abu Musab al-Zarqawi--has released several new communiqués and video clips, including a detailed description of the recent assassination of an Iraqi army officer, additional military operations claimed by Al-Qaida's "Abdelaziz al-Muqrin Brigade", and an official reaction to rumors swirling in the media concerning the murder of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Al-Hariri.

- Feb. 14 story of the assassination of an Iraqi army officer
- Feb. 15 claim for clashes on Haifa St. by Al-Muqrin Brigade
- Feb. 15 video of rocket attack on U.S. base in Mahmudiya (video)
- Feb. 16 response to media reports on the death of Al-Hariri (video)
- Feb. 17 video of rocket attack on Baghdad airport

Al-Qaida in Iraq Claims Rocket Attack on U.S. Base
Al-Qaida's Committee in Mesopotamia--led by Abu Musab al-Zarqawi--has released a new video recording allegedly depicting a February 21 rocket attack on a U.S. base near Fallujah known as "The Farm." While previous Al-Qaida videos from Iraq have largely focused on suicide bombing attacks, this latest release is one of a series of new videos from Al-Qaida that depict less sensational rocket and mortar launches on U.S. military forces. This may be part of a deliberate propaganda effort to draw attention away from unpopular terrorist atrocities that have resulted in the deaths of hundreds of innocent Iraqi Muslims.

Al-Qaida Claims New Attacks on Americans in Iraq
Al-Qaida's Committee in Mesopotamia--led by Abu Musab al-Zarqawi--has released several statements and a video recording claiming credit for a new round of ambushes, bombings, and suicide attacks in Baghdad, Fallujah, Mosul, and Tel Afar. Al-Qaida's Media Wing has further accused Western media sources of reducing their reporting on recent Al-Qaida attacks in Iraq as part of a deliberate propaganda campaign to silence the truth about the ongoing conflict in Sunni central Iraq.

- Feb. 23 response to media silence on new Al-Qaida attacks
- Feb. 24 video of roadside bomb attack on U.S. convoy (video)

New Statements and Video from Al-Qaida in Iraq
Al-Qaida's Committee in Mesopotamia--led by Abu Musab al-Zarqawi--has issued several new statements and video recordings claiming credit for various bomb attacks on U.S. forces in central Iraq and for the assassination of local Iraqi government officials.

- Feb. 26 claim for the murder of the Interior Ministry Chief
- Feb. 26 claim for the murder of a municipal council leader
- Feb. 26 report of the "martyrdom" of Abu Anas al-Tuhami
- Feb. 26 video of roadside bomb attack on a U.S. Humvee (video)
- Feb. 26 video of suicide bomb attack on U.S. tanks (video)
- Feb. 27 response to alleged arrest of a Zarqawi aide in Iraq
- Feb. 28 claim for suicide bombing on road to Al-Hillah
- Feb. 28 statement from Deputy Commander of Al-Qaida
- Mar. 1 claim for suicide bomb attack in Hillah killing 125

Video of IAI Bomb Attack on U.S. Humvees in Iraq
The Islamic Army of Iraq (IAI) has released a video recording allegedly depicting a March 1 roadside bomb attack on a convoy of U.S. military Humvees near Abu Ghraib west of Baghdad. According to a brief statement that accompanied the video, one Humvee was "completely destroying, killing everyone inside... the brigade responsible was able to safely withdraw, praise be to almighty Allah."

Iraqi Insurgents Join Zarqawi's Al-Qaida Faction
Al-Qaida's Committee in Mesopotamia--led by Abu Musab al-Zarqawi--has announced the merger of a smaller Iraqi insurgent group "under the banner" Al-Qaida in Iraq. According to a purported statement from Al-Qaida, the Iraqi group--calling itself the "Al-Fatihin organization"--swore an oath of allegiance to Zarqawi "to stand with [him] in jihad, supporting the Islamic religion and its faithful, and in fighting the enemies of almighty Allah."

New Statements and Video from Al-Qaida in Iraq
Al-Qaida's Jihad Committee in Mesopotamia--led by Abu Musab al-Zarqawi--has released a new statement on behalf of the group's military chief Abu Usaid al-Iraqi urging followers to "gather their swords" and "hit the necks" of "infidel leaders." Separately, the group has also issued a communiqué explaining the recent release of photos of Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, a video of a March 3 Al-Qaida suicide bomb attack on the Iraqi Interior Ministry, and additional material relating to a March 9 suicide bombing attack on the Al-Sadeer Hotel in Baghdad.

- Mar. 3 video of suicide bombing at Iraqi Interior Ministry (video)
- Mar. 3 statement from military wing chief Abu Usaid al-Iraqi
- Mar. 7 update on current status of Abu Musab al-Zarqawi
- Mar. 9 claim for suicide bomb attack at Al-Sadeer Hotel
- Mar. 9 congratulations for hotel bombing from Zarqawi
- Mar. 9 video of Al-Sadeer Hotel suicide bombing attack (video)
- Mar. 9 video of bomb attack on U.S. patrol near Fallujah (video)
- Mar. 10 Iraqi govt press release on Zarqawi's local network

New Videos from the Islamic Army of Iraq (IAI)
The Islamic Army of Iraq (IAI) has released three videos of recent roadside bomb attacks on U.S. forces near Baghdad. The first attack on a supposed CIA convoy in Al-Yousifiya (south of Baghdad) on March 17 allegedly killed two of the occupants in the vehicle. In the second attack on March 19 also in Al-Yousifiya, IAI operatives used a burning wreck in order to conceal a roadside bomb targeting a passing U.S. Humvee, allegedly killing two of its crew. The final IAI video shows footage from twin roadside bomb attacks on March 20 in the suburb of Abu Ghraib (west of Baghdad)--the first targeting a U.S. Humvee and the second aimed at an alleged CIA convoy.

- Mar. 17 video of IAI roadside bomb attack on "CIA" convoy (video)
- Mar. 19 video of IAI roadside bomb attack on U.S. Humvee (video)
- Mar. 20 video of IAI twin bomb attacks in Abu Ghraib (video)

- Mar. 11 response from Al-Qaida to Madrid 3/11 Conference
- Mar. 11 statement from Commander of the Security Wing
- Mar. 14 Brigades of Abu al-Yaman al-Madaini join Al-Qaida
- Mar. 14 message to Al-Qaida's Committee in Saudi Arabia
- Mar. 15 Brigades of Islamic Anger join Al-Qaida in Iraq
- Mar. 16 statement on the withdrawal of Italy from Iraq
- Mar. 16 statement from Deputy Commander of Al-Qaida

Suspected Terror Training Camps Surface in Iraq
Evidence has emerged over the past 6 months revealing the existence of Al-Qaida-style terrorist training camps at unidentified locations inside Iraq run by local disciples of Usama Bin Laden, such as the Ansar al-Sunnah Army and the Islamic Army of Iraq (IAI). The camps feature primarily courses in basic combat and urban warfare tactics, similar to those formerly taught at Al-Qaida camps in Afghanistan—including Sadda, Al-Farooq, and Khalden. The same Iraqi militant groups responsible for organizing these training camps have also released video footage detailing the production of improvised explosives and rockets, and the use of mobile shoulder-launched surface-to-air missiles targeting non-combat aircraft.

New Video from the Ansar al-Sunnah Army
The Ansar al-Sunnah Army in Iraq has released a new full-length propaganda film titled "Purification of the Soul." Among other items of note, the video features extensive, previously-unseen footage of Ansar al-Sunnah insurgent training camps in Iraq, ambush attacks on civilian contractor vehicles entering Baghdad, and even the indoctrination and combat training of child recruits for the militant group. It is unknown if any of the training camps featured in the video included a facility near Samarra on the banks of Lake Tharthar reportedly raided last week by Iraqi forces.

New Videos from the Islamic Army of Iraq (IAI)
The Islamic Army of Iraq (IAI) has released video footage of several recent military operations in and around the Iraqi capital Baghdad--including a roadside bomb attack on a U.S. Humvee in Al-Latifiya, a rocket attack on the Al-Mansour Hotel, and a bombing ambush on U.S. soldiers in Taji. In the last attack, American troops were lured to a position in Taji with a decoy roadside bomb. As the arriving soldiers attempted to defuse the first device, a second, larger hidden explosive device was detonated, allegedly killing three of them.

- Mar. 23 video of IAI roadside bomb attack on U.S. Humvee (video)
- Mar. 23 video of IAI rocket attack on Al-Mansour Hotel (video)
- Mar. 29 video of IAI ambush bombing attack in Taji (video)

Videos of Recent Al-Qaida Attacks in Central Iraq
Al-Qaida's Jihad Committee in Mesopotamia--led by wanted Jordanian terrorist Abu Musab al-Zarqawi--has released several new video clips featuring footage from roadside bombing attacks on U.S. troops in Al-Saqlawiya (near Fallujah) and Mosul, and from a mortar attack on an American base in Baqubah. The group also took credit for numerous other recent insurgent operations across Sunni central Iraq, including a string of car bombings in Samarra, Ramadi, and Mosul aimed at both passing American military patrols and Iraqi security personnel.

- Mar. 30 video of Al-Qaida bomb attack on U.S. Humvee (video)
- Apr. 1 video of Al-Qaida mortar attack on base in Baqubah (video)
- Apr. 3 video of Al-Qaida bomb attack on Stryker in Mosul (video)

Al-Qaida Claims Battle at Abu Ghraib Prison
Al-Qaida's Jihad Committee in Mesopotamia--led by wanted Jordanian terrorist Abu Musab al-Zarqawi--has issued numerous claims of responsibility for a two-day prolonged insurgent offensive on Abu Ghraib prison west of the Iraqi capital Baghdad. The offensive--dubbed the "Battle of Abu Anas al-Shami" after a slain top Al-Qaida commander in Iraq--allegedly included rocket and mortar barrages and at least seven separate suicide car bombers. A statement from Abu Usaid al-Iraqi (the commander of Al-Qaida's Military Wing in Iraq) claimed that the mujahideen were able to seize control of a prison tower, destroying several armored vehicles and even an Apache attack helicopter.

- Apr. 2 video of Al-Qaida's "Battle of Abu Anas al-Shami" (video)
- Apr. 3 statement claiming April 2 attack on Abu Ghraib
- Apr. 3 update from Military Wing about Abu Ghraib attack
- Apr. 4 video of Al-Qaida rocket attack on Abu Ghraib (video)
- Apr. 4 claim of Al-Qaida rocket attack on Abu Ghraib
- Apr. 10 announcement of the release of 150 prisoners

New Statements and Video from Al-Qaida in Iraq
Al-Qaida's Jihad Committee in Mesopotamia--led by wanted Jordanian terrorist Abu Musab al-Zarqawi--has issued claims of responsibility for several roadside bombings and suicide car bomb attacks in Mosul, Baghdad, Baqubah, and Tel Afar. The group also denied reports from the U.S. military that coalition forces have captured an American national of Jordanian descent working as a key assistant to Abu Musab al-Zarqawi in Iraq.

- Apr. 1 response to alleged arrest of American Zarqawi aide
- Apr. 6 claim for April 5 suicide bombing in Mosul
- Apr. 6 claim for April 5 suicide bombings in Baghdad
- Apr. 7 claim for roadside bombing in Baqubah
- Apr. 7 claim for car bombing of U.S. convoy in Tel Afar
- Apr. 8 claim for roadside bombing on U.S. convoy in Taji
- Apr. 8 video of suicide car bomb attack north of Baghdad
- Apr. 9 response to official pardon offer from Jalal Talebani
- Apr. 10 claim for April 8 truck bombing south of Baghdad
- Apr. 10 claim for car bombing of convoy near Al-Amariya

Al-Qaida in Iraq Claims Suicide Attacks in Al-Qaim
Al-Qaida's Jihad Committee in Mesopotamia--led by wanted Jordanian terrorist Abu Musab al-Zarqawi--has issued three claims of responsibility for a series of ambushes and suicide car bombings targeting the local U.S. military headquarters in the city of Al-Qaim, near Iraq's western border with Syria. Referring to Al-Qaim as "our gateway to jihad", a communiqué from Al-Qaida further admonished the "soldiers of Allah" to "hold firm to your swords because there is no time left and the jihad is our lifeline."

- Apr. 12 claim for the April 11 battles in the city of Al-Qaim
- Apr. 12 claim for four suicide car bombings in Al-Qaim
- Apr. 12 statement on the "victorious" battles in Al-Qaim

Iraqi Islamic Extremists Cooperating with Al-Qaida
The Al-Rijjal Brigade--an Iraqi insurgent group led by "Abu Abdullah al-Qurashi"--has announced that it has officially sworn allegiance to Al-Qaida's Committee in Iraq and Abu Musab al-Zarqawi. Separately, the Ansar al-Sunnah Army has issued a statement claiming responsibility for a bombing ambush on Iraqi police in Kirkuk, allegedly carried out with the cooperation of "a number of our fighting brothers from Al-Qaida's Committee."

- Apr. 13 statement from the leader of the Al-Rijjal Brigade
- Apr. 14 claim from Ansar al-Sunnah of bombing in Kirkuk

Saudi Named as Alleged Al-Qaim Suicide Bomber
Sources in the Arabian Peninsula are now claiming that one of the four Al-Qaida suicide bombers who attacked a U.S. base in the western Iraqi town of Al-Qaim on April 11 was Saudi national Hadi bin Mubarak al-Qahtani. According to a statement marking his death, Hadi had grown "eager to martyr himself" after witnessing the example of the "19 heroes" and their "holy attack that demolished the foolish infidel Americans and caused many young men to awaken from their deep sleep."

New Videos from Zarqawi/Al-Qaida in Iraq
Al-Qaida's Committee in Iraq--led by wanted Jordanian terrorist Abu Musab al-Zarqawi--has released the following video footage since April 16 of artillery launches, roadside bombs, and suicide car bombings on U.S. military forces stationed in Iraq. In at least one suicide bombing, the "martyr" was identified as Abu Shaheed al-Lubnani, indicating that he was a foreign fighter from Lebanon.

- Apr. 16 video of bombing attack on U.S. convoy in Mosul
- Apr. 16 video of suicide bombing at a "CIA base" in Tikrit
- Apr. 18 video of mortar attack on U.S. forces in Baqubah
- Apr. 18 video of suicide bomber Abu Shaheed al-Lubnani
- Apr. 18 video of rocket attack on U.S. base in Taji

New Videos from Zarqawi/Al-Qaida in Iraq
Al-Qaida's Committee in Iraq--led by wanted Jordanian terrorist Abu Musab al-Zarqawi--has released the following video footage since April 27, 2005, featuring ongoing insurgent operations targeting coalition military and Iraqi security forces:

- Apr. 27 video of suicide bombing in western Baghdad
- May 4 video of rocket attack on Taji Base north of Baghdad
- May 7 video of mortar and rocket attacks in central Iraq
- May 8 video of 82mm mortar attack on Bakr Air Base
- May 10 video of roadside bomb attack on U.S. Humvee

See also: "The Jihad in Iraq: An Engine for Int'l Terrorism"

New Statements from Zarqawi/Al-Qaida in Iraq
Al-Qaida's Committee in Iraq--led by wanted Jordanian terrorist Abu Musab al-Zarqawi--has released numerous communiques since May 1, 2005, including the following:

- May 1 Al-Qaida statement titled "A Dialogue of Bullets"
- May 1 declaration of the Battles of Mohammed al-Issawi
- May 1 claim for battles with foreign fighters in Al-Qaim
- May 1 claim for various Battles of Mohammed al-Issawi
- May 1 declaration of the end of the al-Issawi Battles
- May 5 response to acquittal of Fallujah mosque shooting
- May 7 claim for car bombing in Tahrir Square in Baghdad
- May 8 claim for attack on "CIA vehicles" in Baghdad
- May 9 response to alleged arrest of an aide to Zarqawi
- May 9 response to alleged killing of 75 militants in Al-Qaim
- May 10 response to claims about foreign fighters in Iraq

See also: "The Jihad in Iraq: An Engine for Int'l Terrorism"
Chart - "The Network of Abu Musab al-Zarqawi in Iraq"

Zarqawi Denies Arrests, Urges Iraqis As Bombers
Al-Qaida's Jihad Committee in Iraq--led by wanted Jordanian terrorist Abu Musab al-Zarqawi--has officially denied recent claims that assistants loyal to Zarqawi have been arrested in Mosul and in Madrid, Spain.  The statements came in the wake of an announcement last week by the Iraqi government concerning the capture of senior Al-Qaida leader Abu Talha al-Mosuli (a.k.a. Mohammed Khalaf Shakar).  Al-Qaida's Committee in Iraq has also declared the formation of an all-Iraqi suicide brigade--known as the Al-Ansar Martyrs Brigade--that was created as a branch of another Al-Qaida unit known as the Al-Baraa bin Malik Brigade.

- June 17 denial of the capture of assistants to al-Zarqawi
- June 21 denial of the capture of assistants to al-Zarqawi
- June 21 formation of the Al-Ansar Martyrs Brigade in Iraq

Saudis Dominant Among Foreign Fighters in Iraq
According to data compiled by Globalterroralert.com since June 2003, over 50% of known casualties among foreign fighters in Iraq are Saudi Arabian nationals. A total of 300 foreign fighters were included in the study, including 165 men from various locations in Saudi Arabia--including Riyadh, at-Taif, Jeddah, Hail, Mecca, and Hafr al-Batin. Syrian nationals were the next most populous group of foreign fighter casualties in Iraq, numbering 38 or approximately 13%.

- Click to view Globalterroralert.com analysis

Top Saudi Al-Qaida Leader Reported Killed in Iraq
A new purported statement issued by Abu Musab al-Zarqawi--commander of Al-Qaida's Jihad Committee in Iraq--claims that Shaykh Abdallah al-Rashood (a most wanted leader of Al-Qaida in Saudi Arabia) has been killed in recent fighting near the western Iraqi city of Al-Qaim. According to the statement, al-Rashood crossed through "harsh terrain and the borders of the oppressors" and entered western Iraq in late April or early May 2005. Within days of his arrival, Rashood joined a local Al-Qaida unit known as the "Al-Khair Brigade" in the Iraqi city of Al-Qaim composed of both native Iraqis and foreign fighters.    

- Click to view English translation of Zarqawi communiqué
- Click to view Oct. 2003 video of Abdallah al-Rashood  (video)

See also: Saudis Dominant Among Foreign Fighters in Iraq
Analysis - "The Jihad in Iraq: An Engine for Int'l Terrorism"

Profiles of Saudi Militants Killed in Iraq: 2004-2005
A new report is now available for download from Globalterroralert.com profiling some of the numerous foreign fighters from Saudi Arabia who have been recently killed during combat operations in central and northern Iraq, including many suicide bombers from Al-Qaida's Jihad Committee in Mesopotamia.  Conversely, at least one Saudi national who survived a combat tour with Al-Qaida in Iraq was later reported killed during subsequent battles with American troops on the border between Pakistan and Afghanistan.  

- Profiles of Saudi Islamic Militants Killed in Iraq: 2004-2005
- Bio of Saudi jihad veteran in Iraq killed in Afghanistan
- July 2 message from Zarqawi to Al-Qaida in Saudi Arabia

See also: Saudis Dominant Among Foreign Fighters in Iraq
Analysis - "The Jihad in Iraq: An Engine for Int'l Terrorism"

Members of U.K. Militant Group Endorse Zarqawi
Globalterroralert has obtained an original audio recording of a lecture given by "Abu Ratib", a spokesman for the radical British Al-Muhajiroun movement (a.k.a. "Ahlus Sunnah waal Jamaah"), led by Shaykh Omar Bakri Mohammed.  During his January 2005 speech, Abu Ratib celebrated Abu Musab al-Zarqawi as "brilliant" for his "attack on the Shia" and his recent written manifesto condemning the concept of democracy (which Abu Ratib described as "the most beautiful statement ever heard").  The Al-Muhajiroun spokesman also assured his audience that Zarqawi's "slogans and statements are all in adherence to the Quran... Glory be to Allah, this person is a man of Tawheed.  May Allah keep him as a true believer, and may he die as a true believer, and may Allah make him a martyr."  

- Click to hear exclusive audio from Globalterroralert.com
See also: "A Web of Terror" - Journal of Counterterrorism
- "Where do British Suicide Bombers Come From?"

Al-Qaida Admits Capture of Baghdad Commander
Al-Qaida's Jihad Committee in Mesopotamia--led by wanted Jordanian terrorist Abu Musab al-Zarqawi--has issued a new communiqué conceding that an important Al-Qaida commander in Baghdad known as "Abu Abdel Aziz" was recently captured during a joint raid conducted by U.S. and Iraqi military forces in the Iraqi capital.    According to the statement, "Our brother fought them fiercely using his personal weapon but he ended up being badly injured, evidenced by all the bloodstains left where he was found. We also received the news that our brother died as a result of his injuries and that he was transferred immediately away from the scene."

- Click to view English translation

New Statements and Video from Al-Qaida in Iraq
Al-Qaida's Jihad Committee in Iraq--led by most wanted Jordanian terrorist Abu Musab al-Zarqawi--has issued new communiques mourning the loss of Abu Saleh al-Iraqi al-Ansari (an Iraqi field commander who was killed recently near Baghdad) and affirming that "our Shaykh Abu Musab al-Zarqawi and his second-in-command Abu Abdelrahman [al-Iraqi] and Al-Qaida’s Committee in Mesopotamia are leading the battles and planning the strikes... Also, our Shaykh Abu Musab [al-Zarqawi]—may Allah protect him—is constantly observing all the [military] operations in person."

- June 28 video of suicide attack on Iraqi soldiers in Fallujah (video)
- July 5 video of IED attack on U.S. Humvee in Al-Yousifiya (video)
- July 17 report on the martyrdom of Abu Saleh al-Iraqi
- July 17 communiqué from Al-Qaida's Media Wing
- July 18 video of IED attack on armored vehicle in Tel Afar (video)

Video of Algerian Hostages Held by Al-Qaida in Iraq
Zarqawi's Media Wing released a video showing Al-Qaida interrogators questioning former Egyptian Ambassador to Baghdad Ihab el-Sherif concerning the location of Jews in the Sinai Peninsula--to which an obviously distressed Sherif responded, "From Taba to Sharm al-Sheikh."

- July 23 Al-Qaida video of Egyptian Ambassador in Iraq (video)

Al-Qaida in Iraq Seizes Algerian Diplomats
Al-Qaida's Jihad Committee in Iraq--led by wanted terrorist Abu Musab al-Zarqawi--has claimed responsibility for the kidnapping of Algerian diplomats Ali Belaroussi and Azzedine Belkadi.  In a statement released on July 23, Al-Qaida explained that the diplomats were taken hostage after the Algerian government allegedly ignored repeated warnings and instead "support[ed] the Jews, Christians, and every country that wounds the people of al-Tawheed."   The Algerian Salafist Group for Prayer and Combat (GSPC) has responded with its own communiqué, applauding the kidnapping of the two diplomats and accusing their government of "backstabbing" the Iraqi people "by aiding the apostate Iraqi government and the crusader alliance in their battle against the mujahideen."    

- July 23 claim by Al-Qaida for kidnapping of Algerians
- July 23 response to kidnapping from GSPC in Algeria
- July 25 death sentence rendered on Algerian diplomats
- July 26 request by GSPC to record videotaped confessions
- July 26 Al-Qaida video of Algerian diplomats held hostage (video)

The Road Through Syria to Jihad in Iraq
In a new guide published on the Internet, an alleged former resident of the Iraqi-Syrian border region has explained in detail for potential foreign fighter recruits how they can enter Iraq and join in the jihad by traveling through neighboring Syria. According to "Al-Muhajir al-Islami", foreign jihadists should travel to the eastern Syrian city of Dayr al-Zawr: "it is recommended to enter the city using a car and do not carry large sums of money. If anyone asks, say you are here on a vacation and have come to go fishing in the Euphrates—therefore, bring some fishing equipment and another person with you so you won’t look suspicious." Recruits are also advised to avoid consulting government-sponsored Muslim clerics in local mosques and only to "approach the Salafist youths" outside of mosques and beyond the prying eyes of Syrian intelligence.

Ansar al-Sunnah Claims Killing of 8 U.S. Marines
The Ansar al-Sunnah Army in Iraq has claimed responsibility for an ambush leading to the murders of at least eight U.S. Marines in the northern surburbs of the western Iraqi city of Haditha. According to published communiqués, the attack took place "in the Al-Jazirah region, which is a vast, desert-like area that is commonly used by the mujahideen to launch their rockets and Hawn mortar shells targeting the American base at the Haditha dam. The courageous mujahideen lingered in that area for nine days waiting for the American forces to arrive there." Ansar al-Sunnah further claimed that it had attempted to capture the Marines alive--however, after they encountered resistance, the mujahideen responded "with their own heavy fire backed up with Hawn mortar shells" killing eight American soldiers.

- August 3 communiqués claiming attack on U.S. Marines in Haditha
- August 3 video of Ansar al-Sunnah attack on U.S. Marines in Haditha (video)

New Statements and Video from Al-Qaida in Iraq
Al-Qaida's Jihad Committee in Iraq--led by wanted Jordanian terrorist Abu Musab al-Zarqawi--has continued to issue numerous communiques and videos claiming military operations across the Sunni Triangle of Iraq, including Tel Afar, Samarra, Mosul, and the troubled town of Haditha--where Al-Qaida operations are allegedly being run by commander Abu Abdallah al-Shamri. Al-Qaida's Shariah Council has also issued repeated warnings to Iraqi Sunnis not to participate in the upcoming constitutional referendum planned by the U.S. and its "apostate" allies in Baghdad. Al-Qaida continues to launch numerous martyrdom operations, including a recent attack in Baghdad by an elderly Iraqi man known as "Shaykh Abu Said al-Iraqi."

- Aug. 6 statement concerning military operations in Haditha
- Aug. 6 Shariah Council warning about planned referendum
- Aug. 9 video of IED attacks on U.S. Humvees in Samarra
- Aug. 11 transcript of martyrdom will of Abu Said al-Iraqi
- Aug. 11 martyrdom will of Abu Said al-Iraqi (video)
- Aug. 14 propaganda posters distributed by Al-Qaida in Iraq

Saudi Al-Qaida Members Reported Killed in Iraq
Two young Saudi Al-Qaida recruits have been reported killed in recent suicide bomb attacks near the Iraqi capital Baghdad. Allegedly, one of the men, 20-year old Mansour al-Hameed (a.k.a. "Abul-Hajer", "Abu Azzam") was responsible for a July 27 suicide bombing operation by Al-Qaida's Al-Baraa bin Malik Martyrs Brigade targeting Iraqi National Guard troops in Al-Azamiyah that killed ten people and wounded at least nine others. Hameed's friend and fellow Saudi national Nasser al-Otaibi was reportedly killed in a second suicide bombing attack a week later targeting three Humvees in Bab Sharqi.

- Aug. 9 report of two Saudi Al-Qaida members killed in Iraq
- Aug. 2 video of Al-Qaida suicide bombing in Bab Sharqi (video)

Zarqawi Claims Aqaba Attack on U.S. Warships
Al-Qaida's Committee in Mesopotamia--led by wanted Jordanian terrorist Abu Musab al-Zarqawi--has issued two new statements claiming responsibility for a failed August 19 Katyusha rocket attack on two U.S. warships docked in the Jordanian port of Aqaba. According to the first communiqué, "the attack was led and monitored by the commanders of Al-Qaida's Jihad Committee in Mesopotamia" (presumably including Zarqawi) and "the reason for the delay in claiming responsibility was due to the need to give sufficient time for our brothers to escape." A second statement posted later confirmed that "the brothers who executed the Aqaba and Eilat attacks have returned safely to Mesopotamia."

- Click to view English translation of communiqué #1
- Click to view English translation of communiqué #2

Iraqi Insurgents Claim Chemical Weapon Attacks
At least two different Iraqi insurgent groups thought allied with Abu Musab al-Zarqawi's Al-Qaida faction have claimed responsibility for recent attacks allegedly involving chemical weapons on U.S. and Iraqi forces in the cities of Baghdad and Al-Madain. On September 13, the Army of the Victorious Sect (rumored to be comprised of ex-Fedayeen Saddam and Iraqi intelligence personnel) claimed responsibility for launching rockets allegedly tipped with chemical agents at the Interior Ministry, Foreign Ministry, and heavily guarded Green Zone in Baghdad. A day later, the Islamic Army in Iraq (IAI)--a faction that acknowledges occasional joint operations with Abu Musab al-Zarqawi--took credit for an alleged attack on U.S. and Iraqi military forces in the city of Al-Madain with chemical-equipped 120mm Hawn mortar shells.

- Sept. 11 chemical threat from Army of the Victorious Sect
- Sept. 13 alleged attack by Army of the Victorious Sect
- Sept. 14 alleged attack by the Islamic Army in Iraq (IAI)

New Statements from Zarqawi/Al-Qaida in Iraq
Al-Qaida's Committee in Iraq--led by wanted Jordanian terrorist Abu Musab al-Zarqawi--has issued numerous statements over the past two weeks, including the following:

- 8/18 biography of martyr Abu al-Laith al-Najdi (Saudi Arabia)
- 9/15 AMSS statement about Zarqawi audio recording
- 9/18 statement from the Omar Brigade to the Sunni people
- 9/19 clarification of threat to Shiites in Zarqawi speech
- 9/21 transcript of video of Abu Hamza al-Baghdadi
- 9/22 response to 9/15 statement from AMSS in Iraq

Suicide Bombing Attacks:
- 9/8 attack in Tel Afar
- 9/9 attack in Tel Afar
- 9/9 attack in Al-Karma
- 9/11 attack in Baghdad
- 9/14 attack in Zaytuna
- 9/14 attack on Qasim Hwy.
- 9/14 attack on Dora Hwy.
- 9/14 attack on "CIA patrol"
- 9/14 attack in Al-Adl area
- 9/15 attack in Al-Dora
- 9/20 attack in Mosul

"Abu Azzam": Is He Really Al-Qaida's No. 2 in Iraq?
Yesterday, U.S. military officials made statements to the press reporting the death of Abu Azzam al-Iraqi (a.k.a. Abdullah Najim Abdullah Mohamed Al-Jawari), whom they described as the "No. 2 official" in Al-Qaida's Committee in Iraq and the "top deputy" to Al-Qaida commander Abu Musab al-Zarqawi. While there is no doubt that Abu Azzam is a relatively influential figure within Al-Qaida's local Baghdad network, there are several cogent reasons to question his purported title as "Number 2"...

- Click to view analysis @ The Counterterrorism Blog

- Dec. 2004 video transcript of Abu Azzam al-Iraqi
- Sept. 27 Al-Qaida statement about death of Abu Azzam
- Oct. 1 message from Al-Qaida's Abu Abdelrahman al-Iraqi

See also:  NEWSWEEK - "The 'Second' Man"

More Foreign Fighters Reported Killed in Iraq
Supporters of Abu Musab al-Zarqawi's Al-Qaida faction have announced the deaths of two foreign fighters in Iraq. On September 25, Abu Muaz al-Kuwaiti--a former soldier in the Kuwaiti Army--was reported killed during a "boating accident" while engaged in jihad in Iraq.  Separately, the Asbat al-Ansar movement in Lebanon has also announced the "martyrdom" of one of its members, Saleh Deeb al-Shayyib, who was reportedly killed on the morning of October 1 during "confrontations with the crusader forces in Mesopotamia."  In January 2005, the U.S. Treasury Department announced that a member of Zarqawi's Shura Council in Iraq "was assigned by Zarqawi to train members of Asbat al-Ansar in preparing forged documents" and "also brought $10,000 for Abu Muhjin, the leader of Asbat al-Ansar, from Zarqawi."

- Click to view analysis @ The Counterterrorism Blog
- Click to view biography of Abu Muaz al-Kuwaiti

New Statements from Zarqawi/Al-Qaida in Iraq
Al-Qaida's Jihad Committee in Iraq--led by Abu Musab al-Zarqawi--has issued several new strategic communiqués concerning Al-Qaida's ongoing battle with its American, Saudi, and Shiite enemies.  The statements included a message from the chief of Al-Qaida's Military Wing in Iraq, Abu Usaid al-Iraqi, who called upon Al-Qaida fighters to show their enemies "no mercy" and repeatedly prayed for Allah to "shake the ground beneath the feet of our enemies."  Separately, a new chart is available for download from Globalterroralert.com (c/o the NEFA Foundation) depicting the known leadership of Zarqawi's Al-Qaida network in Iraq.

- Oct. 3 statement on the role of the Saudi regime in Iraq
- Oct. 5 statement from commander Abu Usaid al-Iraqi
- Oct. 5 statement on America and the "industry of illusions"

See also: [CHART] "Zarqawi's Leadership Network in Iraq"

Yemeni Al-Qaida Recruit Reportedly Killed in Iraq
Supporters of Al-Qaida and Abu Musab al-Zarqawi in the Arabian Peninsula have released the biography, martyrdom will, and audio recordings of an Al-Qaida recruit from Yemen recently killed in a suicidal assault on U.S. military personnel in central Iraq.  An avid supporter of Al-Qaida himself, Abu Zubair al-Yemeni explained on one recording, "When the towers were hit on September 11th, America stood up and has not sat down yet.  Her people gave money and discussed what they wanted to do.  They discussed what they wanted to do, until their discussions brought about their death."  Abu Zubair also called Usama Bin Laden "courageous", "determined", and "one of Islam's most impressive." 

- Click to view biography and martyrdom will
- Click to hear audio excerpt with English subtitles

New Statements and Video from Al-Qaida in Iraq
Al-Qaida's Committee in Mesopotamia--led by Abu Musab al-Zarqawi--has claimed responsibility for the "revenge battles of the Sunni people" of western Iraq, including a series of near simultaneous suicide bombing attacks on Western hotels in the Jordanian capital Amman.  Al-Qaida further threatened, "Let the Jews realize that their wall that was built to the east of the Jordan river… is now a target for the lions of al-Tawheed and soon they [the Jews] will be reached by the mujahideen."   

- Oct. 10 video of Al-Qaida suicide bombing in Tel Afar
- Oct. 12 video of Al-Qaida suicide bombing in Tel Afar
- Nov. 2 video of attack on Iraqi army base in Tel Afar
- Nov. 6 statement on Al-Qaim and Operation "Steel Curtain"
- Nov. 7 threat to retaliate for the campaign against Al-Qaim
- Nov. 8 declaration of the Sunni revenge battles in Al-Qaim
- Nov. 10 claim for the bombing of three hotels in Amman
- Nov. 10 second statement on the Amman hotel bombings
- Nov. 11 third statement on the Amman hotel bombings

See also: [CHART] "Zarqawi's Leadership Network in Iraq"

More Foreign Fighters Reported "Martyred" in Iraq
Supporters of Abu Musab al-Zarqawi have released the biographies of more foreign fighters who have recently been killed in fighting with U.S. forces in the Sunni heartland of Iraq.  The "martyrs" include at least four members of the designated foreign terrorist organization in Lebanon Asbat al-Ansar.  In an interview with the Beirut Daily Star, an Asbat al-Ansar spokesman confirmed the identities of the four men and explained, "This is a duty that has been fulfilled... in response to the words of the Holy Quran that calls for fighting enemies and being rewarded... This is a duty for the rescue of those who are inside prisons and in defense of our holy lands, our Holy book (Quran) that they have desecrated by tearing them and stamping on them, and in defense of our mosques that they have destroyed."

- "Martyrdom" of four Asbat al-Ansar commanders in Iraq
- "Martyrdom" of Afghan-trained Yemeni combatant in Iraq

CT Blog: Washington Post Misses Mark on Foreign Fighters
CT Blog: Al-Qaida Takes Casualties -- But Not Zarqawi
CT Blog: More Mistakes by the WP on Foreign Fighters

Zarqawi Alive, Threatens More Attacks in Jordan
Al-Qaida's Committee in Iraq has issued a new communiqué vehemently denying that their top leader--Jordanian Abu Musab al-Zarqawi--was killed in a raid by U.S. forces on a house in Mosul.  According to the statement, "the crusaders were able to locate one of our residences with the help of an informer from the al-Sukar neighborhood, where five mujahideen and one of their wives were residing. The brothers were aware of the arriving forces and prepared themselves and their weapons. The sister among them insisted on wearing an explosive belt because she did not want to be captured alive."  An English transcript of Abu Musab al-Zarqawi's latest audio recording on the recent suicide bombings in Amman, Jordan is also now available for download.

- Nov. 18 transcript of audio by Abu Musab al-Zarqawi
- Nov. 23 communiqué denying the death of Zarqawi
- Nov. 23 video of Al-Qaida IED attack on U.S. Humvee

Al-Qaida Celebrates Iraq Martyrs, Decries Elections
Al-Qaida's Committee in Iraq (led by Abu Musab al-Zarqawi) has released numerous new documents in last few weeks, including purported propaganda pamphlets that angrily urge Iraqi Sunnis to boycott the upcoming vote and, separately, electronic biographies of notable fallen Al-Qaida operatives in Iraq.  The latter group of "martyrs" included two foreign-born Al-Qaida suicide bombers and "al-Hajji" Thamer Mubarak Atrous--brother of Sajida Mubarak Atrous al-Rishawi (the failed female Al-Qaida suicide bomber who attempted to target the Radisson Hotel in Amman, Jordan on Nov. 9, 2005). 

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