Al-Shabaab: Somalia’s Militant Islamist Group

Al-Shabaab is a militant Islamist group based in Somalia. The organization emerged in the early 2000s as a radical offshoot of the Islamic Courts Union, which Ethiopian and Somali Transitional Federal Government forces ousted from power in Somalia in 2006. Al-Shabaab’s stated aim is to overthrow the Somali government and establish an Islamic state in…

Ansar Bayt al-Maqdis: Profile of a Sinai-based Militant Group

Ansar Bayt al-Maqdis, meaning “Supporters of Jerusalem,” is a militant organization primarily operating in the Sinai Peninsula of Egypt. The group has been involved in various acts of violence and terrorism, targeting both Egyptian security forces and civilians. The origins of Ansar Bayt al-Maqdis can be traced back to the aftermath of the 2011 Egyptian…

Al-Nusra Front: The Rise of a Militant Islamist Group in Syria

The Al-Nusra Front, also known as Jabhat al-Nusra, is a militant Islamist group that emerged during the Syrian Civil War. The organization was formed in January 2012, with the primary objective of overthrowing the government of Bashar al-Assad and establishing an Islamic state in Syria. Al-Nusra Front gained prominence for its military prowess and effective…

The Afghan Taliban: A Brief Overview

The Afghan Taliban, an Islamist militant group, emerged in the early 1990s amidst the chaos and power struggles following the Soviet withdrawal from Afghanistan. Founded by Mullah Mohammad Omar, a former mujahideen fighter during the Soviet-Afghan War, the Taliban swiftly rose to prominence, capturing Kabul in 1996 and establishing a strict interpretation of Sharia law…

Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG): A Terrorist Menace in the Philippines

The Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) is a terrorist organization based in the Philippines, known for its violent and extremist activities. Founded in the early 1990s, ASG initially aimed to establish an independent Islamic state in the southern Philippines. The group’s ideology is rooted in radical interpretations of Islam, and it has carried out numerous attacks…