Mawlawi Zubair Mutmaeen is a Taliban official who formerly ran Taliban backed suicide-bombing squads in Kabul. Following the Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan in August 2021, Mutmaeen was appointed as police chief of Kabul’s 9th police district.Saeed Shah, “Taliban Commander Who Launched Bombings in Kabul Is Now a Police Chief in Charge of Security,” Wall Street Journal, October 20, 2021, https://www.wsj.com/articles/taliban-commander-who-launched-bombings-in-kabul-is-now-a-police-chief-in-charge-of-security-11634740097.

Originally from Logar, south of Kabul, Mutmaeen joined the Taliban’s most militant subset—the U.S. designated Haqqani network—in 1999. At some point during the Taliban’s first reign from the 1990s until 2001, Mutmaeen then lived under cover in Kabul, where he would gather intelligence, identify targets, and order suicide bombings for the Taliban. Among some of the most notorious assaults that Mutmaeen ordered were on the presidential palace, a CIA office, and the Kabul Serena Hotel.Saeed Shah, “Taliban Commander Who Launched Bombings in Kabul Is Now a Police Chief in Charge of Security,” Wall Street Journal, October 20, 2021, https://www.wsj.com/articles/taliban-commander-who-launched-bombings-in-kabul-is-now-a-police-chief-in-charge-of-security-11634740097.

Following the 9/11 terrorist attacks, U.S. and NATO forces went into Afghanistan, putting an end to the Taliban’s first reign. For the next two decades, the Taliban launched an offensive against the Afghan government and the western forces, seeking to reassert their authority throughout the country.“Who are the Taliban,” BBC News, August 18, 2021, https://www.bbc.com/news/world-south-asia-11451718.

The Taliban began its offensive against major Afghan cities on August 6, 2021.Susannah George and Ezzatullah Mehrdad, “Taliban fighters overrun an Afghan provincial capital for the first time since withdrawal of foreign forces,” Washington Post, August 6, 2021, https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2021/08/06/afghanistan-taliban-nimruz/. On August 15, Afghan President Ashraf Ghani fled Afghanistan and thousands of Afghans poured into Kabul’s airport as Taliban fighters entered the city. By August 16, the Taliban laid siege to the presidential palace and took complete control of Kabul, declaring the war in Afghanistan had ended.“Taliban declares ‘war is over’ as president and diplomats flee Kabul,” Reuters, August 15, 2021, https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/talibans-rapid-advance-across-afghanistan-2021-08-10/. Sometime following the Taliban’s takeover of Kabul, Mutmaeen was appointed police chief of Kabul’s 9th police district.Saeed Shah, “Taliban Commander Who Launched Bombings in Kabul Is Now a Police Chief in Charge of Security,” Wall Street Journal, October 20, 2021, https://www.wsj.com/articles/taliban-commander-who-launched-bombings-in-kabul-is-now-a-police-chief-in-charge-of-security-11634740097.

Mutmaeen’s command, who are former Taliban members turned cops, are not paid and allegedly have not received training in police work. According to media sources, it is unclear which laws are enforced by Mutmaeen’s command other than their interpretations of sharia law, which covers criminal and civil cases as well as moral conduct. However, given that the police force of the deposed Afghan government was known for being notoriously corrupt, on-the-ground reports have suggested that Afghans are slowly accepting and even soliciting the help of the Taliban’s new police. Mutmaeen reportedly now meets with Kabul residents and addresses concerns regarding debtors, stolen items, and employment opportunities.Saeed Shah, “Taliban Commander Who Launched Bombings in Kabul Is Now a Police Chief in Charge of Security,” Wall Street Journal, October 20, 2021, https://www.wsj.com/articles/taliban-commander-who-launched-bombings-in-kabul-is-now-a-police-chief-in-charge-of-security-11634740097.

Qari Fasihuddin is a Taliban senior leader. Following the Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan in August 2021, Fasihuddin was named army chief of the Taliban government.“Taliban forms 33-member cabinet in Afghanistan: Full list,” Hindustan Times, September 8, 2021, https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/taliban-forms-33-member-cabinet-in-afghanistan-full-list-101631066722518.html.

An ethnic Tajik, Fasihuddin quickly rose through the Taliban’s ranks. Following the Taliban’s fall from power in Afghanistan in 2001 after seizing control of Kabul in 1996, the movement created a de facto governmental order that placed Taliban members—shadow officials—in control of specific areas within Afghanistan. At one point, Fasihuddin was the shadow governor of Badakshan, with reports claiming he was referred to as “conqueror of the north” given Badakshan’s shared border with Tajikistan and China.Kabir Taneja, Sushant Sareen, Kriti M. Shah, and Saaransh Mishra, “The Kabul Dossier,” Observer Research Foundation, September 2, 2021, https://www.orfonline.org/research/the-kabul-dossier/. The movement used these operational areas to counter the Afghan government and repel U.S. troops deployed in the country following the al-Qaeda orchestrated 9/11 attacks. Before the attacks, al-Qaeda had used Afghanistan as a safe haven to plan attacks against western targets. Following U.S. military deployment in the country, the Taliban conducted regular attacks to enforce their control among the Afghan population, resulting in two decades of political and social instability throughout Afghanistan.“Who are the Taliban,” BBC News, August 18, 2021, https://www.bbc.com/news/world-south-asia-11451718.

To reduce ongoing violence and put an end to the Afghan War, the U.S. government and the Taliban began peace negotiations in February 2019, eventually signing a peace agreement on February 29, 2020, in Doha, Qatar.Kathy Gannon, “Mullah’s rise charts Taliban’s long road back to power,” Associated Press, August 18, 2021, https://apnews.com/article/afghanistan-taliban-abdul-ghani-baradar-e80165eb6c65fc7ea8fae50212ba56c8; “Pullout and guarantees dominate talks with US: Taliban spokesman,” Al Jazeera, February 26, 2019, https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/2/26/pullout-and-guarantees-dominate-talks-with-us-taliban-spokesman; Ayaz Gul, “Taliban Expects Peace Deal With US in Next Meeting,” Voice of America, July 31, 2019, https://www.voanews.com/a/south-central-asia_taliban-expects-peace-deal-us-next-meeting/6172955.html. The terms of the Doha agreement stated that the United States would fully withdraw military troops from Afghanistan within the next 14 months. In exchange, the Taliban agreed to renounce al-Qaeda and prevent al-Qaeda and other groups from using Afghanistan as a base for terrorism against the United States. The Taliban also agreed to negotiate a permanent ceasefire with other Afghan militants and the Afghan government.Asad Hashim, “Pakistan warns US of ‘spoilers’ on US-Taliban deal in Afghanistan,” Al Jazeera, March 1, 2020, https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/03/pakistan-warns-spoilers-taliban-deal-afghanistan-200302093650382.html; Matthew Lee and Kathy Gannon, “US and Taliban sign deal aimed at ending war in Afghanistan,” Associated Press, February 29, 2020, https://apnews.com/491544713df4879f399d0ff5523d369e; Susannah George and Dan Lamothe, “Afghan government objects to elements of U.S.-Taliban peace deal,” Washington Post, March 1, 2020, https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/asia_pacific/afghan-government-questions-aspects-of-us-taliban-peace-deal/2020/03/01/0a973228-5a68-11ea-8efd-0f904bdd8057_story.html.

The Taliban began its offensive against major Afghan cities on August 6, 2021.Susannah George and Ezzatullah Mehrdad, “Taliban fighters overrun an Afghan provincial capital for the first time since withdrawal of foreign forces,” Washington Post, August 6, 2021, https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2021/08/06/afghanistan-taliban-nimruz/. On August 15, Afghan President Ashraf Ghani fled Afghanistan and thousands of Afghans poured into Kabul’s airport as Taliban fighters entered the city. By August 16, the Taliban laid siege to the presidential palace and took complete control of Kabul, declaring the war in Afghanistan had ended.Rahim Faiez, and Joseph Krauss, “Taliban sweep across Afghanistan’s south; take 4 more cities,” Associated Press, August 13, 2021, https://apnews.com/article/middle-east-taliban-c6c8d4a41c554f36031a8131538d1402. The last U.S. troops flew out of Kabul on August 30, 2021, ending a 20-year war that took the lives of 2,500 American troops and 240,000 Afghans and cost about $2 trillion.Peter Baker, “All in or All Out? Biden Saw No Middle Ground in Afghanistan.,” New York Times, September 1, 2021, https://www.nytimes.com/2021/08/28/us/politics/trump-taliban-biden-afghanistan.html; Nancy A. Youssef and Gordon Lubold, “Last U.S. Troops Leave Afghanistan After Nearly 20 Years,” Wall Street Journal, August 30, 2021, https://www.wsj.com/articles/last-u-s-troops-leave-afghanistan-after-nearly-20-years-11630355853. The Taliban has claimed that it would take on a more “moderate” approach in their ruling of the country, and that women are allowed to have roles in public life in observance of “Islamic law.”“Factbox: Taliban seek to present a moderate face as they take control in Afghanistan,” Reuters, August 15, 2021, https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/taliban-seek-present-moderate-face-they-take-control-afghanistan-2021-08-15/.

Following the Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan, Fasihuddin was named the military commander in Panjshir to curb the anti-Taliban resistance led by Ahmad Massoud, the head of the National Resistance Front of Afghanistan (NRFA), and Amrullah Saleh, the former Afghan vice president. Fasihuddin’s command was successful, and Panjshir quickly fell to the Taliban’s control.Kabir Taneja, Sushant Sareen, Kriti M. Shah, and Saaransh Mishra, “The Kabul Dossier,” Observer Research Foundation, September 2, 2021, https://www.orfonline.org/research/the-kabul-dossier/; “Resistance leaders Massoud, Saleh still in Afghanistan, diplomat says,” Reuters, September 8, 2021, https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/resistance-leaders-massoud-saleh-still-afghanistan-diplomat-says-2021-09-08/.

On September 7, 2021, the Taliban announced the official appointments within their caretaker government. Fasihuddin was named army chief.“Taliban forms 33-member cabinet in Afghanistan: Full list,” Hindustan Times, September 8, 2021, https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/taliban-forms-33-member-cabinet-in-afghanistan-full-list-101631066722518.html. The government is exclusively male, with many positions filled with veterans from their hardline movement in the early nineties.Matthieu Aikins and Jim Huylebroek, “Taliban Appoint Stalwarts to Top Government Posts,” New York Times, September 7, 2021, https://www.nytimes.com/2021/09/07/world/asia/taliban-women-protest-kabul-afghanistan.html; Kathy Gannon, “Taliban form all-male Afghan government of old guard members,” Associated Press, September 8, 2021, https://apnews.com/article/middle-east-pakistan-afghanistan-arrests-islamabad-d50b1b490d27d32eb20cc11b77c12c87.

At a news conference in Kabul on September 15, Fasihuddin stated that Afghanistan will soon have a “regular and disciplined” army of its own and that soldiers would be trained to defend Afghanistan’s borders. Fasihuddin was also quoted as saying “we will not let a civil war erupt. Those disturbing security and stability will be trampled and those opposing the Taliban will be arrested.”Anil Kumar, “Afghanistan will have 'regular, disciplined' army: Taliban army chief Qari Fasihuddin,” India Today, September 15, 2021, https://www.msn.com/en-in/news/other/afghanistan-will-have-regular-disciplined-army-taliban-army-chief-qari-fasihuddin/ar-AAOtjFr?li=AAggbRN&c=7349812266460360760&mkt=en-us.

Khalil al-Rahman Haqqani was an internationally designated Taliban official and senior leader within the Haqqani network. Following the Taliban’s August 2021 takeover of Afghanistan, Haqqani appointed himself as chief of security of the Taliban government.Jack Newman, “One of America's most-wanted terrorists on the streets of Kabul: Taliban fundraiser Khalil Haqqani - who has a $5m bounty on his head for his links to Al Qaeda - greets adoring crowds in Kabul,” Daily Mail (London), August 20, 2021, https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-9912609/Taliban-fundraiser-Khalil-Haqqani-wanted-links-Al-Qaeda-greets-crowds-Kabul.html. He was appointed acting minister for refugees of the Taliban government on September 7, 2021.Douglas Schorzman, “Who Are the Taliban’s New Government Leaders? Here’s What We Know,” New York Times, September 7, 2021, https://www.nytimes.com/article/taliban-leaders-afghanistan.html?action=click&module=RelatedLinks&pgtype=Article. On December 11, 2024, Haqqani died in an Islamic State Khorasan province (ISIS-K) suicide bombing in Kabul.Simon Fraser and Caroline Davies, “Suicide bomb kills Taliban minister in Kabul,” BBC News, December 11, 2024, https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cvg952q81x8ol; Ayaz Gul, “Funeral held for slain Afghan Taliban minister; IS-K claims credit for killing,” Voice of America, December 12,2024, https://www.voanews.com/a/funeral-held-for-slain-afghan-taliban-minister-is-k-claims-credit-for-killing/7898958.html.

The Haqqani network is widely considered the Taliban’s most radical and violent branch but has operated independently from the broader Taliban.Sune Engel Rasmussen and Nancy A. Youssef, “In Taliban-Ruled Afghanistan, Al Qaeda-Linked Haqqani Network Rises to Power,” Wall Street Journal, August 26, 2021, https://www.wsj.com/articles/in-taliban-ruled-afghanistan-al-qaeda-linked-haqqani-network-rises-to-power-11629990056. Among its activities, the network has been accused of orchestrating numerous cross-border attacks from its home base in North Waziristan, Pakistan. Among those attacks include the September 2011 siege at the U.S. Embassy in Kabul, the 2008 Serena Hotel attack in which seven were killed, and the 2017 truck bombing near the German embassy which killed 96.“US offers new bounties for Haqqani network members,” Associated Press, August 20, 2014, https://apnews.com/article/aa640fb0516d4d8b9b1eb79a4dce8b2e; Jack Newman, “One of America’s most-wanted terrorists on the streets of Kabul: Taliban fundraiser Khalil Haqqani - who has a $5m bounty on his head for his links to Al Qaeda - greets adoring crowds in Kabul,” Daily Mail (London), August 20, 2021, https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-9912609/Taliban-fundraiser-Khalil-Haqqani-wanted-links-Al-Qaeda-greets-crowds-Kabul.html; Declan Walsh, “Seven killed as Taliban militants storm luxury hotel in Kabul,” Guardian (London), January 15, 2008, https://www.theguardian.com/world/2008/jan/15/afghanistan.pressandpublishing.

Haqqani was the brother of Jalaluddin Haqqani—who founded the Haqqani network in the 1970s—and was the uncle of Sirajuddin Haqqani, the deputy leader of the Taliban.Jack Newman, “One of America's most-wanted terrorists on the streets of Kabul: Taliban fundraiser Khalil Haqqani - who has a $5m bounty on his head for his links to Al Qaeda - greets adoring crowds in Kabul,” Daily Mail, August 20, 2021, https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-9912609/Taliban-fundraiser-Khalil-Haqqani-wanted-links-Al-Qaeda-greets-crowds-Kabul.html. Following the U.S. invasion of Afghanistan in 2001, the Haqqani family ran an operation that actively targeted U.S. war efforts. The Haqqani network is also suspected of aiding in Osama bin Laden’s escape from Tora Bora in 2001.“Khalil Haqqani, long on America’s terrorist list, is welcomed by cheering crowds in Kabul,” New York Times, August 20, 2021, https://www.nytimes.com/live/2021/08/20/world/biden-afghanistan-taliban/khalil-haqqani-long-on-americas-terrorist-list-is-welcomed-by-cheering-crowds-in-kabul. The network became known for its use of suicide bombers and its ability to carry out sophisticated, high-casualty attacks on major targets including military installations and embassies.“Khalil Haqqani, long on America’s terrorist list, is welcomed by cheering crowds in Kabul,” New York Times, August 20, 2021, https://www.nytimes.com/live/2021/08/20/world/biden-afghanistan-taliban/khalil-haqqani-long-on-americas-terrorist-list-is-welcomed-by-cheering-crowds-in-kabul; “The Haqqani network: Afghanistan's most feared militants,” France 24, August 21, 2021, https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20210821-the-haqqani-network-afghanistan-s-most-feared-militants.

Haqqani served as the chief of operations for the Haqqani network and engaged in fundraising activities on behalf of the Taliban, helping to develop a complex international fundraising network. Haqqani’s key responsibilities were to operate front companies, such as construction firms and transport companies, that would support and fund the group’s operations in Pakistan.Gretchen Peters, “Haqqani Network Financing: The Evolution of an Industry,” Combating Terrorism Center at West Point, July 2012, https://ctc.usma.edu/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/CTC_Haqqani_Network_Financing-Report__Final.pdf. As chief of operations, Haqqani approved suicide bombings against U.S. forces.Ken Dilanian, “New Taliban head of security for Kabul is wanted by U.S. as terrorist,” NBC News, August 26, 2021, https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/national-security/new-taliban-head-security-kabul-wanted-u-s-terrorist-n1277700. Additionally, Haqqani was the senior emissary to al-Qaeda’s leadership—where he was linked to the group’s military operations—and also served as a senior member who liaised with Pakistani intelligence.Ken Dilanian, “New Taliban head of security for Kabul is wanted by U.S. as terrorist,” NBC News, August 26, 2021, https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/national-security/new-taliban-head-security-kabul-wanted-u-s-terrorist-n1277700; Jack Newman, “One of America's most-wanted terrorists on the streets of Kabul: Taliban fundraiser Khalil Haqqani - who has a $5m bounty on his head for his links to Al Qaeda - greets adoring crowds in Kabul,” Daily Mail, August 20, 2021, https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-9912609/Taliban-fundraiser-Khalil-Haqqani-wanted-links-Al-Qaeda-greets-crowds-Kabul.html. In 2002, Haqqani deployed men to reinforce al-Qaeda elements in Paktia Province, Afghanistan.“Treasury Targets the Financial And Support Networks of Al Qa’ida and the Taliban, Haqqani Network Leadership,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, February 9, 2011, https://www.treasury.gov/press-center/press-releases/Pages/tg1055.aspx.

In 2009, Haqqani served as a military commander in the Haqqani network where he oversaw more than 160 combatants and was one of several people responsible for the detention of enemy prisoners captured by the Taliban and the Haqqani network.“Treasury Targets the Financial And Support Networks of Al Qa’ida and the Taliban, Haqqani Network Leadership,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, February 9, 2011, https://www.treasury.gov/press-center/press-releases/Pages/tg1055.aspx. By 2009, Haqqani had traveled to raised funds from sources in the Gulf states as well as South and East Asia.“KHALIL AHMED HAQQANI,” United Nations Security Council, February 9, 2011, https://www.un.org/securitycouncil/sanctions/1988/materials/summaries/individual/khalil-ahmed-haqqani. In 2010, Haqqani provided funds to Taliban cells in Logar Province, Afghanistan.Jack Newman, “One of America's most-wanted terrorists on the streets of Kabul: Taliban fundraiser Khalil Haqqani - who has a $5m bounty on his head for his links to Al Qaeda - greets adoring crowds in Kabul,” Daily Mail, August 20, 2021, https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-9912609/Taliban-fundraiser-Khalil-Haqqani-wanted-links-Al-Qaeda-greets-crowds-Kabul.html.

Given Haqqani’s senior role within the Haqqani network, and his support to al-Qaeda and the Taliban, on February 9, 2011, the U.N. Security Council sanctioned Haqqani, with the U.S. Department of Treasury also designating Haqqani as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT) the same day.“KHALIL AHMED HAQQANI,” United Nations Security Council, February 9, 2011, https://www.un.org/securitycouncil/sanctions/1988/materials/summaries/individual/khalil-ahmed-haqqani; “Treasury Targets the Financial And Support Networks of Al Qa’ida and the Taliban, Haqqani Network Leadership,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, February 9, 2011, https://www.treasury.gov/press-center/press-releases/Pages/tg1055.aspx. Haqqani remained a continued threat to U.S. operations and on August 20, 2014, the U.S. State Department’s Rewards for Justice program announced a bounty of up to $5 million for information leading to the location of Haqqani.“US offers new bounties for Haqqani network members,” Associated Press, August 20, 2014, https://apnews.com/article/aa640fb0516d4d8b9b1eb79a4dce8b2e.

Following the Taliban’s takeover of the Afghan government on August 15, 2021, on August 20, Haqqani landed in Kabul where he was placed in charge of security for the capital city.Jack Newman, “One of America's most-wanted terrorists on the streets of Kabul: Taliban fundraiser Khalil Haqqani - who has a $5m bounty on his head for his links to Al Qaeda - greets adoring crowds in Kabul,” Daily Mail, August 20, 2021, https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-9912609/Taliban-fundraiser-Khalil-Haqqani-wanted-links-Al-Qaeda-greets-crowds-Kabul.html; Ali M Latifi, “‘All Afghans’ should feel safe under Taliban, says security chief,” Al Jazeera, August 22, 2021, https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/8/22/all-afghans-should-feel-safe-under-taliban-says-security-chief. Haqqani is allegedly set to serve as the chief of security for the Taliban’s new government.Ken Dilanian, “New Taliban head of security for Kabul is wanted by U.S. as terrorist,” NBC News, August 26, 2021, https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/national-security/new-taliban-head-security-kabul-wanted-u-s-terrorist-n1277700; Jack Newman, “One of America's most-wanted terrorists on the streets of Kabul: Taliban fundraiser Khalil Haqqani - who has a $5m bounty on his head for his links to Al Qaeda - greets adoring crowds in Kabul,” Daily Mail, August 20, 2021, https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-9912609/Taliban-fundraiser-Khalil-Haqqani-wanted-links-Al-Qaeda-greets-crowds-Kabul.html. Upon his arrival in Kabul, Haqqani delivered remarks at the Pul-i-Khishti Mosque, where he announced, “our first priority for Afghanistan is security…We will give security, then we will give economy, trade, education for men and women. There will be no discrimination.” Additionally, Haqqani told media sources that he had been consulting with Abdullah Abdullah, the chairman of Afghanistan’s National Reconciliation Council, and former president of Afghanistan, Hamid Karzai.“Khalil Haqqani, long on America’s terrorist list, is welcomed by cheering crowds in Kabul,” New York Times, August 20, 2021, https://www.nytimes.com/live/2021/08/20/world/biden-afghanistan-taliban/khalil-haqqani-long-on-americas-terrorist-list-is-welcomed-by-cheering-crowds-in-kabul.

On September 7, 2021, the Taliban announced the official appointments within their caretaker government. Haqqani was named minister for refugees. The government is exclusively male, with many positions filled with veterans from their hardline movement in the early nineties.Matthieu Aikins and Jim Huylebroek, “Taliban Appoint Stalwarts to Top Government Posts,” New York Times, September 7, 2021, https://www.nytimes.com/2021/09/07/world/asia/taliban-women-protest-kabul-afghanistan.html; Kathy Gannon, “Taliban form all-male Afghan government of old guard members,” Associated Press, September 8, 2021, https://apnews.com/article/middle-east-pakistan-afghanistan-arrests-islamabad-d50b1b490d27d32eb20cc11b77c12c87; Douglas Schorzman, “Who Are the Taliban’s New Government Leaders? Here’s What We Know,” New York Times, September 7, 2021, https://www.nytimes.com/article/taliban-leaders-afghanistan.html?action=click&module=RelatedLinks&pgtype=Article. Haqqani held the position of minister for refugees until his death on December 11, 2024, when an ISIS-K suicide bomber detonated an explosive outside of Haqqani’s office in Kabul. The explosion killed Haqqani and six others. Haqqani was the highest-profile Taliban leader targeted by ISIS-K since the de facto regime came to power in August 2021.Simon Fraser and Caroline Davies, “Suicide bomb kills Taliban minister in Kabul,” BBC News, December 11, 2024, https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cvg952q81x8ol; Ayaz Gul, “Funeral held for slain Afghan Taliban minister; IS-K claims credit for killing,” Voice of America, December 12,2024, https://www.voanews.com/a/funeral-held-for-slain-afghan-taliban-minister-is-k-claims-credit-for-killing/7898958.html.

Bonomade Machude Omar is a U.S.-designated senior military commander of ISIS-Mozambique. Omar has been responsible for attacks in Cabo Delgado Province, Mozambique, and Mtwara Region, Tanzania.“Designations of ISIS-Mozambique, JNIM, and al-Shabaab Leaders,” U.S. Department of State, August 6, 2021, https://www.state.gov/designations-of-isis-mozambique-jnim-and-al-shabaab-leaders/. The U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of the Treasury designated Omar as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT) and a Specially Designated National (SDN) respectively, on August 6, 2021.“Designations of ISIS-Mozambique, JNIM, and al-Shabaab Leaders,” U.S. Department of State, August 6, 2021, https://www.state.gov/designations-of-isis-mozambique-jnim-and-al-shabaab-leaders/; “Counter Terrorism Designations,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, August 6, 2021, https://home.treasury.gov/policy-issues/financial-sanctions/recent-actions/20210806.

Also known as Ahlu Sunnah Wal Jamaah (ASWJ) and referred locally as al-Shabaab, ISIS-Mozambique has killed more than 1,300 civilians since October 2017 and has caused the displacement of nearly 670,000 people within northern Mozambique.“State Department Terrorist Designations of ISIS Affiliates and Leaders in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Mozambique,” U.S. Department of State, March 10, 2021, https://www.state.gov/state-department-terrorist-designations-of-isis-affiliates-and-leaders-in-the-democratic-republic-of-the-congo-and-mozambique/. The United States designated ISIS-Mozambique as a Foreign Terrorist Organization on March 10, 2021.“State Department Terrorist Designations of ISIS Affiliates and Leaders in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Mozambique,” U.S. Department of State, March 10, 2021, https://www.state.gov/state-department-terrorist-designations-of-isis-affiliates-and-leaders-in-the-democratic-republic-of-the-congo-and-mozambique/.

Omar leads the Military and External Affairs Department for insurgent group and coordinates the militant group’s attacks in northern Mozambique. Omar also serves as the lead facilitator and communications conduit for the jihadist group.“Designations of ISIS-Mozambique, JNIM, and al-Shabaab Leaders,” U.S. Department of State, August 6, 2021, https://www.state.gov/designations-of-isis-mozambique-jnim-and-al-shabaab-leaders/.

Omar, along with ISIS-Mozambique leader Abu Yasir Hassan, led groups of fighters during the two-day attack on Palma, northeast Mozambique on March 24, 2021. Omar directed the attack on the Amarula hotel in Palma, a popular location for foreign contractors working on lucrative gas projects in the country. The Mozambican government claimed seven people were killed in the incident, but witnesses claimed the attack was more akin to a “massacre.”“Mozambique Palma attack: How people tried to flee the assault,” BBC News, April 4, 2021, https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-56602841; “Designations of ISIS-Mozambique, JNIM, and al-Shabaab Leaders,” U.S. Department of State, August 6, 2021, https://www.state.gov/designations-of-isis-mozambique-jnim-and-al-shabaab-leaders/.

Given Omar’s role in leading an Islamist insurgency that has caused ongoing destruction to Mozambique and its neighboring countries, on August 6, 2021, the U.S. Department of State designated Omar as an SDFT and the U.S. Department of the Treasury designated Omar as an SDN.“Designations of ISIS-Mozambique, JNIM, and al-Shabaab Leaders,” U.S. Department of State, August 6, 2021, https://www.state.gov/designations-of-isis-mozambique-jnim-and-al-shabaab-leaders/; “Counter Terrorism Designations,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, August 6, 2021, https://home.treasury.gov/policy-issues/financial-sanctions/recent-actions/20210806.

Salman Raouf Salman is a U.S.-designated senior member of Hezbollah accused of masterminding Hezbollah’s July 18, 1994, bombing of the Argentine Jewish Mutual Association (AMIA) community center in Buenos Aires, Argentina. The U.S. government accuses Salman of directing and supporting Hezbollah’s terrorist activities in the Western Hemisphere through Hezbollah’s External Security Organization (ESO), which is responsible for the group’s international terrorist attacks.“Treasury Targets Senior Hizballah Operative for Perpetrating and Plotting Terrorist Attacks in the Western Hemisphere,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, July 19, 2019, https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/sm737.

Salman was born in Colombia to Lebanese parents. Prior to the AMIA attack, he lived in Argentina.“Iran faces new pressure over bombing plot,” United Press International, October 5, 2009, https://www.upi.com/Top_News/Special/2009/10/05/Iran-faces-new-pressure-over-bombing-plot/48631254777769/. On July 18, 1994, a suicide bomber exploded at the AMIA community center in Buenos Aires, killing 85 people and wounding 300.“Argentina Passes Iran Amia Deal,” BBC News, February 28, 2013, http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-21612517; “Treasury Targets Senior Hizballah Operative for Perpetrating and Plotting Terrorist Attacks in the Western Hemisphere,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, July 19, 2019, https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/sm737. Israeli investigators reportedly identified Salman as the coordinator of the attack.Matthew Levitt, “How Trump Is Going After Hezbollah in America’s Backyard,” Politico, November 30, 2017, https://www.politico.com/magazine/story/2017/11/30/donald-trump-hezbollah-latin-america-215987/. Argentine prosecutor Alberto Nisman identified Salman as the link between Tehran and Hezbollah in the attack’s preparation.“Iran faces new pressure over bombing plot,” United Press International, October 5, 2009, https://www.upi.com/Top_News/Special/2009/10/05/Iran-faces-new-pressure-over-bombing-plot/48631254777769/. Argentine security officials accused Salman of overseeing Hezbollah “sleeper cells in Buenos Aires and the Tri-Border Area of Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay.”“Treasury Targets Senior Hizballah Operative for Perpetrating and Plotting Terrorist Attacks in the Western Hemisphere,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, July 19, 2019, https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/sm737. Argentine security officials further accused Salman of coordination with U.S.-designated Hezbollah financier Assad Barakat prior to the AMIA attack.“Treasury Targets Senior Hizballah Operative for Perpetrating and Plotting Terrorist Attacks in the Western Hemisphere,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, July 19, 2019, https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/sm737. Barakat was an organizer and key financier of the AMIA attack.“The many criminal heads of the Golden Hydra,” Counter Extremism Project, accessed May 25, 2016, https://www.counterextremism.com/sites/default/files/The%20Many%20Criminal%20Heads%20of%20the%20Golden%20Hydra%20%28May%202018%29.pdf. Interpol subsequently issued a Red Notice to international police organizations to arrest Salman.“Red Notice: El Reda, Samuel Salman,” Interpol, accessed February 10, 2021, https://www.interpol.int/en/How-we-work/Notices/View-Red-Notices#2009-19958.

According to then-U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, Salman was the on-the-ground coordinator of the AMIA attack. The United States designated Salman under Executive Order 13224 on July 19, 2019, one day after the 25th anniversary of the AMIA attack.Courtney McBride, “U.S. Sanctions Hezbollah Operative for Role in 1994 Bombing in Argentina,” Wall Street Journal, July 19, 2019, https://www.wsj.com/articles/u-s-sanctions-hezbollah-operative-for-role-in-1994-bombing-in-argentina-11563552225. According to the U.S. Department of the Treasury, Salman “provided all necessary support to perpetrate the terrorist attack against the AMIA building, coordinating the activities of the Hezbollah attack squad in Buenos Aires, and maintaining communication with Hezbollah leaders in Lebanon and the operations logistics command center in the Tri-Border Area [of Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay].”“Treasury Targets Senior Hizballah Operative for Perpetrating and Plotting Terrorist Attacks in the Western Hemisphere,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, July 19, 2019, https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/sm737. The State Department’s Rewards for Justice program also offered a reward of up to $7 million for information leading to Salman’s capture.“Reward Offer for Information on Hizballah Key Leader Salman Raouf Salman,” U.S. Department of State, July 19, 2019, https://2017-2021.state.gov/reward-offer-for-information-on-hizballah-key-leader-salman-raouf-salman//index.html.

Following the July 1994 attack, Salman fled the region but continued to direct the ESO’s activities in South America as well as Southeast Asia. Salman was Hezbollah’s handler for the U.S.-designated Mohammed Hamdar, whom Peruvian authorities arrested in October 2014 for planning terror attacks against Israeli targets in Peru. Hamdar identified Salman as his point of contact after his arrest.“Treasury Targets Senior Hizballah Operative for Perpetrating and Plotting Terrorist Attacks in the Western Hemisphere,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, July 19, 2019, https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/sm737. Salman also allegedly supervised Hezbollah financier and Venezuelan-Lebanese dual national Abdala Rada Ramel, suspected of running a drug-trafficking and contraband-smuggling ring in Colombia. Ramel identified Salman as his supervisor during interrogation.Joseph M. Humire, “The Maduro-Hezbollah Nexus: How Iran-backed Networks Prop up the Venezuelan Regime,” Atlantic Council, October 7, 2020, https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/in-depth-research-reports/issue-brief/the-maduro-hezbollah-nexus-how-iran-backed-networks-prop-up-the-venezuelan-regime. Salman reportedly continued his activities with Hezbollah from Lebanon, but authorities are uncertain of his specific location in the Middle East.John Fritze and David Jackson, “Trump takes aim at Iran with new sanctions on Hezbollah member Salman Raouf Salman,” USA Today, July 19, 2019, https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2019/07/19/trump-takes-aim-iran-sanctions-hezbollah-member-salman/1775998001/.

Seka Musa Baluku is the U.S. and U.N.-designated leader of the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF)—otherwise known as ISIS-DRC.“State Department Terrorist Designations of ISIS Affiliates and Leaders in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Mozambique,” U.S. Department of State, March 10, 2021, https://www.state.gov/state-department-terrorist-designations-of-isis-affiliates-and-leaders-in-the-democratic-republic-of-the-congo-and-mozambique/. The group reportedly killed 849 civilians in 2020 and as of March 2021, displaced over 140,000 people in the Democratic Republic of Congo’s (DRC) North Kivu and Ituri provinces.“State Department Terrorist Designations of ISIS Affiliates and Leaders in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Mozambique,” U.S. Department of State, March 10, 2021, https://www.state.gov/state-department-terrorist-designations-of-isis-affiliates-and-leaders-in-the-democratic-republic-of-the-congo-and-mozambique/; “Armed attacks kill hundreds, displace 40,000 civilians in northeast DR Congo,” United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, March 19, 2021, https://www.unhcr.org/en-us/news/briefing/2021/3/60545e684/armed-attacks-kill-hundreds-displace-40000-civilians-northeast-dr-congo.html. The U.S. Department of the Treasury designated Baluku as a Specially Designated National on December 10, 2019, and the Department of State designated Baluku as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT) on March 10, 2021.“State Department Terrorist Designations of ISIS Affiliates and Leaders in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Mozambique,” U.S. Department of State, March 10, 2021, https://www.state.gov/state-department-terrorist-designations-of-isis-affiliates-and-leaders-in-the-democratic-republic-of-the-congo-and-mozambique/; “Global Magnitsky Designations,” United States Department of the Treasury, December 10, 2019, https://home.treasury.gov/policy-issues/financial-sanctions/recent-actions/20191210.

Since 1995, ISIS-DRC, also known as the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) and Madina at Tauheed Wau Mujahedeen, has been responsible for attacks in the North Kivu and Ituri Provinces in eastern DRC.Conor Gafey, “DR Congo: What Is the ADF, the Ugandan Rebel Group Hacking Civilians to Death?,” Newsweek, December 2, 2015, https://www.newsweek.com/dr-congo-who-are-adf-ugandan-rebels-hacking-civilians-death-399889; “State Department Terrorist Designations of ISIS Affiliates and Leaders in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Mozambique,” U.S. Department of State, March 10, 2021, https://www.state.gov/state-department-terrorist-designations-of-isis-affiliates-and-leaders-in-the-democratic-republic-of-the-congo-and-mozambique/. The group has forced thousands of civilians in the DRC to flee to neighboring Uganda. The group has also recruited children, including some as young as 10 years old, to serve as soldiers against the Ugandan government.“Treasury Sanctions Rebel Group Responsible for Targeting Civilians in The Democratic Republic of Congo,” United States Department of the Treasury, July 1, 2014, https://www.treasury.gov/press-center/press-releases/Pages/jl2449.aspx.

Baluku is a longtime member of the ADF and was originally second in command to founder Jamil Mukulu. Baluku replaced Mukulu as ADF leader sometime following the launch of Sukola I, a Congolese Army operation to combat the growing threat of the ADF, in 2014.“Seka Baluku,” United Nations Security Council, February 6, 2020, https://www.un.org/securitycouncil/content/seka-baluku. As ADF leader, Baluku instructed ADF combatants to kill civilians near population centers to divert the Congolese army away from ADF positions and also retaliate against civilians who allegedly provided information to the army about the ADF.“Letter dated 16 October 2015 from the Group of Experts extended pursuant to Security Council resolution 2198 (2015) addressed to the President of the Security Council,’ United Nations Security Council, October 16, 2015, https://www.securitycouncilreport.org/atf/cf/%7B65BFCF9B-6D27-4E9C-8CD3-CF6E4FF96FF9%7D/s_2015_797.pdf.

The ADF was sanctioned by the U.S. Department of the Treasury on July 1, 2014 and the United Nations on October 29, 2014.“Treasury Sanctions Rebel Group Responsible for Targeting Civilians in The Democratic Republic of Congo,” United States Department of the Treasury, July 1, 2014, https://www.treasury.gov/press-center/press-releases/Pages/jl2449.aspx; “ALLIED DEMOCRATIC FORCES (ADF),” United Nations Security Council, October 29, 2014, https://www.un.org/securitycouncil/sanctions/1533/materials/summaries/entity/allied-democratic-forces-%28adf%29. The U.S. Treasury Department designated Baluku, on December 10, 2019 under the Global Magnitsky sanctions program for his role in serious human rights abuse.“State Department Terrorist Designations of ISIS Affiliates and Leaders in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Mozambique,” U.S. Department of State, March 10, 2021, https://www.state.gov/state-department-terrorist-designations-of-isis-affiliates-and-leaders-in-the-democratic-republic-of-the-congo-and-mozambique/. Although the ADF has never formally claimed allegiance to ISIS, the extremist organization has described areas under ADF influence as its “Central Africa Province.” Subsequently, in July 2019, ISIS began claiming attacks carried out by the ADF.“Congo Islamist ADF rebels kill 12 in Ebola area,” Reuters, July 23, 2019, https://www.reuters.com/article/us-congo-security/congo-islamist-adf-rebels-kill-12-in-ebola-area-idUSKCN1UI2SH.

On February 6, 2020, the U.N. Security Council included Baluku on its sanctions list. Baluku was listed for his role in directing ongoing violence against civilians, including children. Among his crimes include planning and committing the killing, maiming, rape, abduction, and forced labor of civilians within the DRC.“Seka Baluku,” United Nations Security Council, February 6, 2020, https://www.un.org/securitycouncil/content/seka-baluku.

Baluku was designated by the U.S. State Department as an SDGT on March 10, 2021, for his role in directing violent attacks resulting in the displacement of hundreds of thousands throughout the DRC.“State Department Terrorist Designations of ISIS Affiliates and Leaders in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Mozambique,” U.S. Department of State, March 10, 2021, https://www.state.gov/state-department-terrorist-designations-of-isis-affiliates-and-leaders-in-the-democratic-republic-of-the-congo-and-mozambique/.

Abu Yahya al-Jazairi was the alleged leader of Jamaat Nusrat al-Islam wal Muslimeen (JNIM) in the Emirate of Timbuktu of al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM). A veteran AQIM and JNIM military leader, al-Jazairi was killed in battle against Malian armed forces on April 6, 2020.“Letter dated 16 July 2020 from the Chair of the Security Council Committee pursuant to resolutions 1267 (1999), 1989 (2011) and 2253 (2015) concerning Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (Da’esh), Al-Qaida and associated individuals, groups, undertakings and entities addressed to the President of the Security Council,” United Nations Security Council, July 23, 2020, https://www.securitycouncilreport.org/atf/cf/%7B65BFCF9B-6D27-4E9C-8CD3-CF6E4FF96FF9%7D/s_2020_717.pdf; Ahmed Adel, “Abd al-Rahman Talha al-Libi: First Mauritanian to lead Sahara Emirate,” The Portal-Center, July 22, 2020, http://www.theportal-center.com/2020/07/abd-al-rahman-talha-al-libi-first-mauritanian-to-lead-sahara-emirate/.

Allegedly of Algerian descent, not much else is known about al-Jazairi. Al-Jazairi’s appointment as emir of Timbuktu was unusual as JNIM’s Timbuktu emirate traditionally favors appointing leaders that share a similar ethnic background with tribes in the region. The strategy helps to enhance communal relations and promise continued support for the militant group.Mathieu Pellerin, “Armed Violence in the Sahara: Are We Moving from Jihadism to Insurgency?,” IFRI Subsaharan Africa Center, November 2019, https://www.ifri.org/sites/default/files/atoms/files/pellerin_armed_violence_sahara_2020_okes.pdf.

Al-Jazairi was the successor to U.N.-designated Djamel Okacha, the former emir of Timbuktu who was killed by French forces in northern Mali on February 21, 2019.“Letter dated 21 January 2021 from the Chair of the Security Council Committee pursuant to resolutions 1267 (1999), 1989 (2011) and 2253 (2015) concerning Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (Da’esh), Al-Qaida and associated individuals, groups, undertakings and entities addressed to the President of the Security Council,” United Nations Security Council, February 3, 2021, https://undocs.org/pdf?symbol=en/S/2021/68; Caleb Weiss, “French Military Claims Senior JNIM Leader Killed,” Long War Journal, February 22, 2019, https://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2019/02/french-military-claims-senior-jnim-leader-killed.php. Allegedly, at the time of Okacha’s death, AQIM’s strategy was to replace JNIM combatants and prominent figures killed in counterterrorism operations with seasoned fighters coming from Libya.“Letter dated 15 July 2019 from the Chair of the Security Council Committee pursuant to resolutions 1267 (1999), 1989 (2011) and 2253 (2015) concerning Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (Da’esh), Al-Qaida and associated individuals, groups, undertakings and entities addressed to the President of the Security Council,” United Nations Security Council, July 15, 2019, https://undocs.org/pdf?symbol=en/S/2019/570. Al-Jazairi was killed in battle against the Malian armed forces on April 6, 2020 in Bamba, Mali and was quickly replaced by Abd al-Rahman Talha al-Libi.“Letter dated 16 July 2020 from the Chair of the Security Council Committee pursuant to resolutions 1267 (1999), 1989 (2011) and 2253 (2015) concerning Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (Da’esh), Al-Qaida and associated individuals, groups, undertakings and entities addressed to the President of the Security Council,” United Nations Security Council, July 23, 2020, https://www.securitycouncilreport.org/atf/cf/%7B65BFCF9B-6D27-4E9C-8CD3-CF6E4FF96FF9%7D/s_2020_717.pdf; Ahmed Adel, “Abd al-Rahman Talha al-Libi: First Mauritanian to lead Sahara Emirate,” The Portal-Center, July 22, 2020, http://www.theportal-center.com/2020/07/abd-al-rahman-talha-al-libi-first-mauritanian-to-lead-sahara-emirate/.

Faruq al-Suri, better known as Samir Hijazi, is the U.S.-designated leader of Hurras al-Din (HaD).“Wanted Information that brings to justice…Faruq al-Suri,” Rewards for Justice, https://rewardsforjustice.net/english/faruq_al_suri.html. HaD has carried out over 200 attacks in Syria’s Idlib, Latakia, Hama, and Aleppo provinces, often in conjunction with other Syrian rebel factions.Aaron Y. Zelin, “Huras al-Din: The Overlooked al-Qaeda Group in Syria,” Washington Institute for Near East Policy, September 24, 2019, https://www.washingtoninstitute.org/policy-analysis/view/huras-al-din-the-overlooked-al-qaeda-group-in-syria. The group is avowedly loyal to al-Qaeda and its leadership is dominated by non-Syrian al-Qaeda veterans.“Twenty-Fourth Report of the Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team Submitted Pursuant to Resolution 2368 (2017) concerning ISIL (Da’esh), Al-Qaida and Associated Individuals and Entities,” UN Security Council, June 27, 2019, 7-9, https://undocs.org/S/2019/570; Charles Lister, “The Syria Effect: Al-Qaeda Fractures,” Hudson Institute, December 11, 2019, https://www.hudson.org/research/15533-the-syria-effect-al-qaeda-fractures. On September 12, 2019, the U.S. Department of State’s Rewards for Justice Program announced a $5 million reward for information leading to Hijazi’s capture.“Wanted Information that brings to justice…Faruq al-Suri,” Rewards for Justice, https://rewardsforjustice.net/english/faruq_al_suri.html.

A Syrian national, Hijazi allegedly traveled to Afghanistan in 1998 where he worked under Abu Musab al-Suri, one of the most prominent intellectual leaders in the global jihadist movement.“Militant Leadership Monitor,” Jamestown Foundation, October 2019, https://jamestown.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/October-2019_MLM.pdf?x13007. Supposedly during this period in the late 1990s, Hijazi was a senior paramilitary trainer with al-Qaeda senior leader Saif al-Adel in Afghanistan.“Wanted Information that brings to justice…Faruq al-Suri,” Rewards for Justice, https://rewardsforjustice.net/english/faruq_al_suri.html. Hijazi allegedly progressed quickly through al-Qaeda’s ranks and at some point in the year 2000 was entrusted by Osama bin Laden to take command of the Syrian members of al-Qaeda.“Militant Leadership Monitor,” Jamestown Foundation, October 2019, https://jamestown.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/October-2019_MLM.pdf?x13007. Hijazi then reportedly trained fighters for al-Qaeda in Iraq from 2003 until 2005.“Wanted Information that brings to justice…Faruq al-Suri,” Rewards for Justice, https://rewardsforjustice.net/english/faruq_al_suri.html. Regional scholars suspect Hijazi operated between Iraq and Syria until 2008 when he attempted to move to Lebanon. However, upon relocating, he was arrested and sentenced to five years in a Lebanese prison.“Militant Leadership Monitor,” Jamestown Foundation, October 2019, https://jamestown.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/October-2019_MLM.pdf?x13007.

Hijazi was detained in Lebanon from 2009 until 2013. After his release, he became the military commander for the internationally sanctioned al-Nusra Front, a role he held until 2016.“Wanted Information that brings to justice…Faruq al-Suri,” Rewards for Justice, https://rewardsforjustice.net/english/faruq_al_suri.html.

On February 27, 2018, Hijazi was named the commander of Hurras al-Din (HaD), a merger of seven hardline Syrian rebel factions including Jaysh al-Malahim, Jaysh al-Badiya, Jaysh al-Sahel, Saraya al-Sahel, Saraya Kabul, Jund al-Sharqiya, and remnants of Jund al-Aqsa.Tore Refslund Hamming and Pieter Van Ostaeyen, “The True Story of al-Qaeda’s Demise and Resurgence in Syria,” Lawfare, April 8, 2018, https://lawfareblog.com/true-story-al-qaedas-demise-and-resurgence-syria; Josko Baric, “Syrian War Daily – 28th of February 2018,” Syrian War Daily, https://syrianwardaily.com/2018/02/28/syrian-war-daily-28th-of-february-2018/. Ten more minor rebel factions joined the group in the months following its formation, all with a history of ideological and leadership ties to al-Qaeda.Aaron Y. Zelin, “Huras al-Din: The Overlooked al-Qaeda Group in Syria,” Washington Institute for Near East Policy, September 24, 2019, https://www.washingtoninstitute.org/policy-analysis/view/huras-al-din-the-overlooked-al-qaeda-group-in-syria; Charles Lister, “The Syria Effect: Al-Qaeda Fractures,” Hudson Institute, December 11, 2019, https://www.hudson.org/research/15533-the-syria-effect-al-qaeda-fractures. At least half of the group’s 700-2,500 members are foreigners.“Twenty-Fourth Report of the Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team Submitted Pursuant to Resolution 2368 (2017) concerning ISIL (Da’esh), Al-Qaida and Associated Individuals and Entities,” UN Security Council, June 27, 2019, 7-9, https://undocs.org/S/2019/570; The Best of Bad Options for Syria’s Idlib, International Crisis Group, March 14, 2019, 18, https://d2071andvip0wj.cloudfront.net/197-the-best-of-bad-options%20.pdf; Charles Lister, “The Syria Effect: Al-Qaeda Fractures,” Hudson Institute, December 11, 2019, https://www.hudson.org/research/15533-the-syria-effect-al-qaeda-fractures. HaD’s leadership is split along two ideological currents: one following the teachings of al-Qaeda scholar Abu Muhammad al-Maqdisi and the other following the Libyan cleric Jamal Ibrahim Ashityawee al-Musratti.“Hardliner Wing of ‘Hurras al-Din’ Loses Its Most Influential Figures,” Enab Baladi, July 4, 2018, https://english.enabbaladi.net/archives/2019/07/hardliner-wing-of-guardians-of-religion-loses-its-most-influential-figures/#ixzz65J3MS9o5; Twenty-Fourth Report of the Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team Submitted Pursuant to Resolution 2368 (2017) concerning ISIL (Da’esh), Al-Qaida and Associated Individuals and Entities,” U.N. Security Council, June 27, 2019, 7, https://undocs.org/S/2019/570. Both currents, however, view al-Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri as their “defining authority.”“Hardliner Wing of ‘Hurras al-Din’ Loses Its Most Influential Figures,” Enab Baladi, July 4, 2018, https://english.enabbaladi.net/archives/2019/07/hardliner-wing-of-guardians-of-religion-loses-its-most-influential-figures/#ixzz65J3MS9o5; “Twenty-Fourth Report of the Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team Submitted Pursuant to Resolution 2368 (2017) concerning ISIL (Da’esh), Al-Qaida and Associated Individuals and Entities,” U.N. Security Council, June 27, 2019, 7, https://undocs.org/S/2019/570.

The group holds no territory and largely uses small arms and light weapons such as AK-47s, mortars, and rocket-propelled grenades in its raids of Syrian regime positions.The Best of Bad Options for Syria’s Idlib, International Crisis Group, 18, March 14, 2019, https://d2071andvip0wj.cloudfront.net/197-the-best-of-bad-options%20.pdf; Aaron Y. Zelin, “Huras al-Din: The Overlooked al-Qaeda Group in Syria,” Washington Institute, September 24, 2019, https://www.washingtoninstitute.org/policy-analysis/huras-al-din-overlooked-al-qaeda-group-syria. While HaD’s core leadership and fighters are mostly defectors from the former Syrian al-Qaeda affiliate al-Nusra Front, now known as Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), the two groups have worked together to carry out combat operations against the Syrian regime.The Best of Bad Options for Syria’s Idlib, International Crisis Group, 17, March 14, 2019, https://d2071andvip0wj.cloudfront.net/197-the-best-of-bad-options%20.pdf.

On September 10, 2019, the U.S. Department of State designated Hijazi as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist for his role in HaD. On September 12, the Rewards for Justice Program announced a $5 million reward for information leading to the capture of Hijazi.“Wanted Information that brings to justice…Faruq al-Suri,” Rewards for Justice, https://rewardsforjustice.net/english/faruq_al_suri.html; “US Offers Bounty for Information on al-Qaida-Affiliated Militants in Syria,” Voice of America, September 12, 2019, https://www.voanews.com/extremism-watch/us-offers-bounty-information-al-qaida-affiliated-militants-syria.

According to the New Jersey office of Homeland Security and Preparedness, in March 2020, Hijazi encouraged supporter to remain committed to fighting on the battlefield. Additionally, he encouraged fighters to undertake guerilla warfare against Syrian forces and their Iranian and Russian allies. Despite advocating for continued attacks, he did not provide new tactics to attack the United States or specific targets.“Hurras al-Din,” New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness, March 18, 2020, https://static1.squarespace.com/static/54d79f88e4b0db3478a04405/t/5ea72993f0032f3cbfb095c0/1588013460911/Hurras+al-Din.pdf.

Given Hijazi’s leadership position in HaD as well as his role in promoting and inciting terrorist acts in support of al-Qaeda, on May 30, 2022, the Council of the European Union added Hijazi to the EU sanctions list.“EU fight against terrorism: one group and two individuals added to the EU sanctions list,” Council of the European Union, May 30, 2022, https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2022/05/30/eu-fight-against-terrorism-one-group-and-two-individuals-added-to-the-eu-sanctions-list/.

Abd al-Rahman Talha al-Libi is a senior leader of Jamaat Nusrat al-Islam wal Muslimeen (JNIM)—a Sahel-region affiliate of al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM)—and serves as the shadow governor of Timbuktu.Caleb Weiss, “AQIM’S IMPERIAL PLAYBOOK,” Combating Terrorism Center at West Point, April 2022, https://ctc.westpoint.edu/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/AQIMs-Imperial-Playbook.pdf. The Shura Council of AQIM reportedly appointed al-Libi following the death of Abu Yahya al-Jazairi on April 6, 2020.“Letter dated 16 July 2020 from the Chair of the Security Council Committee pursuant to resolutions 1267 (1999), 1989 (2011) and 2253 (2015) concerning Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (Da’esh), Al-Qaida and associated individuals, groups, undertakings and entities addressed to the President of the Security Council,” United Nations Security Council, July 23, 2020, https://www.securitycouncilreport.org/atf/cf/%7B65BFCF9B-6D27-4E9C-8CD3-CF6E4FF96FF9%7D/s_2020_717.pdf; Ahmed Adel, “Abd al-Rahman Talha al-Libi: First Mauritanian to lead Sahara Emirate,” The Portal-Center, July 22, 2020, http://www.theportal-center.com/2020/07/abd-al-rahman-talha-al-libi-first-mauritanian-to-lead-sahara-emirate/.

Reportedly of Mauritanian heritage,Caleb Weiss, “AQIM’S IMPERIAL PLAYBOOK,” Combating Terrorism Center at West Point, April 2022, https://ctc.westpoint.edu/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/AQIMs-Imperial-Playbook.pdf. al-Libi was born in Mali and his family relocated to Libya when he was a child. In 2006, al-Libi returned to Mali to serve as a recruiter for al-Qaeda. His activities were not limited to Mali, as he continued his recruitment efforts throughout Algeria, Niger, Burkina Faso, and Nigeria.“Orphans of the Sahara | Rebellion (Episode 2),” YouTube video, 28:00, from a documentary filmed by Al Jazeera that was published on the streaming site on January 17, 2014, posted by “Al Jazeera English,” January 17, 2014, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cbGUCQ1oocg&ab_channel=AlJazeeraEnglish; Alassane Samake, “Mali: Antiterroriste : Sur la piste de Talha Al-Liby de la Katiba Al Fourghan,” Mali Actu, May 24, 2018, https://maliactu.net/mali-antiterroriste-sur-la-piste-de-talha-al-liby-de-la-katiba-al-fourghan/.

Al-Libi served as the head of Timbuktu’s Islamic police—a group of Islamist militants and non-state actors that sought to enforce sharia law throughout the Malian city. The group gained notoriety in 2012 for their activities, such as banning music and stoning alleged adulterers.“Veteran jihadist seeks return of sharia law in north Mali: video,” Reuters, January 7, 2016, https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mali-violence/veteran-jihadist-seeks-return-of-sharia-law-in-north-mali-video-idUSKBN0UM00320160108. However, other reports have claimed Al-Hassan Ag Abdoul Aziz Ag Mohamed Ag Mahmoud, a member of Ansar al-Dine, served as the “de facto” chief of the Islamic police during the same period.“The Prosecutor v. Al Hassan Ag Abdoul Aziz Ag Mohamed Ag Mahmoud,” International Criminal Court, February 2022, https://www.icc-cpi.int/sites/default/files/CaseInformationSheets/al-hassanEng.pdf. Al-Libi began serving as the leader of Katibat al-Furqan in 2013. The brigade is based in the Timbuktu region and is a sub-command of AQIM. While leading Katibat al-Furqan, al-Libi accused France of “seeking to create tribal conflict after the failure of its intervention in northern Mali.”Andrew McGregor, “Anarchy in Azawad: A Guide to Non-State Armed Groups in Northern Mali,” Jamestown Foundation, January 27, 2017, https://www.refworld.org/docid/589d9f394.html.

As the leader of Katibat al-Furqan, al-Libi sought to cultivate coalitions with the Arabs and the ethnic Tuareg—particularly the Awlad Ich and Awlad Idriss tribes—in the Timbuktu region. In 2015, JNIM released a video in which al-Libi openly addressed members of the Awlad Ich tribe, asking them to join AQIM forces to rebel against French forces in the area.Alex Thurston, “Timbuktu: A Laboratory for Jihadists Experimenting with Politics,” War on the Rocks, January 23, 2019, https://warontherocks.com/2019/01/timbuktu-a-laboratory-for-jihadists-experimenting-with-politics/. Additionally, on January 7, 2016, al-Libi appeared in a video called “From the Depths of the Sahara” that was released by AQIM’s Al Andalus Media Productions. In the video, al-Libi called for the return to sharia law in north Mali.“Veteran jihadist seeks return of sharia law in north Mali: video,” Reuters, January 7, 2016, https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mali-violence/veteran-jihadist-seeks-return-of-sharia-law-in-north-mali-video-idUSKBN0UM00320160108.

It is reported that al-Libi was quickly named the successor to Abu Yahya al-Jazairi—the former leader of the Timbuktu emirate of JNIM—when al-Jazairi was killed during an attack against Malian armed forces in Bamba, Mali on April 6, 2020.Wassim Nasr, “ISIS in Africa: The End of the “Sahel Exception,” Newlines Institute, June 2, 2020, https://newlinesinstitute.org/isis/isis-in-africa-the-end-of-the-sahel-exception/. Although al-Libi holds a prominent position within both JNIM and AQIM, al-Libi is subordinate to JNIM’s overall leader, the U.S.- and U.N.-designated Iyad Ag Ghaly.“ANSAR EDDINE,” United Nations Security Council, February 3, 2015, https://www.un.org/securitycouncil/sanctions/1267/aq_sanctions_list/summaries/entity/ansar-eddine.

Mansur al-Sa’adi is a U.S.-designated senior Houthi commander in charge of the Houthis’ naval forces.“Issuance of Cyber-related General License and related FAQs; Cyber-related Designations Updates; Yemen-related Designations; Ukraine-/Russia-related Designations; Non-Proliferation Designations and Designations Updates,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, March 2, 2021, https://home.treasury.gov/policy-issues/financial-sanctions/recent-actions/20210302. Sa’adi is chief of staff of the naval forces and has allegedly masterminded attacks against international shipping in the Red Sea.“Treasury Sanctions Key Military Leaders of the Ansarallah Militia in Yemen,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, March 2, 2021, https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy0043.

The United States charges that Houthi naval forces under Sa’adi’s command have carried out lethal attacks against international shipping in the Red Sea. According to the U.S. government, the Houthi forces under Sa’adi’s command have repeatedly dispersed naval mines, which strike both civilian and military vessels.“Treasury Sanctions Key Military Leaders of the Ansarallah Militia in Yemen,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, March 2, 2021, https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy0043.

Sa’adi has allegedly received training in Iran, which has been a primary benefactor of the Houthis. The United States further accuses Sa’adi of procuring Iranian-made weapons for Houthi rebels and smuggling them into Yemen.“Treasury Sanctions Key Military Leaders of the Ansarallah Militia in Yemen,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, March 2, 2021, https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy0043. A 2018 U.N. report accused Iran of supplying missiles and drones to the Houthis.Edith M. Lederer, “UN experts: Fuel from Iran is financing Yemen rebels’ war,” Associated Press, January 19, 2019, https://apnews.com/article/b406265e1c6642fd9a614416270263b6. In January 2019, the U.N.’s Panel of Experts on Yemen reported that they had “traced the supply to the Houthis of unmanned aerial vehicles and a mixing machine for rocket fuel and found that individuals and entities of Iranian origin had funded the purchase.Ahmed Himmiche, Fernando Rosenfeld Carvajal et al, “Letter Dated 25 January 2019 from the Panel of Experts on Yemen Addressed to the President of the Security Council,” U.N. Security Council, January 25, 2019, 40, https://www.securitycouncilreport.org/atf/cf/%7B65BFCF9B-6D27-4E9C-8CD3-CF6E4FF96FF9%7D/s_2019_83.pdf. In June 2020, U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres reported to the Security Council that cruise missiles used attacks on Saudi oil facilities and an international airport in Saudi Arabia in November 2019 and February 2020 were of Iranian origin.“Missiles used to attack Saudi Arabia of ‘Iranian origin’: UN,” Al Jazeera, June 12, 2020, https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/6/12/missiles-used-to-attack-saudi-arabia-of-iranian-origin-un.

On March 2, 2021, the United States sanctioned Sa’adi under Executive Order 13611 for engaging in acts that directly or indirectly threaten the peace, security, or stability of Yemen. Specifically, the government accused Sa’adi of using his position to procure weapons from Iran and to oversee attacks threatening civilians and maritime infrastructure. The government also sanctioned Ahmad Ali Ahsan al-Hamzi, who is in charge of the Houthis’ air force.“Issuance of Cyber-related General License and related FAQs; Cyber-related Designations Updates; Yemen-related Designations; Ukraine-/Russia-related Designations; Non-Proliferation Designations and Designations Updates,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, March 2, 2021, https://home.treasury.gov/policy-issues/financial-sanctions/recent-actions/20210302. According to Andrea Gack, director of the U.S. Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), Sa’adi and Hamzi “command forces that are worsening the humanitarian crisis in Yemen.”“Yemen's Houthis say U.S. is prolonging war by imposing sanctions – TV,” Reuters, March 3, 2021, https://www.reuters.com/article/us-yemen-security-us-sanctions/yemens-houthis-say-u-s-is-prolonging-war-by-imposing-sanctions-tv-idUSKBN2AV151. The Houthi leadership condemned the designations as proof the United States seeks to extend the war in Yemen.“Yemen's Houthis say U.S. is prolonging war by imposing sanctions – TV,” Reuters, March 3, 2021, https://www.reuters.com/article/us-yemen-security-us-sanctions/yemens-houthis-say-u-s-is-prolonging-war-by-imposing-sanctions-tv-idUSKBN2AV151.