Abdullah Ahmed Abdullah, a.k.a. Abu Muhammad al-Masri, was an Egyptian national who served as the deputy leader of al-Qaeda. Abdullah served on al-Qaeda’s leadership council—the majlis al-shura—and according to a top-secret 2008 document produced by the U.S. National Counterterrorism Center, was the “former chief of training,” and the “most experienced and capable operational planner not in U.S. custody.”Adam Goldman, “Top al-Qaeda operatives freed in prisoner swap with Iran,” Washington Post, September 18, 2015, https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/top-al-qaeda-operatives-freed-in-prisoner-swap-with-iran/2015/09/18/02bc58e2-5e0c-11e5-9757-e49273f05f65_story.html. Abdullah was accused of being one of the masterminds of the deadly 1998 attacks on American embassies in Africa in which hundreds of people were killed and thousands more were injured.“Wanted Information that brings to justice…Abdullah Ahmed Abdullah,” Rewards for Justice, https://rewardsforjustice.net/english/abdullah_abdullah.html; Adam Goldman, Eric Schmitt, Farnaz Fassihi and Ronen Bergman, “Al Qaeda’s No. 2, Accused in U.S. Embassy Attacks, Was Killed in Iran,” New York Times, https://www.nytimes.com/2020/11/13/world/middleeast/al-masri-abdullah-qaeda-dead.html.

Abdullah, and hundreds of other foreign fighters, were allegedly bankrolled by Osama bin Laden to counter the Soviet occupation of Afghanistan from 1979 to 1989. After Soviet withdrawal from Afghanistan, however, Egypt blocked the return of Egyptian nationals who fought in the conflict. Abdullah was forced to remain in Afghanistan and by 1988, joined bin Laden’s al-Qaeda al-Askariya (“the military base”).Ali Soufan, “Next in Line to Lead al-Qa`ida: A Profile of Abu Muhammad al-Masri,” Combating Terrorism Center at West Point, November 2019, https://ctc.usma.edu/next-line-lead-al-qaida-profile-abu-muhammad-al-masri/.

In the 1990s, Abdullah allegedly provided military training to al-Qaeda operatives and Somali tribesmen who previously fought against U.S. forces in Mogadishu. Abdullah was eventually named head of al-Qaeda’s East African cells in 1996 while also leading al-Qaeda training camps in Afghanistan from 1996 until 1998.“Wanted Information that brings to justice…Abdullah Ahmed Abdullah,” Rewards for Justice, https://rewardsforjustice.net/english/abdullah_abdullah.html; Ali Soufan, “Next in Line to Lead al-Qa`ida: A Profile of Abu Muhammad al-Masri,” Combating Terrorism Center at West Point, November 2019, https://ctc.usma.edu/next-line-lead-al-qaida-profile-abu-muhammad-al-masri/.

In the spring of 1998, Abdullah and the al-Qaeda military committee, of which Abdullah headed, gave the go-ahead for two coordinated attacks against U.S. embassies in East Africa. The day before the attacks were to be carried out, Abdullah fled Nairobi for Karachi, Pakistan.Ali Soufan, “Next in Line to Lead al-Qa`ida: A Profile of Abu Muhammad al-Masri,” Combating Terrorism Center at West Point, November 2019, https://ctc.usma.edu/next-line-lead-al-qaida-profile-abu-muhammad-al-masri/. On August 7,1998, two trucks packed with explosives detonated in front of the American embassies in Nairobi, Kenya and Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. The attacks killed over 224 people and injured more than 4,500 others.Adam Goldman, Eric Schmitt, Farnaz Fassihi and Ronen Bergman, “Al Qaeda’s No. 2, Accused in U.S. Embassy Attacks, Was Killed in Iran,” New York Times, November 13, 2020, https://www.nytimes.com/2020/11/13/world/middleeast/al-masri-abdullah-qaeda-dead.html. Twelve Americans were killed in the attack.“East African Embassy Bombings,” Federal Bureau of Investigation, https://www.fbi.gov/history/famous-cases/east-african-embassy-bombings.

In November 1998, Abdullah was indicted and charged by the United States Attorney’s Office in the Southern District of New York for his role in the bombing of the U.S. embassies. Abdullah was charged with murder of U.S. nationals outside the United States; conspiracy to murder U.S. nationals outside the United States; attack on a federal facility resulting in death; conspiracy to kill U.S. nationals, to murder, to destroy buildings and property of the United States; and to destroy the national defense utilities of the United States.“ABDULLAH AHMED ABDULLAH,” Federal Bureau of Investigation, https://www.fbi.gov/wanted/wanted_terrorists/abdullah-ahmed-abdullah; “FBI Executive Summary,” PBS, November 18, 1998, https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/binladen/bombings/summary.html.

Given the notoriety of the embassy attacks, Abdullah was appointed to al-Qaeda’s shura council where he consulted on all planned attacks, which included the bombing of the USS Cole in October 2000 and the 9/11 attacks. He was also placed in charge of the organization’s training camps as he was adept at gauging the skills of operatives and determining their roles in future attacks.Ali Soufan, “Next in Line to Lead al-Qa`ida: A Profile of Abu Muhammad al-Masri,” Combating Terrorism Center at West Point, November 2019, https://ctc.usma.edu/next-line-lead-al-qaida-profile-abu-muhammad-al-masri/.

On October 12, 2001, Abdullah was designated by the U.S. Department of the Treasury as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist and was also designated on the FBI’s “Most Wanted” Terrorist list.“Treasury Department Releases List Of 39 Additional Specially Designated Global Terrorists,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, October 12, 2001, https://www.treasury.gov/press-center/press-releases/Pages/po689.aspx; “Comprehensive List of Terrorists and Groups Identified Under Executive Order 13224,” U.S. Department of State, December 31, 2001, https://2001-2009.state.gov/s/ct/rls/fs/2001/6531.htm. The FBI offered a $10 million reward for information leading to his capture.“Wanted Information that brings to justice…Abdullah Ahmed Abdullah,” Rewards for Justice, https://rewardsforjustice.net/english/abdullah_abdullah.html. The United Nations Security Council designated Abdullah on October 17, 2001 for being associated with al-Qaeda and for “participating in the financing, planning, facilitating, preparing or perpetrating of acts or activities” in support of al-Qaeda.“Abdullah Ahmed Abdullah El Alfi,” United Nations, January 10, 2011, https://www.un.org/securitycouncil/sanctions/1267/aq_sanctions_list/summaries/individual/abdullah-ahmed-abdullah-el-alfi.

Abdullah reportedly fled to Iran in 2003 and was allegedly under covert surveillance by Iranian authorities.Adam Goldman, Eric Schmitt, Farnaz Fassihi, and Ronen Bergman, “Al Qaeda’s No. 2, Accused in U.S. Embassy Attacks, Was Killed in Iran,” New York Times, November 13, 2020, https://www.nytimes.com/2020/11/13/world/middleeast/al-masri-abdullah-qaeda-dead.html; Ali Soufan, “Next in Line to Lead al-Qa`ida: A Profile of Abu Muhammad al-Masri,” Combating Terrorism Center at West Point, November 2019, https://ctc.usma.edu/next-line-lead-al-qaida-profile-abu-muhammad-al-masri/. However, once Iranian authorities suspected that the militants knew they were being watched, Iranian security forces arrested Abdullah and two other senior al-Qaeda leaders—Abu Khayr al-Masri and Saif al-Adel—on April 23, 2003. Abdullah was offered his freedom in the fall of 2011 on the condition he would return to his home country, but Abdullah declined the offer as he was certain he could face retribution from Egypt’s security services.Ali Soufan, “Next in Line to Lead al-Qa`ida: A Profile of Abu Muhammad al-Masri,” Combating Terrorism Center at West Point, November 2019, https://ctc.usma.edu/next-line-lead-al-qaida-profile-abu-muhammad-al-masri/.

According to former FBI special agent Ali Soufan, at some point in 2007, al-Qaeda opened a back-channel with Iranian authorities to negotiate the status of detainees. On September 18, 2015, Abdullah was reportedly one of five al-Qaeda operatives released by Iran in exchange for an Iranian diplomat who was kidnapped by al-Qaeda operatives in Yemen.Ali Soufan, “Next in Line to Lead al-Qa`ida: A Profile of Abu Muhammad al-Masri,” Combating Terrorism Center at West Point, November 2019, https://ctc.usma.edu/next-line-lead-al-qaida-profile-abu-muhammad-al-masri/; “Al Qaeda and Iran: Alliance Against the US,” United Against Nuclear Iran, https://www.unitedagainstnucleariran.com/al-qaeda-iran.

On August 7, 2020, two assassins on motorcycles shot and killed Abdullah on the street in Tehran, Iran. His daughter, Miriam, the widow of Hamza bin Laden, was also killed. Iranian media initially identified the victims as Lebanese history professor and Hezbollah member Habib Daoud and his 27-year-old daughter Maryam. Unidentified intelligence officials confirmed Abdullah’s identity three months later to the New York Times and allege that the Iranian government had provided Abdullah with the Daoud identity and cover story. According to the officials, Israeli agents carried out the assassination at the behest of the United States.Adam Goldman, Eric Schmitt, Farnaz Fassihi, and Ronen Bergman, “Al Qaeda’s No. 2, Accused in U.S. Embassy Attacks, Was Killed in Iran,” New York Times, November 13, 2020, https://www.nytimes.com/2020/11/13/world/middleeast/al-masri-abdullah-qaeda-dead.html.

Hassan al-Baghdadi is a U.S.-designated high-ranking Hezbollah official and member of the terror group’s Executive Council, the group’s primary decision-making body. According to the U.S. government, Baghdadi has participated in political events and made public speeches on behalf of Hezbollah. In 2015, he attended a ceremony in Iran with Hezbollah deputy leader Naim Qassem and other high-ranking Hezbollah officials. In 2020, Baghdadi praised Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and fighters in Syria and Iraq for attacking U.S. military bases.“Treasury Targets High-Ranking Hizballah Officials,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, October 22, 2020, https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/sm1161.

The U.S. government designated Baghdadi as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist on October 22, 2020. He is also subject to secondary sanctions under U.S. Hizballah Financial Sanctions Regulations.“Counter Terrorism Designations and Designations Updates; Iran-related Designation and Designations Updates; Foreign Interference in U.S. Election Designations; Non-Proliferation Designation Update; Syria Designation Update,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, October 22, 2020, https://home.treasury.gov/policy-issues/financial-sanctions/recent-actions/20201022.

Abu Ubaydah Yusuf al-Anabi is a U.S.- and U.N.-designated Algerian is currently the leader of al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM).  Al-Anabi was previously the leader of AQIM’s Council of Notables, served on AQIM’s Shura Council, and was also AQIM’s media chief. Al-Anabi was announced as the next emir of AQIM on November 21, 2020, following the death of former leader, Abdelmalek Droukdel, by French troops in June 2020.Julie Coleman and Méryl Demuynck, “The Death of Droukdel: Implications for AQIM and the Sahel,” International Centre for Counter-Terrorism, June 9, 2020, https://icct.nl/publication/the-death-of-droukdel-implications-for-aqim-and-the-sahel/; Agence France-Presse, “French troops kill Al-Qaeda’s North Africa chief Abdelmalek Droukdel,” Telangana Today, June 6, 2020, https://telanganatoday.com/french-troops-kill-al-qaedas-north-africa-chief-abdelmalek-droukdel; “Al-Qaeda in North Africa appoints new leader after killing,” Press News Agency, November 22, 2020, https://pressnewsagency.org/al-qaeda-in-north-africa-appoints-new-leader-after-killing/?fbclid=IwAR3ygg4tr_niifrQSngiphJjNh2irK8vcxvrxBtgSSJvpndf4wH2i33SDRA.

Before being appointed emir of AQIM, al-Anabi was the reported leader of the Council of Notables, which is AQIM’s central decision-making body, as well as a member of the Shura Council that governs Islamic legal matters. Furthermore, al-Anabi often appeared in AQIM’s videos that are produced through AQIM’s own media wing, Al-Andalus Media Productions, which al-Anabi reportedly headed as media chief.“Al Qaeda in the Lands of the Islamic Maghreb,” Terrorism Research & Analysis Consortium, accessed February 10, 2015, http://www.trackingterrorism.org/group/al-qaeda-lands-islamic-maghreb-aqim-salafist-group-preaching-and-fighting-see-separate-entry. Before joining AQIM, al-Anabi held similar roles in AQIM’s Algerian predecessor, the Groupe salafiste pour la prédication et le combat (GSPC). Founded in 1998, GSPC was an Islamic insurgent group that broke away from the violent Groupe Islamique Armé (GIA), which emerged during the Algerian civil war. Droukdel assumed leadership of GSPC in 2004 and in 2006, GSPC swore allegiance to al-Qaeda before Droukdel rebranded the group to AQIM in 2007.Julie Coleman J.D., LL.M, Méryl Demuynck, “The Death of Droukdel: Implications for AQIM and the Sahel,” International Centre for Counter-Terrorism, June 9, 2020, https://icct.nl/publication/the-death-of-droukdel-implications-for-aqim-and-the-sahel/. Allegedly, al-Anabi was almost killed in an Algerian army ambush against AQIM in Bouzguen, north-central Algeria, in November 2009.Nicholas A. Heras, “May Briefs,” Jamestown Foundation, May 31, 2013, https://jamestown.org/brief/may-briefs/.

Within AQIM, al-Anabi’s was often considered second-in-command which created a level of rivalry with Droukdel. The two allegedly disagreed over the management of AQIM as Droukdel sought to marginalize al-Anabi and the Council of Notables. Some AQIM insiders allege that al-Anabi demonstrated an attempt to seize power from Droukdel when he released a March 2010 recruitment video in which he—speaking for the entire AQIM—called on Muslim youth in the Sahara and the Sahel to join the jihad.Nicholas A. Heras, “May Briefs,” Jamestown Foundation, May 31, 2013, https://jamestown.org/brief/may-briefs/.

In a video released on April 25, 2013, al-Anabi called for armed conflict by violent extremists against French interests throughout the world. The call to arms was supposedly in response to France’s intervention in Mali.“Terrorist Designation of Abu Ubaydah Yusuf al-Anabi,” U.S. Department of State, September 9, 2015, https://2009-2017.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2015/09/246716.htm.

Given al-Anabi’s advocacy for local and international jihad, on September 29, 2015, U.S. Department of State designated al-Anabi as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist for providing support to terrorists or acts of terrorism.“Terrorist Designation of Abu Ubaydah Yusuf al-Anabi,” U.S. Department of State, September 9, 2015, https://2009-2017.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2015/09/246716.htm. In January 2016, al-Anabi released another audio message calling on Libyans to join the fight against the Libyan army and the “French forces” in Benghazi.“Substantial bombardment of Benghazi terrorist positions,” Libya Herald, June 27, 2016, https://www.libyaherald.com/2016/06/27/substantial-bombardment-of-benghazi-terrorist-positions/; “Report of the Secretary-General on the threat posed to Libya and neighbouring countries, including off the coast of Libya, by foreign terrorist fighters recruited by or joining Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (Da’esh), Al-Qaida and associated individuals, groups, undertakings and entities,” United Nations Security Council, July 18, 2016, https://www.securitycouncilreport.org/atf/cf/%7B65BFCF9B-6D27-4E9C-8CD3-CF6E4FF96FF9%7D/s_2016_627.pdf. Shortly afterwards, on February 29, 2016, the United Nations Security Council listed al-Anabi as an individual associated with “participating in the financing, planning, facilitating, preparing, or perpetrating of acts or activities” by AQIM.“Abu Ubaydah Yusuf al-Anabi,”United Nations Security Council, February 29, 2016, https://www.un.org/securitycouncil/sanctions/1267/aq_sanctions_list/summaries/individual/abu-ubaydah-yusuf-al-anabi.

On March 9, 2019, al-Anabi delivered a speech in which he called on Muslims to unite to ensure that Algeria is ruled according to Islam “alone” and that Algerian people employ “Islamic morals and sharia ethics” in their street demonstrations against the 20-year rule of President Abdelaziz Bouteflika.“Al Qaeda official calls for Algeria to become Islamic state governed by sharia law,” Barnabas Fund, March 26, 2019, https://barnabasfund.org/news/al-qaeda-official-calls-for-algeria-to-become-islamic-state-governed-by/; Thomas Joscelyn, “AQIM official calls for sharia governance in Algeria,” Long War Journal, March 14, 2019, https://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2019/03/aqim-official-calls-for-sharia-governance-in-algeria.php.

In an interview with France 24 in early 2019, al-Anabi discussed how AQIM will continue their attacks against French military presence in the Sahel, the negotiations concerning the French hostage Sophie Pétronin—who was eventually released on October 9, 2020 after almost four years as a hostage—and al-Qaeda’s relations with ISIS. In regards to AQIM’s relations with ISIS, al-Anabi initially claimed that ISIS and AQIM did not clash in the Sahel, but did assert that AQIM was a much more threatening force than ISIS—which he considers to be guerilla gangs rather than a legitimate organization—in the region.Wassim Nasr, “Exclusive: AQIM jihadist leader answers questions from France 24,” France 24, May 31, 2019, https://www.france24.com/fr/20190530-abou-obeida-youssef-al-annabi-chef-jihadiste-aqmi-ei-terrorisme-france-petronin-algerie; Fanny Bobille, Pierre Bairin and Schams Elwazer, “French hostage Sophie Pétronin released in Mali after 1,381 days in captivity,” CNN, October 9, 2020, https://www.cnn.com/2020/10/08/africa/french-aid-worker-sophie-petronin-mali-hostage-released-intl/index.html.

Following the death of AQIM leader, Abdelmalek Droukdel, by French troops in Mali on June 4, 2020, AQIM did not immediately appoint a new leader.Agence France-Presse, “French troops kill Al-Qaeda’s North Africa chief Abdelmalek Droukdel,” Telangana Today, June 6, 2020, https://telanganatoday.com/french-troops-kill-al-qaedas-north-africa-chief-abdelmalek-droukdel. The International Centre for Counter-Terrorism suspected that al-Anabi would be a possible contender as Droukdel’s replacement.Julie Coleman J.D., LL.M, Méryl Demuynck, “The Death of Droukdel: Implications for AQIM and the Sahel,” International Centre for Counter-Terrorism, June 9, 2020, https://icct.nl/publication/the-death-of-droukdel-implications-for-aqim-and-the-sahel/. According to SITE Intelligence Group, on November 21, 2020, AQIM released a video that showed a body of its former leader while also announcing al-Anabi as the group’s new leader.“Al-Qaeda in North Africa appoints new leader after killing,” Press News Agency, November 22, 2020, https://pressnewsagency.org/al-qaeda-in-north-africa-appoints-new-leader-after-killing/?fbclid=IwAR3ygg4tr_niifrQSngiphJjNh2irK8vcxvrxBtgSSJvpndf4wH2i33SDRA.

On June 2, 2021, the U.S. Department of State’s Rewards for Justice Program offered a reward of up to $7 million for information leading to the identification or location of al-Anabi.“Rewards for Justice – Reward offer for Information on Abu Ubaydah Yusuf al-Anabi,” U.S. Department of State, June 2, 2021, https://www.state.gov/rewards-for-justice-reward-offer-for-information-on-abu-ubaydah-yusuf-al-anabi/.

On July 31, 2022, a CIA drone struck and killed al-Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri in Kabul, Afghanistan.Idrees Ali, “Al Qaeda leader Zawahiri killed in CIA drone strike in Afghanistan - U.S. officials,” Reuters, August 1, 2022, https://www.reuters.com/world/cia-carried-out-drone-strike-afghanistan-us-officials-say-2022-08-01/; Matthew Lee, Nomaan Merchant, Mike Balsamo, and James Laporta“Biden: Drone strike on al-Qaida leader delivered ‘justice,’” Associated Press, August 1, 2022, https://apnews.com/article/ayman-al-zawahri-al-qaida-terrorism-biden-36e5f10256c9bc9972b252849eda91f2. Following Zawahiri’s death, al-Qaeda scholars have suggested that al-Anabi could be a potential successor given his status within al-Qaeda’s global management.Snigdha Choudhury, “Explained: Who Will Be The Next Al-Qaeda Leader And What Is The Process To Pick New Emir,” India, August 4, 2022, https://www.india.com/explainer/explained-who-will-be-the-next-al-qaeda-leader-and-what-is-the-process-to-pick-new-emir-5552869/.

Sultan Khalifah As’ad is a U.S.-designated senior official for the Hezbollah Executive Council—a sub-council which oversees political party and organizational management, as well as social, cultural, and educational activities that ultimately reports to Hezbollah’s Shura Council—who also serves as a senior official for the group’s central municipal portfolio.“Treasury Targets Hizballah Executive Council Companies and Official,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, September 17, 2020, https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/sm1126; “Hezbollah: Background and Issues for Congress,” Congressional Research Service, January 3, 2011, https://fas.org/sgp/crs/mideast/R41446.pdf.

As’ad heads Hezbollah’s finance unit which is responsible for the management of the organizations, bookkeeping, and allocation of funds to other units within the group. Additionally, the finance unit manages Hezbollah’s investments. This unit is closely associated with Iran as most of the organization’s financial assets are reportedly held at Saderat, an Iranian bank.Dr. Shmuel Bar, “Lebanese Hizballah – Political, Ideological and Organizational Highlights,” National Defense University, https://cco.ndu.edu/Portals/96/Documents/Articles/Lebanese-Hizballah-Ideological-and-Organizational-Highlights_Shmuel_Bar.pdf.

As’ad has held the position of senior official for Hezbollah’s central municipal portfolio since 2011. According to the U.S. Department of the Treasury, as of early 2019, As’ad was responsible for providing financial and legal instructions to dozens of companies, including Arch and Meamar, that were subordinate to the organization’s Executive Council. Additionally, he reported to and received guidance from Executive Council Chairman Hashim Safi al-Din on measures to instruct company directors and Hezbollah’s Finance Committee.“Treasury Targets Hizballah Executive Council Companies and Official,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, September 17, 2020, https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/sm1126.

On September 17, 2020, the Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) listed As’ad as a Specially Designated National for providing project guidance to companies who concealed money transfers to Hezbollah’s accounts.Daphne Psaledakis, “U.S. blacklists Hezbollah official, Lebanon-based companies,” Reuters, September 17, 2020, https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-lebanon-sanctions/u-s-blacklists-hezbollah-official-lebanon-based-companies-idUSKBN2682CO; “Counter Terrorism Designations; Iran/Cyber-related Designations,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, September 17, 2020, https://home.treasury.gov/policy-issues/financial-sanctions/recent-actions/20200917.

Seifallah Ben Hassine, a Tunisian national, was the U.S.- and U.N.-designated leader of Ansar al-Sharia in Tunisia (AST), an internationally designated terrorist group. Ben Hassine was one of Osama bin Laden’s top lieutenants and had directed a number of assassinations and terrorist attacks, including an attack against the U.S. Embassy in Tunis. Before his founding of AST, Ben Hassine co-founded the Tunisian Combatant Group (TCG) which organized the recruitment of jihadists for training in al-Qaeda related camps in Afghanistan.“SEIFALLAH BEN OMAR BEN MOHAMED BEN HASSINE,” United Nations Security Council, September 23, 2014, https://www.un.org/securitycouncil/sanctions/1267/aq_sanctions_list/summaries/individual/seifallah-ben-omar-ben-mohamed-ben-hassine.

Ben Hassine allegedly fled Tunisia in the 1990s, where he eventually settled in the United Kingdom and studied under well-known radical cleric, Abu Qatada. Sometime after being further radicalized by the teachings of Abu Qatada, Ben Hassine traveled to Afghanistan where he joined the Taliban.Thomas Joscelyn, “Al Qaeda ally orchestrated assault on US Embassy in Tunisia,” Long War Journal, October 2, 2012, https://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2012/10/al_qaeda_ally_orches.php.

In 2000, Ben Hassine co-founded the TCG, which was erected in part with the help of bin Laden. By 2001, Ben Hassine became one of bin Laden’s top lieutenants and had reportedly met with bin Laden and Ayman al-Zawahiri prior to the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.Thomas Joscelyn, “Al Qaeda ally orchestrated assault on US Embassy in Tunisia,” Long War Journal, October 2, 2012, https://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2012/10/al_qaeda_ally_orches.php. Additionally, on September 9, 2001, Ben Hassine reportedly directed two Tunisian suicide bombers to assassinate Ahmed Shah Massoud, a prominent Afghan commander who opposed the Taliban and al-Qaeda. According to media sources, Ben Hassine fled to Pakistan and was later arrested in Turkey. He was extradited to Tunisia from Turkey in 2003 where he was imprisoned for terrorist activities.Carlotta Gall and Eric Schmitt, “Jihadist From Tunisia Died in Strike in Libya, U.S. Official Says,” New York Times, July 2, 2015, https://www.nytimes.com/2015/07/03/world/africa/jihadist-from-tunisia-died-in-strike-in-libya-us-official-says.html?_r=0.

In February 2011, following the revolution and overthrow of President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali, Ben Hassine was released under a general amnesty that saw the release of hundreds of Islamist political prisoners.Carlotta Gall and Eric Schmitt, “Jihadist From Tunisia Died in Strike in Libya, U.S. Official Says,” New York Times, July 2, 2015, https://www.nytimes.com/2015/07/03/world/africa/jihadist-from-tunisia-died-in-strike-in-libya-us-official-says.html?_r=0. Following his release, Ben Hassine founded AST, whose ranks included some of the most dangerous extremists who were also freed under the general amnesty. Initially, AST promoted extremist ideology, incited anarchy, and sought to target the Tunisian national security forces and army.“SEIFALLAH BEN OMAR BEN MOHAMED BEN HASSINE,” United Nations Security Council, September 23, 2014, https://www.un.org/securitycouncil/sanctions/1267/aq_sanctions_list/summaries/individual/seifallah-ben-omar-ben-mohamed-ben-hassine.

On September 14, 2012, AST attempted to carry out an attack on the U.S. Embassy in Tunis. However, embassy employees managed to evacuate the premises without injury. Although government personnel attempted to capture Ben Hassine, he managed to evade arrest.Thomas Joscelyn, “Ansar Al-Sharia Tunisia Honors Senior Al Qaeda ‘Martyrs,’” Long War Journal, January 30, 2013, http://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2013/01/ansar_al_sharia_tuni_3.php#.

Ben Hassine has been based in Libya since 2013, where he has run training camps and a network of militants throughout the region.Carlotta Gall and Eric Schmitt, “Jihadist From Tunisia Died in Strike in Libya, U.S. Official Says,” New York Times, July 2, 2015, https://www.nytimes.com/2015/07/03/world/africa/jihadist-from-tunisia-died-in-strike-in-libya-us-official-says.html?_r=0. In 2013, it was alleged that Ben Hassine ordered the assassination of two Tunisian politicians: Chokri Belaid in February 2013, and Mohamed Brahmi in July 2013.“SEIFALLAH BEN OMAR BEN MOHAMED BEN HASSINE,” United Nations Security Council, September 23, 2014, https://www.un.org/securitycouncil/sanctions/1267/aq_sanctions_list/summaries/individual/seifallah-ben-omar-ben-mohamed-ben-hassine.

In August 2013, the Tunisian government determined that AST cooperated with al-Qaeda when it designated AST as a terrorist organization. The government produced a handwritten “Allegiance Act” signed between Ben Hassine and al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) leader Abdelmalek Droukdel.Daveed Gartenstein-Ross and Bridget Moreng, “Tunisia’s War with Ansar Al-Sharia: New Revelations about Al-Qaeda’s North African Network,” War on the Rocks, October 21, 2013, http://warontherocks.com/2013/10/tunisias-war-with-ansar-al-sharia-new-revelations-about-al-qaedas-north-african-network/.

On October 20, 2013, under the orders of Ben Hassine, AST attempted to carry out suicide attacks against a hotel in Sousse, Tunisia, and the Tomb of Habib Bouguiba. Both attacks were directed at tourist destinations.“SEIFALLAH BEN OMAR BEN MOHAMED BEN HASSINE,” United Nations Security Council, September 23, 2014, https://www.un.org/securitycouncil/sanctions/1267/aq_sanctions_list/summaries/individual/seifallah-ben-omar-ben-mohamed-ben-hassine.

On July 3, 2015, there were reports that Ben Hassine was killed in an American airstrike in Ajdabia, Libya in June 2015. However, given the lack of DNA evidence, authorities were unable to confirm Hassine’s death.Ruth Halkon, “Seifallah Ben Hassine dead: Terrorist linked to beach massacre killed in US air strike,” Mirror, July 3, 2015, https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/world-news/seifallah-ben-hassine-dead-terrorist-5997517. On July 2017, the U.N. reported that Ben Hassine still remained at large.“SEIFALLAH BEN OMAR BEN MOHAMED BEN HASSINE,” United Nations Security Council, September 23, 2014, https://www.un.org/securitycouncil/sanctions/1267/aq_sanctions_list/summaries/individual/seifallah-ben-omar-ben-mohamed-ben-hassine. On June 13, 2019, French Defense Minister Florence Parly claimed Ben Hassine was killed in a French army attack in Bou Djebeha, Mali on Feburary 21, 2019.“EXCLUSIVE: END OF THE RUN FOR TUNISIAN ANSAR AL-SHARIA FOUNDER ABU IYADH AL-TUNISI,” MENASTREAM, February 23, 2019, https://menastream.com/exclusive-tunisian-ansar-al-sharia-founder-abu-iyadh-al-tunisi-killed-in-mali/. On March 3, 2020, AQIM confirmed the death of Ben Hassine in a video tribute that mentioned the death of other extremist leaders.“Al Qaeda confirms death of Tunisian extremist group founder,” Estado de Minas, March 3, 2020, https://www.em.com.br/app/noticia/internacional/2020/03/03/interna_internacional,1125892/al-qaeda-confirma-morte-do-fundador-de-grupo-extremista-da-tunisia.shtml.

Muhammad Haydar is a U.S.-designated senior leader within Hezbollah’s Jihad Council—a sub-council that reports to Hezbollah’s Shura Council—which manages resistance activity including oversight, recruitment, training equipment, and security among other activities.“Terrorist Designations under Amended Executive Order to Modernize Sanctions to Combat Terrorism,” U.S. Department of State, September 10, 2019, https://www.state.gov/terrorist-designations-under-amended-executive-order-to-modernize-sanctions-to-combat-terrorism/; “Responses to Information Requests,” Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada,” November 4, 2013, https://www.justice.gov/sites/default/files/pages/attachments/2015/09/29/lbn104638.e.pdf; Casey L. Addis and Christopher M. Blanchard, “Hezbollah: Background and Issues for Congress,” Congressional Research Service, January 3, 2011, https://fas.org/sgp/crs/mideast/R41446.pdf.

According to the U.S. Department of State, Haydar was the chief of Bureau 113, and ran Hezbollah networks operating outside of Lebanon. However, no information on what and where those activities occurred has been documented. Additionally, Haydar is alleged to have appointed leaders to various unspecified Hezbollah units. Haydar was reportedly very close to deceased Hezbollah international operations chief Imad Mughniyah. In 2004, Haydar was elected to the Lebanese Parliament.“Terrorist Designations under Amended Executive Order to Modernize Sanctions to Combat Terrorism,” U.S. Department of State, September 10, 2019, https://www.state.gov/terrorist-designations-under-amended-executive-order-to-modernize-sanctions-to-combat-terrorism/.

On September 10, 2019, the U.S. Department of State listed Haydar as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist for his role in Hezbollah.“Terrorist Designations under Amended Executive Order to Modernize Sanctions to Combat Terrorism,” U.S. Department of State, September 10, 2019, https://www.state.gov/terrorist-designations-under-amended-executive-order-to-modernize-sanctions-to-combat-terrorism/.

Mufti Noor Wali Mehsud is the U.S.- and U.N.-designated emir of the Pakistani Taliban, formally known as Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).“Designation of Noor Wali as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist,” Federal Register, September 19, 2019, https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2019/09/19/2019-20276/designation-of-noor-wali-as-a-specially-designated-global-terrorist; “Noor Wali Mehsud,” United Nations Security Council, July 16, 2020, https://www.un.org/securitycouncil/content/noor-wali-mehsud. Mehsud was named the leader of TTP in June 2018 following the death of former TTP leader Maulana Fazlullah.Ayaz Gul, “US Declares Pakistani Taliban Chief as Global Terrorist,” Voice of America, September 10, 2019, https://www.voanews.com/south-central-asia/us-declares-pakistani-taliban-chief-global-terrorist. Under Mehsud’s leadership, TTP has claimed multiple deadly attacks across Pakistan, often targeting wealthy citizens and politicians.“Noor Wali Mehsud,” United Nations Security Council, July 16, 2020, https://www.un.org/securitycouncil/content/noor-wali-mehsud.

Originally hailing from South Waziristan, Mehsud originally joined the Mehsud Taliban in 2003. The Mehsud Taliban is a jihadi group that emerged in Pakistan’s tribal region during the rule of the Taliban regime, which was eventually absorbed into the TTP in 2007 under the leadership of Baitallah Mehsud.Daud Khattak, “Whither the Pakistani Taliban: An Assessment of Recent Trends,” New America, August 31, 2020, https://www.newamerica.org/international-security/blog/whither-pakistani-taliban-assessment-recent-trends/. Mehsud started to gain notoriety when TTP branched out into Karachi from its original base in the isolated border region between Pakistan and Afghanistan. By 2013, Mehsud had risen up in the ranks to oversee TTP operations in Karachi. While based in Miram Shah, North Waziristan, Mehsud commanded a series of extortion and kidnapping operations against wealthy citizens in which the ransom received would help fund TTP activities across Pakistan. Additionally, Mehsud ordered Pashtuns in Karachi to settle their business disputes through Taliban courts in Miram Shah, and those who refused to oblige would be violently targeted by the TTP.Zia ur-Rehman and Maria Abi-Habib, “Pakistan’s Taliban Names New Leader After U.S. Drone Strike,” New York Times, June 24, 2018, https://www.nytimes.com/2018/06/24/world/asia/pakistan-taliban-leader.html.

According to researchers at the Combating Terrorism Center (CTC) at West Point, Mehsud originally hails from South Waziristan and is a religious scholar who has significant experience in training for and carrying out jihad. Before being named TTP’s leader, Mehsud reportedly headed TTP’s publication department.Amira Jadoon and Sara Mahmood, “Fixing the Cracks in the Pakistani Taliban’s Foundation: TTP’s Leadership Returns to the Mehsud Tribe,” Combating Terrorism Center, December 2018, https://ctc.usma.edu/fixing-cracks-pakistani-talibans-foundation-ttps-leadership-returns-mehsud-tribe/. Furthermore, he is known for opposing polio vaccination campaigns and for endorsing violence against healthcare workers in Pakistan as the Taliban claims vaccination campaigns are used by the C.I.A. to spy on them.Amira Jadoon and Sara Mahmood, “Fixing the Cracks in the Pakistani Taliban’s Foundation: TTP’s Leadership Returns to the Mehsud Tribe,” Combating Terrorism Center, December 2018, https://ctc.usma.edu/fixing-cracks-pakistani-talibans-foundation-ttps-leadership-returns-mehsud-tribe/; Zia ur-Rehman and Maria Abi-Habib, “Pakistan’s Taliban Names New Leader After U.S. Drone Strike,” New York Times, June 24, 2018, https://www.nytimes.com/2018/06/24/world/asia/pakistan-taliban-leader.html. Additionally, TTP propaganda as well as a book called, The Mehsud Revolution in South Waziristan: From British Raj to Oppressive America, released by Mehsud in November 2017, stated that vaccines were a Western conspiracy to make Muslim’s impotent as well as inhibit their children’s growth.Zia ur-Rehman and Maria Abi-Habib, “Pakistan’s Taliban Names New Leader After U.S. Drone Strike,” New York Times, June 24, 2018, https://www.nytimes.com/2018/06/24/world/asia/pakistan-taliban-leader.html.

In June 2018, Mehsud was named the leader of TTP following the death of former leader Maulana Fazlullah in an American drone strike on Fazlullah’s hideout in the eastern Afghan province bordering Pakistan.Ayaz Gul, “US Declares Pakistani Taliban Chief as Global Terrorist,” Voice of America, September 10, 2019, https://www.voanews.com/south-central-asia/us-declares-pakistani-taliban-chief-global-terrorist. Under Mehsud’s leadership, the TTP escalated their attacks against Pakistan politicians. On July 10, 2018, TTP detonated a bomb that targeted Awami National Party (ANP) leader Haroom Bilour in Peshawar. The attack killed Bilour and 12 others.Amira Jadoon and Sara Mahmood, “Fixing the Cracks in the Pakistani Taliban’s Foundation: TTP’s Leadership Returns to the Mehsud Tribe,” Combating Terrorism Center, December 2018, https://ctc.usma.edu/fixing-cracks-pakistani-talibans-foundation-ttps-leadership-returns-mehsud-tribe/. Additionally, on July 22, 2018, the group targeted and killed Ikrah ullah Gandapur, a Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) candidate, in a suicide attack in Dera Ismail Khan. Along with Gandapur, his driver was killed, and four others were injured.Ramzan Seemab, “PTI's Ikramullah Khan Gandapur martyred in DI Khan suicide blast,” Tribune, July 22, 2018, https://tribune.com.pk/story/1763994/1-ptis-ikramullah-khan-gandapur-injured-di-khan-blast.

Under Mehsud’s leadership, in September 2018, the TTP released a new guidebook called, “The Code of Conduct: For the Mujahideen of Tehrik-i-Taliban.” The guidebook provided fighters with instructions on when to use suicide bombings, how to resolve internal quarrels, and how to handle spies as a way to prevent the group’s collapse.Ben Farmer, “US designates head of Pakistan's Taliban a global terrorist,” National, September 11, 2019, https://www.thenational.ae/world/asia/us-designates-head-of-pakistan-s-taliban-a-global-terrorist-1.909222; Amira Jadoon and Sara Mahmood, “Fixing the Cracks in the Pakistani Taliban’s Foundation: TTP’s Leadership Returns to the Mehsud Tribe,” Combating Terrorism Center, December 2018, https://ctc.usma.edu/fixing-cracks-pakistani-talibans-foundation-ttps-leadership-returns-mehsud-tribe/.

On September 10, 2019, the U.S. Department of State designated Mehsud as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist for his role in directing deadly attacks across Pakistan.“Designation of Noor Wali as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist,” Federal Register, September 19, 2019, https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2019/09/19/2019-20276/designation-of-noor-wali-as-a-specially-designated-global-terrorist.

On July 16, 2020, the U.N. Security Council’s Al-Qaida Sanctions Committee listed Mehsud as a global terrorist for “participating in the financing, planning, facilitating, or perpetrating of acts or activities by, in conjunction with, under the name of, on behalf of, or in support of” entities associated with Al-Qaeda.“Noor Wali Mehsud,” United Nations Security Council, July 16, 2020, https://www.un.org/securitycouncil/content/noor-wali-mehsud.

Hatib Hajan Sawadjaan was the U.S.-designated emir (leader) of ISIS in the Philippines and a Sulu-based commander of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG).“Terrorist Designations under Amended Executive Order to Modernize Sanctions to Combat Terrorism,” U.S. Department of State, September 10, 2019, https://www.state.gov/terrorist-designations-under-amended-executive-order-to-modernize-sanctions-to-combat-terrorism/. He was connected to several hostage executions and, according to Philippine police, planned and financed the January 2019 cathedral attack in Jolo that killed at least 23 people.Associated Press, “5 militants linked to deadly church bombing surrender in the Philippines,” South China Morning Post, February 4, 2019, https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/southeast-asia/article/2185012/5-militants-linked-deadly-church-bombing-surrender. In August 2020, the then Philippine army commanding general claimed that Sawadjaan had likely died following clashes with government forces in July 2020.Ellie Aben, “Philippine military says Abu Sayyaf leader still alive,” Arab News, July 11, 2020, https://www.arabnews.com/node/1702951/world; Jim Gomez, “Army chief: Militant leader likely killed in Philippines,” Associated Press, August 25, 2020, https://apnews.com/article/international-news-islamic-state-group-asia-pacific-d4595e2a569618d3f7abb3dd10aa30f7.

A native of Jolo island in Sulu province, Sawadjaan served as a preacher at a local mosque, where he earned the name hatib, or sermon leader in Arabic. Sawadjaan began his militant career with the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), though it is unclear when he joined.Jim Gomez, “Amid loss of leaders, unknown militant rises in Philippines,” Associated Press, February 21, 2019, https://www.apnews.com/730b6ee409364975817a82ad9f15d90c. In 1992, he left the group alongside Radulan Sahiron and the two joined the nascent ASG.Jim Gomez, “Amid loss of leaders, unknown militant rises in Philippines,” Associated Press, February 21, 2019, https://www.apnews.com/730b6ee409364975817a82ad9f15d90c. Sawadjaan had been active in the Sulu-based faction of ASG under leader Radulan Sahiron, but he reportedly split from Sahiron over the latter’s disinterest in integrating foreign militants.Jim Gomez, “Amid loss of leaders, unknown militant rises in Philippines,” Associated Press, February 21, 2019, https://www.apnews.com/730b6ee409364975817a82ad9f15d90c.

Sawadjaan was believed to have harbored foreign terrorists and Islamist extremists, including the Indonesian couple that carried out the January 2019 cathedral bombing in Jolo.Jimmy Gomez, “Amid loss of leaders, unknown militant rises in Philippines,” Associated Press, February 21, 2019, https://www.apnews.com/730b6ee409364975817a82ad9f15d90c. On January 27, 2019, the two Indonesians detonated their explosives during Sunday mass at the Our Lady of Mount Carmel Cathedral, killing at least 23 worshippers and injuring 100 others. ISIS claimed responsibility for the attack online.Richard C. Paddock and Jason Gutierrez, “Indonesian Couple Carried Out Philippines Cathedral Bombing, Police Say,” New York Times, July 23, 2019, https://www.nytimes.com/2019/07/23/world/asia/philippines-bombing-deportees-isis.html. Some Philippine security authorities initially blamed the attack on Ajang-Ajang, a cell under the command of Sawadjaan.Michael Hart, “Abu Sayyaf Is Bringing More of ISIS’ Brutal Tactics to the Philippines,” World Politics Review, July 22, 2019, https://www.worldpoliticsreview.com/articles/28054/abu-sayyaf-is-bringing-more-of-isis-brutal-tactics-to-the-philippines. The group, which had focused on kidnap-for-ransom activity, is comprised of a younger generation of members who are brothers and sons of deceased ASG members.Martin Petty, “Who is behind the Philippine church bombings?” Reuters, January 28, 2019, https://www.reuters.com/article/philippines-security/who-is-behind-the-philippine-church-bombings-idINKCN1PM0H6. Sawadjaan was also linked to a number of high-profile kidnappings and executions, including the beheadings of two Canadians in 2016.Associated Press, “5 militants linked to deadly church bombing surrender in the Philippines,” South China Morning Post, February 4, 2019, https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/southeast-asia/article/2185012/5-militants-linked-deadly-church-bombing-surrender.

In a March 2020 report to the U.S. Congress, the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) reported that a council of ASG leaders appointed Sawadjaan as “overall emir” of ISIS in the Philippines in May 2018.“Operation Pacific Eagle – Philippines: Lead Inspector General Report to the United States Congress,” U.S. Department of Defense, May 12, 2020, 12, https://www.stateoig.gov/system/files/opep_q2_mar2020_gold_508.pdf. In February 2019, the Philippine Interior Secretary Eduardo Año confirmed that Sawadjaan had taken over as leader of ISIS in the Philippines after its former leader Abu Dar suffered heavy losses due to military crackdowns.Rambo Talabong, “Jolo bombing 'mastermind' Sawadjaan is new ISIS head in PH – Año,” Rappler, February 6, 2019, https://rappler.com/nation/ano-says-jolo-bombing-mastermind-sawadjaan-new-isis-head-philippines. Abu Dar was a former lieutenant of Isnilon Hapilon and took over as leader of ISIS in the Philippines, following Hapilon’s death in October 2017. Hapilon was killed in battle against Philippine government forces, which brought an end to a five-month siege of Marawi by ISIS-linked fighters.Bobby Lagsa, “Airstrikes, clashes between military, ISIS-Maute group in Lanao del Sur towns,” Rappler, June 17, 2018, https://rappler.com/nation/military-operations-abu-dar-tubawan-pagawayan-lanao-del-sur.

Due to sustained counterterrorism campaigns by the Philippine government, ASG suffered a loss of leadership in the early 2000s.Zack Fellman, “Abu Sayyaf Group,” Center for Strategic and International Studies, November 2011, http://csis.org/files/publication/111128_Fellman_ASG_AQAMCaseStudy5.pdf. Since then, ASG has largely split into Basilan-based and Sulu-based factions, but even more discrete groups have emerged in recent years based on their support for ISIS.“Stopping Abu Sayyaf Kidnappings: An Indonesian-Malaysian Case Study,” Institute for Policy Analysis of Conflict, March 27, 2020, 7-8, http://www.understandingconflict.org/en/conflict/read/88/Stopping-Abu-Sayyaf-Kidnappings-An-Indonesian-Malaysian-Case-Study. Most pro-ISIS groups recognized Sawadjaan as their leader under the umbrella of ISIS in the Philippines.Rommel C. Banlaoi, “Terrorism In The Philippines During The Pandemic: Persistent Threats Three Years After Marawi Siege – Analysis,” Eurasia Review, May 15, 2020, https://www.eurasiareview.com/15052020-terrorism-in-the-philippines-during-the-pandemic-persistent-threats-three-years-after-marawi-siege-analysis/. Despite Sawadjaan’s leadership position at the time, however, most ISIS-aligned groups in the Philippines appear to operate independently of each other.“Operation Pacific Eagle – Philippines: Lead Inspector General Report to the United States Congress,” U.S. Department of Defense, May 12, 2020, 3, https://www.stateoig.gov/system/files/opep_q2_mar2020_gold_508.pdf.

Sawadjaan reportedly controlled between five or six sub-groups within ASG, consisting of a total of approximately 100 fighters, according to a September 2018 estimate.“The Philippines: Militancy and the New Bangsamoro,” International Crisis Group, June 27, 2019, https://www.crisisgroup.org/asia/south-east-asia/philippines/301-philippines-militancy-and-new-bangsamoro. However, February 2019 estimates put the number of people under his command at 200.Jim Gomez, “Amid loss of leaders, unknown militant rises in Philippines,” Associated Press, February 21, 2019, https://www.apnews.com/730b6ee409364975817a82ad9f15d90c. Philippine authorities were concerned that Sawadjaan’s apparent singular leadership could encourage ISIS militants and sympathizers within the Philippines and abroad to gather under his umbrella or send him funding.Jim Gomez, “Amid loss of leaders, unknown militant rises in Philippines,” Associated Press, February 21, 2019, https://www.apnews.com/730b6ee409364975817a82ad9f15d90c.

Several of Sawadjaan’s family members have also been linked to terrorist groups operating in the region. Sawadjaan’s younger brother Jul Asman Sawadjaan, who died of illness in 2014, was an ASG member and commander.Julie S. Alipala, “5 Abu Sayyaf bandits, 2 soldiers killed in fresh fighting in Sulu,” Inquirer (Mindanao), February 25, 2015, https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/675333/5-abu-sayyaf-bandits-2-soldiers-killed-in-fresh-fighting-in-sulu. The younger Sawadjaan was known for holding Jordanian television journalist Baker Atyani hostage for a year and a half. Sawadjaan’s nephew Nanz Sawadjaan was also a key member of ASG, who was killed in a gun battle with Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in September 2019.“Nephew of pro-ISIS Abu Sayyaf leader killed in Sulu – military,” Rappler, September 11, 2019, https://rappler.com/nation/military-says-nephew-pro-isis-abu-sayyaf-leader-killed-sulu. Another nephew, Mudzrimar “Mundi” Sawadjaan, is a suspected unit leader and bombmaker of ASG operating in the Sulu province of southern Philippines.Rambo Talabong, “Mundi Sawadjaan behind Jolo twin bombings, military says,” Rappler, August 27, 2020, https://www.rappler.com/nation/military-report-person-behind-jolo-bombings. Sawadjaan’s son-in-law is a Malaysian militant, known as Amin Baco, with reported connections to ISIS.Jim Gomez, “Amid loss of leaders, unknown militant rises in Philippines,” Associated Press, February 21, 2019, https://www.apnews.com/730b6ee409364975817a82ad9f15d90c.

On July 9, 2020, Philippine security forces announced they were investigating local news reports that Sawadjaan was killed in clashes with government forces.“Philippine police checking reports of Abu Sayyaf leader’s death,” Arab News, July 9, 2020, https://www.arabnews.com/node/1702386/world. Philippine media claimed Sawadjaan succumbed to gunshot wounds sustained during a battle between 40 ASG militants and Army Scout Rangers in Patikul, Sulu on July 6. On July 11, the spokesman of Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom), the AFP’s operation in the region, confirmed that Sawadjaan was injured, but still alive.Ellie Aben, “Philippine military says Abu Sayyaf leader still alive,” Arab News, July 11, 2020, https://www.arabnews.com/node/1702951/world. However, in August 2020, the Philippine army’s commanding general at the time, Cirilito Sobejana, believed that Sawadjaan had likely died of his wounds. He claimed to have received details about Sawadjaan’s death and burial from recently captured ASG members. Sobejana also believed that suicide bombings in Jolo on August 24 were in response to Sawadjaan’s killing. Philippine troops have yet to recover Sawadjaan’s remains for confirmation.Jim Gomez, “Army chief: Militant leader likely killed in Philippines,” Associated Press, August 25, 2020, https://apnews.com/article/international-news-islamic-state-group-asia-pacific-d4595e2a569618d3f7abb3dd10aa30f7.

Louis Farrakhan is the leader of the Chicago-based Nation of Islam (NOI), a Black-Muslim nationalist movement founded in 1930 by Fard Muhammad.“Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan,” Nation of Islam, accessed July 10, 2020, https://www.noi.org/minister-louis-farrakhan/. Farrakhan has led NOI since 1977, achieving fame as a vocal spokesman for Black rights, perhaps most famously as the organizer of the 1995 Million Man March in Washington, D.C.“Farrakhan revels in the spotlight of Million Man March,” CNN, October 16, 1995, http://edition.cnn.com/US/9510/megamarch/10-16/update/index.html. At the same time, Farrakhan has earned a reputation for being anti-Semitic and anti-white. He has praised Adolph Hitler,“History of the Jewish Attack on Min. Louis FARRAKHAN,” YouTube video, 12:17, posted by “apidta” on November 7, 2012, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KP0nM8RyJgM; “MINISTER LOUIS FARRAKHAN & THE JEWS: WHAT IS THE TRUTH?” Nation of Islam Research Group, March 16, 2018, http://noirg.org/news/min-louis-farrakhan-the-jews/. condemned Judaism as a “gutter religion,”“Louis Farrakhan Fast Facts,” CNN, last updated June 19, 2020, https://www.cnn.com/2013/05/24/us/louis-farrakhan-fast-facts/; Fay S. Joyce, “Jackson Criticized Remarks Made By Farrakhan as ‘Reprehensible,’” New York Times, June 29, 1984, https://www.nytimes.com/1984/06/29/world/jackson-criticizes-remarks-made-by-farrakhan-as-reprehensible.html. likened Jews to termites,“Video of Louis Farrakhan comparing Jews to termites removed from Facebook,” Jewish Telegraphic Agency, October 21, 2018, https://www.jta.org/2018/10/21/united-states/farrakhan-termites-video-removed-facebook. and claimed the “synagogue of Satan”  is attempting to destroy Muslim unity.“Minister Louis Farrakhan’s Iran Press Conference,” Nation of Islam, February 9, 2016, https://www.noi.org/tehran-iran-presser2016-02-09/. Farrakhan has been banned from Facebook and Instagram,Oliver Darcy, “Louis Farrakhan, Alex Jones and other 'dangerous' voices banned by Facebook and Instagram,” CNN, May 3, 2019, https://www.cnn.com/2019/05/02/tech/facebook-ban-louis-farrakhan-infowars-alex-jones-milo-laura-loomer/index.html; Jonathan Barr, “Pro-Louis Farrakhan Facebook Resurfaces After Ban, Name Change,” Forbes, June 30, 2019, https://www.forbes.com/sites/jonathanberr/2019/06/30/pro-louis-farrakhan-facebook-resurfaces-after-ban-name-change/#2172af1b5a01. as well as the United Kingdom.“Farrakhan banned from Britain,” CNN, April 30, 2002, https://edition.cnn.com/2002/WORLD/europe/04/30/britain.farrakhan/index.html. Nonetheless, Farrakhan continues to spread his opprobrium on social media and has influenced numerous celebrities who have defended him as a champion of Black rights.

Born in Bronx, New York, and raised in Massachusetts, Farrakhan originally trained as an entertainer. He traveled the country singing, dancing, and playing the violin. He also wrote two plays, “The Trial” and “Orgena”—“A Negro” spelled backward. In 1955, he attended an NOI meeting in Chicago during a stopover. NOI was led by Elijah Muhammad at the time, and Farrakhan joined a New York affiliate that year. Malcolm X, then a minister in NOI, told Farrakhan and other members of the New York Branch that Elijah Muhammad had decreed that all members would have to leave showbusiness if they wanted to remain in NOI. While several NOI members in New York chose to leave at that point, Farrakhan instead left showbusiness to dedicate himself completely to the organization.“Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan,” Nation of Islam, accessed July 10, 2020, https://www.noi.org/minister-louis-farrakhan/; “Louis Farrakhan Fast Facts,” CNN, last updated June 19, 2020, https://www.cnn.com/2013/05/24/us/louis-farrakhan-fast-facts/.

Farrakhan immersed himself in NOI and began writing for its newspaper, Muhammad Speaks. In the early 1960s, he famously feuded with high-ranking NOI member Malcolm X, who began voicing disagreement with NOI leader Elijah Muhammad after discovering Muhammad had hidden multiple affairs and illegitimate children.Dwayne Wong, “Getting to the Truth of Why Malcolm X Left the Nation of Islam,” Medium, October 22, 2019, https://medium.com/@dwomowale/getting-to-the-truth-of-why-malcolm-x-left-the-nation-of-islam-8b91c44c3e55. This created a rift in NOI’s leadership and led to Malcolm X’s excommunication from NOI in 1963. In a December 1964 issue of Muhammad Speaks, Farrakhan branded Malcolm X a traitor “worthy of death.”“Farrakhan Regrets Role In Malcolm X’s Death,” Washington Post, May 11, 2000, https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/politics/2000/05/11/farrakhan-regrets-role-in-malcolm-xs-death/f8880174-939c-40f6-b1e0-e0f79e6673e0/; Associated Press, “Widow of Malcolm X Suspects Farrakhan Had Role in Killing,” New York Times, March 13, 1994, https://www.nytimes.com/1994/03/13/nyregion/widow-of-malcolm-x-suspects-farrakhan-had-role-in-killing.html. Malcolm X was assassinated on February 21, 1965. His widow, Betty Shabazz, later accused Farrakhan of ordering her husband’s killing, which Farrakhan denied. Farrakhan did, however, label Malcolm X his “enemy because I felt him to be the enemy of black people.”Associated Press, “Widow of Malcolm X Suspects Farrakhan Had Role in Killing,” New York Times, March 13, 1994, https://www.nytimes.com/1994/03/13/nyregion/widow-of-malcolm-x-suspects-farrakhan-had-role-in-killing.html. In 1994, Farrakhan expressed his regret that his writings helped create an atmosphere that contributed to Malcolm X’s death.“Farrakhan Regrets Role In Malcolm X’s Death,” Washington Post, May 11, 2000, https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/politics/2000/05/11/farrakhan-regrets-role-in-malcolm-xs-death/f8880174-939c-40f6-b1e0-e0f79e6673e0/.

After Malcolm X’s assassination, Farrakhan replaced him as NOI’s spokesman.“Louis Farrakhan Fast Facts,” CNN, last updated June 19, 2020, https://www.cnn.com/2013/05/24/us/louis-farrakhan-fast-facts/. Elijah Muhammad died in 1975 and was replaced by Wallace Deen Muhammad. Muhammad and Farrakhan disagreed on NOI’s future, as Muhammad wanted to move NOI away from the idea of racial separatism and be more inclusive. Farrakhan took over NOI in 1977 and Muhammad left the group to create the World Community of al-Islam.“Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan,” Nation of Islam, accessed July 10, 2020, https://www.noi.org/minister-louis-farrakhan/; “Louis Farrakhan,” Southern Poverty Law Center, accessed July 24, 2020, https://www.splcenter.org/fighting-hate/extremist-files/individual/louis-farrakhan. Farrakhan often refers to himself as the heir to Elijah Muhammad’s legacy, but Muhammad’s son, Warith Deen Mohammed, has accused him of presenting a “false image of Islam.”Newsday, “Elijah Muhammad’s son counters Farrakhan teachings,” Baltimore Sun, May 16, 1994, https://www.baltimoresun.com/news/bs-xpm-1994-05-16-1994136064-story.html. Mohammed also claimed his father would have repudiated Farrakhan’s anti-Semitic accusations.Newsday, “Elijah Muhammad’s son counters Farrakhan teachings,” Baltimore Sun, May 16, 1994, https://www.baltimoresun.com/news/bs-xpm-1994-05-16-1994136064-story.html.

Farrakhan gained national notoriety in the 1980s as he became more politically active. In 1983, he traveled to Syria with Reverend Jesse Jackson to negotiate the release of U.S. Navy pilot Lieutenant Robert O. Goodman, who had been held captive by the Syrian military since being shot down in Lebanon on December 4. Goodman returned to the United States on January 4, 1984.“Louis Farrakhan Fast Facts,” CNN, last updated June 19, 2020, https://www.cnn.com/2013/05/24/us/louis-farrakhan-fast-facts/; Kate Thayer, “Politician, pilot mark 30th year since Syrian capture, release at Saturday event,” Chicago Tribune, January 5, 2014, https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-2014-01-05-ct-jesse-jackson-anniversary-met-20140105-story.html. In June 1984, Farrakhan defended Jackson’s remarks earlier in the year referring to New York as the anti-Semitic slur “Hymietown.” During a radio broadcast, Farrakhan called Judaism a “gutter religion” and called supporters of Israel criminals in the eyes of God.“Louis Farrakhan Fast Facts,” CNN, last updated June 19, 2020, https://www.cnn.com/2013/05/24/us/louis-farrakhan-fast-facts/; Fay S. Joyce, “Jackson Criticized Remarks Made By Farrakhan as ‘Reprehensible,’” New York Times, June 29, 1984, https://www.nytimes.com/1984/06/29/world/jackson-criticizes-remarks-made-by-farrakhan-as-reprehensible.html. Jackson called Farrakhan’s remarks “reprehensible” and accused him of dividing the Democratic Party.“Louis Farrakhan Fast Facts,” CNN, last updated June 19, 2020, https://www.cnn.com/2013/05/24/us/louis-farrakhan-fast-facts/; Fay S. Joyce, “Jackson Criticized Remarks Made By Farrakhan as ‘Reprehensible,’” New York Times, June 29, 1984, https://www.nytimes.com/1984/06/29/world/jackson-criticizes-remarks-made-by-farrakhan-as-reprehensible.html. Farrakhan initially endorsed Jackson’s 1984 presidential bid but withdrew his support after the criticism.“Who is Louis Farrakhan? 10 things to know about the Nation of Islam leader, black activist,” Atlanta Journal-Constitution, October 18, 2018, https://www.ajc.com/news/national/who-louis-farrakhan-things-know-about-the-nation-islam-leader-black-activist/1zUaxjihBLiqOKso5h262H/. Farrakhan drew national attention in December 1984 after calling Adolf Hitler “a very great man” who revived Germany economically.“History of the Jewish Attack on Min. Louis FARRAKHAN,” YouTube video, 12:17, posted by “apidta” on November 7, 2012, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KP0nM8RyJgM; “MINISTER LOUIS FARRAKHAN & THE JEWS: WHAT IS THE TRUTH?” Nation of Islam Research Group, March 16, 2018, http://noirg.org/news/min-louis-farrakhan-the-jews/.

Farrakhan’s anti-Semitism stems from his belief that Jews were involved in the U.S. slave trade. In 1985, he outright accused Jews of owning the slave ships and having a master-slave relationship with Black people.“Louis Farrakhan,” Southern Poverty Law Center, accessed July 24, 2020, https://www.splcenter.org/fighting-hate/extremist-files/individual/louis-farrakhan. In 1991, at Farrakhan’s request, NOI’s research department published The Secret Relationship Between Blacks and Jews, which highlighted Jews’ involvement in the slave trade and the Confederacy. Historians generally label the book as wildly inaccurate and vicious.“Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan,” Nation of Islam, accessed July 10, 2020, https://www.noi.org/minister-louis-farrakhan/; “Louis Farrakhan,” Southern Poverty Law Center, accessed July 24, 2020, https://www.splcenter.org/fighting-hate/extremist-files/individual/louis-farrakhan. NOI published two volumes of the book and a third called Jews Selling Blacks.Batya Ungar-Sargon, “Is Jewish Control Over the Slave Trade a Nation of Islam Lie or Scholarly Truth?,” Tablet, August 5, 2013, https://www.tabletmag.com/sections/arts-letters/articles/slave-trade-black-muslim. In June 2010, Farrakhan sent a letter to Anti-Defamation League executive director Abraham Foxman, charging Jews with “being the most deceitful so-called friend, while your history with us shows you have been our worst enemy.”Louis Farrakhan, “Minister Louis Farrakhan's Letter To ADL's Abraham Foxman,” Final Call, June 24, 2010, https://www.finalcall.com/artman/publish/Minister_Louis_Farrakhan_9/article_7116.shtml. Foxman has called Farrakhan’s anti-Semitism “obsessive, diabolical and unrestrained,” while accusing him of opening “a new chapter in his ministry where scapegoating Jews is not just part of a message, but the message.”“Farrakhan calls Jews blacks’ ‘worst enemy,’ appeals for dialogue,” Religion News Service, July 1, 2010, https://religionnews.com/2010/07/01/nation-of-islam-leader-louis-farrakhan-is-seeking-dialogue-with-jewish-lead/.

Farrakhan’s comments have gained him international notoriety. The United Kingdom banned Farrakhan from the country in early 1986 because of his anti-Semitic remarks and a fear that he would stoke racial tensions. Home Secretary Douglas Hurd said Farrakhan’s presence would not be “conducive to the public good.”United Press International, “BRITISH HOLD FARRAKHAN BEFORE FLIGHT TO AFRICA,” Chicago Tribune, February 7, 1987, https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1986-02-07-8601100438-story.html. Nonetheless, Farrakhan flew to London on February 7 that year with his wife, Betsy, and 13 others from an NOI delegation. British authorities detained Farrakhan and his party for 11 hours before placing them on a flight to Nigeria.United Press International, “BRITISH HOLD FARRAKHAN BEFORE FLIGHT TO AFRICA,” Chicago Tribune, February 7, 1987, https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1986-02-07-8601100438-story.html. The United Kingdom’s Court of Appeal upheld the ban in 2002, ruling Farrakhan’s “notorious opinions” might provoke disorder.“Farrakhan banned from Britain,” CNN, April 30, 2002, https://edition.cnn.com/2002/WORLD/europe/04/30/britain.farrakhan/index.html.

Farrakhan has also linked himself to the defense of international dictators. During the 1980s, Farrakhan developed a close relationship with Libyan dictator Muammar Ghaddafi. In May 1985, Farrakhan accepted a $5 million interest-free loan from Ghaddafi.“Louis Farrakhan Fast Facts,” CNN, last updated June 19, 2020, . https://www.cnn.com/2013/05/24/us/louis-farrakhan-fast-facts/. Farrakhan later claimed that on September 17, 1985, he had a “vision-like experience” during which he learned of U.S. President Ronald Reagan’s plans to launch a war. Farrakhan further claimed he learned a few months later the war would be against Ghaddafi.Louis Farrakhan, “Letter of warning to President George Bush: December 1, 2001,” Nation of Islam, December 1, 2001, https://www.noi.org/letter-to-president-bush-12-01-2001/. Farrakhan visited Ghaddafi in Libya on several occasions.Dorothy J. Gaiter, “Nation of Islam Tries to Accept Gift of $1 Billion from Libya,” Wall Street Journal, last updated August 26, 1996, https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB841007141275125500. The State Department had placed a travel ban on Libya in January 1986. While on an 11-country tour of Africa that June, Farrakhan filed a lawsuit against Reagan, Secretary of State George Schultz, Secretary of Treasury James Baker, and Attorney General Edwin Meese. Farrakhan claimed U.S. economic sanctions and a travel ban on Libya violated his freedom to worship and freedom of speech. The lawsuit was dismissed on June 3, 1987, after a court upheld the travel ban and prevented NOI from repaying the $5 million loan.“Farrakhan Sues Reagan,” United Press International, June 26, 1986, https://www.upi.com/Archives/1986/06/26/Farrakhan-sues-Reagan/5814520142400/; “Louis Farrakhan Fast Facts,” CNN, last updated June 19, 2020, https://www.cnn.com/2013/05/24/us/louis-farrakhan-fast-facts/. In 1996, U.S. courts blocked NOI from accepting a $1 billion loan from Ghaddafi.Dorothy J. Gaiter, “Nation of Islam Tries to Accept Gift of $1 Billion from Libya,” Wall Street Journal, last updated August 26, 1996, https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB841007141275125500. In a December 2001 letter to U.S. President George W. Bush, Farrakhan wrote that Ghaddafi and Panamanian President Manuel Noriega had been unfairly demonized in American media. Farrakhan urged Bush to act responsibly in global relations after the September 11 attacks.Louis Farrakhan, “Letter of warning to President George Bush: December 1, 2001,” Nation of Islam, December 1, 2001, https://www.noi.org/letter-to-president-bush-12-01-2001/.

In addition to Libya, Farrakhan has formed relations with Iran. While visiting Iran in February 2016, he accused the United States of fomenting revolting and destabilization in the country. During the same interview with Iran’s PressTV, he accused the “synagogue of Satan” of attempting to destroy Muslim unity.“Minister Louis Farrakhan’s Iran Press Conference,” Nation of Islam, February 9, 2016, https://www.noi.org/tehran-iran-presser2016-02-09/.

Social media has provided Farrakhan new avenues for spreading his bigotry on a global scale. Through NOI, Farrakhan set up accounts on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and other platforms. Some of those platforms have acted against Farrakhan’s hateful rhetoric. Twitter removed its verified-status checkmark from Farrakhan’s account in June 2018 after his account posted a tweet about “unmasking the Satanic Jew and the Synagogue of Satan,” along with a clip from a Farrakhan speech that May.“Twitter removes verified status from Louis Farrakhan’s account,” Jewish Telegraphic Agency, June 11, 2018, https://www.jta.org/2018/06/11/united-states/twitter-removes-verified-status-louis-farrakhans-account. On October 16, 2018, Farrakhan posted a video to Facebook and Twitter of a speech in honor of the anniversary of the Million Man March. In the speech, Farrakhan declared he is not an anti-Semite, he is anti-termite. Facebook removed the post for violating its hate-speech policies. Twitter left the post online, claiming its policy against dehumanizing speech had not yet been implemented.“Video of Louis Farrakhan comparing Jews to termites removed from Facebook,” Jewish Telegraphic Agency, October 21, 2018, https://www.jta.org/2018/10/21/united-states/farrakhan-termites-video-removed-facebook.

On May 2, 2019, Facebook declared Farrakhan’s rhetoric dangerous and shut down his account as well as accounts belonging to related Facebook groups. Some of those groups attempted to skirt the ban by changing their names. Farrakhan’s Instagram account, owned by Facebook, was also shut down.Oliver Darcy, “Louis Farrakhan, Alex Jones and other 'dangerous' voices banned by Facebook and Instagram,” CNN, May 3, 2019, https://www.cnn.com/2019/05/02/tech/facebook-ban-louis-farrakhan-infowars-alex-jones-milo-laura-loomer/index.html; Jonathan Barr, “Pro-Louis Farrakhan Facebook Resurfaces After Ban, Name Change,” Forbes, June 30, 2019, https://www.forbes.com/sites/jonathanberr/2019/06/30/pro-louis-farrakhan-facebook-resurfaces-after-ban-name-change/#2172af1b5a01. Twitter continues to allow Farrakhan to use its platform, though it has taken some action against him to censor him. On July 9, 2019, Twitter introduced a new rule prohibiting the dehumanization of religious groups and called on Farrakhan to delete his 2018 tweet in which he called Jews termites.Oliver Darcy, “Twitter says Louis Farrakhan's 2018 anti-Semitic tweet violates new rules,” July, 9, 2019, https://www.cnn.com/2019/07/09/media/twitter-louis-farrakhan/index.html. In January 2020, Twitter accidentally deleted Farrakhan’s account only to reinstate it shortly after.“Twitter suspends and later reinstates Louis Farrakhan’s account,” Jerusalem Post, January 19, 2020, https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/twitter-suspends-and-later-reinstates-louis-farrakhans-account-614594. In March 2021, Twitter and Facebook removed posts of Farrakhan spreading misinformation about the coronavirus vaccine. The posts contained video of Farrakhan calling the vaccine a “vial of death” and comparing it to the Kool-Aid from the 1978 Jim Jones mass murder-suicide in Guyana.“Twitter removes Louis Farrakhan vaccine misinformation claims for policy violations,” Fox News, March 7, 2021, https://www.foxnews.com/tech/louis-farrakhan-vaccine-claims-posted-to-twitter-despite-misinformation-policies.

With these far-reaching platforms, Farrakhan has continued to inspire celebrities. In June 2020, comedian Chelsea Handler posted to her Instagram account a clip of Farrakhan on “The Phil Donahue Show.” Handler later apologized and removed the clip after initially defending it. Actress Jessica Chastain also shared the Farrakhan clip, while celebrities Jennifer Aniston, Michelle Pfeiffer, and Jennifer Garner liked the posting on Instagram. Chastain later deleted the clip from her account.Marcy Oster, “Chelsea Handler apologizes for posting Louis Farrakhan video clip,” Jewish Telegraphic Agency, June 23, 2020, https://www.jta.org/quick-reads/chelsea-handler-apologizes-for-posting-louis-farrakhan-video-clip. In July 2020, Madonna posted a video to her Instagram account featuring Farrakhan declaring that the United States is “unraveling,” “cascading downward,” and “coming to an end.”Madonna, Instagram account, July 4, 2020, https://www.instagram.com/tv/CCPObbRhu1s/. Farrakhan had been scheduled to give a Fourth of July speech on Fox Soul TV, part of the Fox Network. But the station canceled his appearance after a widespread backlash.Ben Sales, “What is Fox Soul TV? And is it broadcasting a speech by Louis Farrakhan?,” Jewish Telegraphic Agency, June 29, 2020, https://www.jta.org/2020/06/29/culture/what-is-fox-soul-tv-and-is-it-broadcasting-a-speech-by-louis-farrakhan. Farrakhan’s speech was instead livestreamed on NOI’s website and uploaded to YouTube.“Minister Louis Farrakhan’s July 4th Address: The Criterion,” YouTube video, 3:55:56, uploaded July 4, 2020, by “The Nation of Islam,” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8cmdGOUumVY. Rapper Sean “Diddy” Combs also broadcasted Farrakhan’s speech on his Revolt TV cable network.Cassie Da Costa, “The Disturbing Rise of Anti-Semitism Among Black Celebs,” Daily Beast, https://www.thedailybeast.com/the-disturbing-rise-of-anti-semitism-among-black-celebs-from-diddy-and-nick-cannon-to-ice-cube?ref=scroll.

Several professional athletes have also praised Farrakhan in 2020, eliciting widespread condemnation. That May, retired National Football League player Donovan McNabb shared on Twitter a picture of Farrakhan and a quote about seeking justice.Kyle Dalton, “Did Donovan McNabb's Recent Posts on Louis Farrakhan Inspire DeSean Jackson?,” Sportscasting, July 10, 2020, https://www.sportscasting.com/did-donovan-mcnabbs-recent-posts-on-louis-farrakhan-inspire-desean-jackson/. On July 5, Desean Jackson of the Philadelphia Eagles praised Farrakhan on his Instagram account and shared a quote about Jews controlling the world that has been falsely attributed to Hitler. The owners of the Eagles swiftly condemned his comments and Jackson later apologized.Les Bowen and Rob Tornoe, “Eagles’ DeSean Jackson apologizes for anti-Semitic posts, says he’ll ‘do better’ and ‘educate myself,’” Philadelphia Inquirer, July 7, 2020, https://www.inquirer.com/eagles/desean-jackson-eagles-anti-semitic-instagram-posts-adolph-hitler-louis-farrakhan-jewish-coronavirus-vaccine-20200707.html. On July 8, former National Basketball Association player Stephen Jackson defended Desean Jackson’s comments and accused “the Jews” of trying to divide the Black community while controlling the world’s wealth. Stephen Jackson went on to declare his “love” for Farrakhan.Des Bieler, “Stephen Jackson says DeSean Jackson is ‘speaking the truth,’ adds anti-Semitic claims of his own,” Washington Post, July 8, 2020, https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2020/07/08/stephen-jackson-says-desean-jackson-is-speaking-truth-adds-anti-semitic-claims-his-own/.

Farrakhan continues to lead NOI despite his advancing age and multiple health issues. Bouts with prostate cancer led him to relinquish some of his duties as leader of NOI in the 1990s but in February 2000 he had his prostate and cancerous colon tissue removed.“Louis Farrakhan Fast Facts,” CNN, last updated June 19, 2020, https://www.cnn.com/2013/05/24/us/louis-farrakhan-fast-facts/. He continues to give passionate hours-long speeches to NOI audiences, during which he continues to intensify his anti-Semitism positions. On July 4, 2020, for example, Farrakhan gave a Fourth of July speech livestreamed on NOI’s website and posted to YouTube in which he claimed Jews are responsible for the majority of the world’s problems and Jews are trying to poison him because he revealed “their wickedness.” He guaranteed Jews’ “destruction” if they succeed.“Minister Louis Farrakhan’s July 4th Address: The Criterion,” YouTube video, 3:55:56, uploaded July 4, 2020, by “The Nation of Islam,” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8cmdGOUumVY. The Combat Anti-Semitism Movement launched a campaign to have YouTube remove the speech.Ben Sales, “What is Fox Soul TV? And is it broadcasting a speech by Louis Farrakhan?,” Jewish Telegraphic Agency, June 29, 2020, https://www.jta.org/2020/06/29/culture/what-is-fox-soul-tv-and-is-it-broadcasting-a-speech-by-louis-farrakhan; “Minister Louis Farrakhan’s July 4th Address: The Criterion,” YouTube video, 3:55:56, uploaded July 4, 2020, by “The Nation of Islam,” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8cmdGOUumVY; Cody Levine, “Jewish org. launches campaign to remove antisemitic Farrakhan speech,” Jerusalem Post, July 9, 2020, https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/jewish-org-launches-campaign-to-remove-antisemitic-farrakhan-speech-634500; Cassie Da Costa, “The Disturbing Rise of Anti-Semitism Among Black Celebs,” Daily Beast, https://www.thedailybeast.com/the-disturbing-rise-of-anti-semitism-among-black-celebs-from-diddy-and-nick-cannon-to-ice-cube?ref=scroll.

In 2022, professional basketball player Kyrie Irving of the Brooklyn Nets and rapper Ye, formerly known as Kanye West, both faced accusations of antisemitism. On October 9, Ye tweeted out his intentions to “death con 3 on JEWISH PEOPLE” because Jews “toyed” with him and “tried to black ball anyone whoever opposes [their] agenda.”Andrew Limbong, “Twitter follows Instagram in restricting Ye’s account after antisemitic posts,” NPR, October 10, 2022, https://www.npr.org/2022/10/09/1127732183/kanye-west-instagram-twitter. Later that month, Irving posted to Twitter and Instagram promoting a 2018 movie called Hebrews to Negroes: Wake Up Black America, based on a 2015 book of the same title. In the book and movie, author Ronald Dalton Jr. alleges “false white Jews” are trying to “extort America” because they “know that the Negroes” are the “Real Children of Israel.”“Kyrie Irving Boosts Antisemitic Movie Peddling ‘Jewish Slave Ships,” Rolling Stone, October 29, 2022, https://www.rollingstone.com/culture/culture-news/kyrie-irving-boosts-antisemitic-movie-peddling-jewish-slave-ships-theory-1234620125/; James Herbert, “What has Kyrie Irving actually said about the antisemitic conspiracy theories he publicized?,” CBS Sports, November 21, 2022, https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/what-has-kyrie-irving-actually-said-about-the-antisemitic-conspiracy-theories-he-publicized/. The Nets suspended Irving for a minimum of five games, citing his failure to “to unequivocally say he has no antisemitic beliefs, nor acknowledge specific hateful material in the film. This was not the first time he had the opportunity -- but failed -- to clarify.”“Kyrie Irving suspended at least 5 games by Nets; apologizes,” ESPN, November 3, 2022, https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/34942326/nets-suspend-kyrie-irving-least-five-games-pay. On November 10, 2022, the Nation of Islam posted a video of Farrakhan defending Irving and Ye from accusations of antisemitism. Farrakhan claimed Ye and Irving wanted to spread knowledge as they learned about their true selves, which had been forgotten in service of white record producers and sports team owners who sought to exploit Black people. Farrakhan defended his own previous antisemitic publications and challenged the Jewish community to refute his accusations.“Minister Farrakhan addresses the Ye / Kyrie Irving Controversy,” Nation of Islam, November 2022, https://noi.org/ye-kyrie/; Louis Farrakhan, Twitter post, November 10, 2022, 7:21 a.m., https://twitter.com/LouisFarrakhan/status/1590681113105948672.

Farrakhan has continued to use his platform to spread antisemitism. In February 2023, antisemitism watchdogs criticized Ticketmaster for selling tickets to NOI’s annual Saviours’ Day conference in Chicago. During the February 26 address, Farrakhan made several statements referring to the “synagogue of Satan” and calling on differentiating between good Jews and bad Jews. The 2023 conference also declared the war of Armageddon had begun and America’s doom was approaching. Farrakhan criticized America falsely professing to be a Christian nation and warned America’s doom is approaching.Maya Zanger-Nadis, “Ticketmaster under fire for selling tickets to Louis Farrakhan event,” Jerusalem Post, March 7, 2023, https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-733548; Nation of Islam, Facebook post, March 14, 2023, https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=608704807310560; Louis Farrakhan, “THE HISTORIC SAVIOURS’ DAY 2023 KEYNOTE ADDRESS: ‘THE WAR OF ARMAGEDDON HAS BEGUN,’” Final Call, February 28, 2023, https://new.finalcall.com/2023/02/28/the-historic-saviours-day-2023-keynote-address-the-war-of-armageddon-has-begun/.

Abu Mustafa al-Sheibani is the founder of the Sheibani Network, an Iraqi militia supported by and ideologically aligned with Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). He later helped found another pro-IRGC Iraqi militia, Kata’ib Sayyid al Shuhada (KSS).Caleb Weiss, “Iraqi Shia Militia ‘Willing to Send Fighters to Yemen,’” Long War Journal, July 9, 2018, https://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2018/07/iraqi-shia-militia-willing-to-send-fighters-to-yemen.php. Sheibani is allegedly played a central role in the creation of Iranian-backed Shiite militias Asaib Ahl al-Haq (AAH) and Kata’ib Hezbollah (KH) in the early 2000s.Phillip Smyth, “Hizballah Cavalcade: Kata’ib Sayyid al-Shuhada: Another Supplier of Iraqi Shia Fighters in Syria,” Jihadology, June 3, 2013, https://jihadology.net/2013/06/03/hizballah-cavalcade-kataib-sayyid-al-shuhada-another-supplier-of-iraqi-shia-fighters-in-syria/. On January 9, 2008, the U.S. Treasury Department designated Sheibani “for threatening the peace and stability of Iraq and the Government of Iraq.”“Treasury Designates Individuals, Entity Fueling Iraqi Insurgency,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, January 9, 2008, https://www.treasury.gov/press-center/press-releases/Pages/hp759.aspx.

Sheibani has a long history of fighting alongside Iran. In the late 1980s, he reportedly fought against Saddam Hussein as a member of the IRGC-Quds Force—a special branch of the IRGC tasked with achieving sensitive missions beyond Iran’s borders.“Part 2: Pro-Iran Militias in Iraq,” Wilson Center, April 27, 2018, https://www.wilsoncenter.org/article/part-2-pro-iran-militias-iraq. Afterward, Sheibani joined the Badr Organization, becoming its leader in the late 1990s.Matthew Levitt and Philip Smyth, “Kataib al-Imam Ali: Portrait of an Iraqi Shiite Militant Group Fighting ISIS,” Washington Institute for Near East Policy, January 5, 2015, https://www.washingtoninstitute.org/policy-analysis/view/kataib-al-imam-ali-portrait-of-an-iraqi-shiite-militant-group-fighting-isis. In 2003, Sheibani left the Badr Organization and founded the Sheibani Network.Michael Eisenstadt, Michael Knights, and Ahmed Ali, Iran’s Influence in Iraq, Washington Institute for Near East Policy, April 2011, page 23, https://www.washingtoninstitute.org/uploads/Documents/pubs/PolicyFocus111.pdf. This move was directed by the IRGC, which began to directly support the new militia with weapons and funding.“Treasury Designates Individuals, Entity Fueling Iraqi Insurgency,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, January 8, 2008, https://www.treasury.gov/press-center/press-releases/Pages/hp759.aspx. The Sheibani Network was responsible for making and distributing explosively formed penetrator (EFP) roadside bombs and Katyusha rockets which were used to attack coalition and Iraqi forces.Michael Eisenstadt, Michael Knights, and Ahmed Ali, Iran’s Influence in Iraq, Washington Institute for Near East Policy, April 2011, page 23, https://www.washingtoninstitute.org/uploads/Documents/pubs/PolicyFocus111.pdf; “Treasury Designates Individuals, Entity Fueling Iraqi Insurgency,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, January 8, 2008, https://www.treasury.gov/press-center/press-releases/Pages/hp759.aspx. Beginning in January 2005, the Sheibani Network directly supplied Jaish al-Mahdi, the Badr Organization, and AAH with advanced explosives from Iran.Marisa Cochrane Sullivan, “Iran's Hard Power Influence in Iraq,” AEI Iran Tracker, April 10, 2009, https://web.archive.org/web/20141116121150/http://www.irantracker.org/military-activities/irans-hard-power-influence-iraq; Marisa Cochrane, “The Fragmentation of the Sadrist Movement,” Iraq Report 12, Institute for the Study of War, January 2009, page 20-21, http://www.understandingwar.org/sites/default/files/Iraq%20Report%2012%20Sadrist%20Movement%20Fragmentation.pdf. In the mid-2000s, Sheibani conducted an assassination campaign against local Iraqi police and government officials.“Treasury Designates Individuals, Entity Fueling Iraqi Insurgency,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, January 8, 2008, https://www.treasury.gov/press-center/press-releases/Pages/hp759.aspx. During this time, Sheibani and his fighters reportedly received weapons training and advice from Hezbollah.“Iraq: Return of Sheibani's killer squads,” United Press International, September 30, 2010, https://www.upi.com/Top_News/Special/2010/09/30/Iraq-Return-of-Sheibanis-killer-squads/36301285859253/?ur3=1.

Sheibani spent much of the 2000s in Tehran, Iran, but reportedly returned to Iraq in 2010 and joined AAH.“Treasury Designates Individuals, Entity Fueling Iraqi Insurgency,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, January 8, 2008, https://www.treasury.gov/press-center/press-releases/Pages/hp759.aspx; Michael Eisenstadt, Michael Knights, and Ahmed Ali, Iran’s Influence in Iraq, Washington Institute for Near East Policy, April 2011, page 10 and 23, https://www.washingtoninstitute.org/uploads/Documents/pubs/PolicyFocus111.pdf; Michael Knights, “The Evolution of Iran’s Special Groups in Iraq,” CTC Sentinel, November 2010, page 13, https://ctc.usma.edu/the-evolution-of-irans-special-groups-in-iraq/. Sheibani reportedly formed KSS in May 2013, with the support of the Badr Organization and KH.Philip Smyth, Hizballah Cavalcade: Kata’ib Sayyid al-Shuhada Emerges: Updates on the new Iraqi Shia Militia Supplying Fighters to Syria,” Jihadology, September 9, 2013, https://jihadology.net/2013/09/09/hizballah-cavalcade-kataib-sayyid-al-shuhada-emerges-updates-on-the-new-iraqi-shia-militia-supplying-fighters-to-syria/; Caleb Weiss, “Iraqi Shia Militia ‘Willing to Send Fighters to Yemen,’” Long War Journal, July 9, 2018, https://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2018/07/iraqi-shia-militia-willing-to-send-fighters-to-yemen.php; Phillip Smyth, “Hizballah Cavalcade: Kata’ib Sayyid al-Shuhada: Another Supplier of Iraqi Shia Fighters in Syria,” Jihadology, June 3, 2013, https://jihadology.net/2013/09/09/hizballah-cavalcade-kataib-sayyid-al-shuhada-emerges-updates-on-the-new-iraqi-shia-militia-supplying-fighters-to-syria/.; “Part 2: Pro-Iran Militias in Iraq,” Wilson Center, April 27, 2018, https://www.wilsoncenter.org/article/part-2-pro-iran-militias-iraq. KSS claims to have sent 500 Iraqi militants to Syria in 2013, where it fought alongside the Syrian regime until at least 2015.Phillip Smyth, “Hizballah Cavalcade: Kata’ib Sayyid al-Shuhada Emerges: Updates on the New Iraqi Shia Militia Supplying Fighters to Syria,” Jihadology, September 9, 2013, https://jihadology.net/2013/09/09/hizballah-cavalcade-kataib-sayyid-al-shuhada-emerges-updates-on-the-new-iraqi-shia-militia-supplying-fighters-to-syria/; “Kata’ib Sayyid al-Shuhada,” Mapping Militant Organizations, Stanford University, last modified December 28, 2016, https://web.stanford.edu/group/mappingmilitants/cgi-bin/groups/view/629. In 2014, Sheibani stepped down as KSS leader to become an adviser to Iraqi Interior Minister Mohammed al-Ghabban, an official of the Badr Organization. Hashim Finyan Rahim al-Saraji, a.k.a. Abu Waala al Wa’eli, took over Sheibani’s role and continued to lead KSS as of January 2024.Michael Knights, “OFAC Designates Iraqi Militiamen (Part 2): KSS and Abu Ala al-Walai,” Washington Institute for Near East Policy, November 17, 2023, https://www.washingtoninstitute.org/policy-analysis/ofac-designates-iraqi-militiamen-part-2-kss-and-abu-ala-al-walai; “Terrorist Designations of Iran-aligned Militia Groups,” U.S. Department of State, November 17, 2023, https://www.state.gov/terrorist-designations-of-iran-aligned-militia-groups/.

KSS expanded its presence in Iraq after ISIS swept through the country in 2014.“Part 2: Pro-Iran Militias in Iraq,” Wilson Center, April 27, 2018, https://www.wilsoncenter.org/article/part-2-pro-iran-militias-iraq. The Iraqi militia currently operates as a member of the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), designated as Brigade 14.Aymenn Jawad al-Tamimi, “Hashd Brigade Numbers Index,” Aymenn Jawad al-Tamimi’s Blog, October 31, 2017, http://www.aymennjawad.org/2017/10/hashd-brigade-numbers-index. KSS works closely with other pro-IRGC PMF units and its commanders have met personally with former Quds Force commander Qasem Soleimani.Caleb Weiss, “Iranian general at the forefront of the Tikrit offensive,” Long War Journal, March 5, 2015, https://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2015/03/iranian-general-at-the-forefront-of-the-tikrit-offensive.php. KSS receives funds from the Iraqi government as well as directly from Iran’s IRGC-Quds Force.“Kata’ib Sayyid al-Shuhada,” Mapping Militant Organizations, last modified December 28, 2016, https://web.stanford.edu/group/mappingmilitants/cgi-bin/groups/view/629.

Upon the start of the Hamas-Israel war in the Gaza Strip in October 2023, an umbrella group called the Islamic Resistance in Iraq (IRI) emerged. The grouping quickly launched dozens of attacks on U.S. forces and military bases across Iraq and Syria in retaliation for the United States’ stance on the Gaza crisis. The IRI is reportedly a coalition of all Iran-backed Shiite militias operating in Iraq. Among the groups included are Harakat Hezbollah al-Nujaba (HHN), KH, AAH, and KSS, as well as lesser-known militias such as Tashkil al-Waritheen.Hamdi Malik and Michael Knights, “Profile: The Islamic Resistance in Iraq,” Washington Institute for Near East Policy, October 21, 2023, https://www.washingtoninstitute.org/policy-analysis/profile-islamic-resistance-iraq. By January 2024, the militant coalition had carried out more than 100 attacks.Raya Jalabi and Felicia Schwartz, “US air strike kills commander of Iran-backed militia in Baghdad,” Financial Times, January 4, 2024, https://www.ft.com/content/6c70205d-e2b0-4f1a-bb19-835f7aa2b268.