Yahya Jammeh is the U.S.-designated former president of The Gambia who ruled for 22 years after seizing power in a 1994 coup. Jammeh’s regime was accused of several human-rights violations, particularly against journalists and political opponents.“Profile: Former Gambian President Yahya Jammeh,” BBC News, January 22, 2017, http://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-24383225; “United States Sanctions Human Rights Abusers and Corrupt Actors Across the Globe,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, December 21, 2017, https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/sm0243. As ruler of the Muslim-majority country, Jammeh used Islamic fundamentalism as a political tool.Jessica Moody: “Leaving Islamism Aside: The Gambia Under Adama Barrow,” Jamestown Foundation, May 5, 2017, https://jamestown.org/program/leaving-islamism-aside-gambia-adama-barrow/. He also sought to portray himself as a “devout Muslim with miraculous powers,” such as the ability to cure AIDS, according to BBC News.“Profile: Former Gambian President Yahya Jammeh,” BBC News, January 22, 2017, http://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-24383225. Jammeh also vehemently opposed homosexuality, and threatened gay people in the country.“Profile: Former Gambian President Yahya Jammeh,” BBC News, January 22, 2017, http://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-24383225. After a shock electoral defeat in December 2016, Jammeh refused to cede power until he was forced out of the country by a foreign military incursion the following month.“Gambia political crisis: What happens next?” BBC News, January 20, 2017, http://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-38650266. He remains in exile in Equatorial Guinea, where he was granted sanctuary.Tim Cocks and Lamin Jahateh, “Gambia’s former leader Jammeh flies into exile in Equatorial Guinea,” Reuters, January 20, 2017, https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-gambia-politics/gambias-former-leader-jammeh-flies-into-exile-in-equatorial-guinea-idUKKBN1540S3; Ruth Maclean, “Equatorial Guinea says it will protect former Gambian leader,” Guardian (London), January 27, 2018, https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/jan/27/equatorial-guinea-says-it-will-protect-yahya-jammeh-former-gambian-leader.

Jammeh grew up in The Gambia and joined the country’s National Gendarmerie after completing high school.“President Jammeh takes nomination turn at IEC today,” Point (Bakau), November 10, 2016, http://thepoint.gm/africa/gambia/article/president-jammeh-takes-nomination-turn-at-iec-today. He rose through the ranks of the country’s National Army until July 1994. That year, as a lieutenant, Jammeh launched a bloodless coup and seized power from the country’s elected president, Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara.“President Jammeh takes nomination turn at IEC today,” Point (Bakau), November 10, 2016, http://thepoint.gm/africa/gambia/article/president-jammeh-takes-nomination-turn-at-iec-today; Howard W. French, “New Coup Follows Old Pattern,” New York Times, August 28, 1994, https://www.nytimes.com/1994/08/28/world/in-gambia-new-coup-follows-old-pattern.html. Though Jammeh promised to “set things right” and return The Gambia to democracy, he would go on to be accused of several human-rights violations during his 22-year authoritarian rule of the country, which he maintained by winning four subsequent elections until his ultimate defeat in 2016.Howard W. French, “New Coup Follows Old Pattern,” New York Times, August 28, 1994, https://www.nytimes.com/1994/08/28/world/in-gambia-new-coup-follows-old-pattern.html; “The Gambia country profile,” BBC News, February 14, 2018, http://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-13376517: “Profile: Former Gambian President Yahya Jammeh,” BBC News, January 22, 2017, http://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-24383225.

Jammeh’s regime, assisted by the Gambian army and National Intelligence Agency, regularly carried out arbitrary arrests, detentions, torture, and executions.“Gambia: Events of 2016,” Human Rights Watch, accessed April 6, 2018, https://www.hrw.org/world-report/2017/country-chapters/gambia; Jessica Moody: “Leaving Islamism Aside: The Gambia Under Adama Barrow,” Jamestown Foundation, May 5, 2017, https://jamestown.org/program/leaving-islamism-aside-gambia-adama-barrow/. Jammeh also created a terror-and-assassination squad called the Junglers, which terrorized, interrogated, and killed individuals that Jammeh deemed to be threats, which were usually religious leaders, journalists, political opponents and former government members.“United States Sanctions Human Rights Abusers and Corrupt Actors Across the Globe,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, December 21, 2017, https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/sm0243. According to the international media group Reporters Without Borders, there was an “absolute intolerance of any form of criticism” in the country under Jammeh’s rule.“Profile: Former Gambian President Yahya Jammeh,” BBC News, January 22, 2017, http://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-24383225. The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) condemned Jammeh’s 2011 election victory, alleging that voters and the opposition had been “cowed by repression and intimidation.”“Profile: Former Gambian President Yahya Jammeh,” BBC News, January 22, 2017, http://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-24383225. Nonetheless, Jammeh stated in an interview with the BBC later that year that he was unfazed by criticism of his human rights abuses, and that he would “rule [The Gambia] for one billion years…if Allah says so.”“Profile: Former Gambian President Yahya Jammeh,” BBC News, January 22, 2017, http://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-24383225.

Jammeh also made several bizarre and false claims during his rule. For example, in 2007, he claimed that he had invented a miracle cure for AIDS/HIV consisting of an herbal concoction and spiritual healing techniques. An unknown number of individuals died after he forced approximately 9,000 people with the disease to undergo the treatment for six months.“The president who made people take his bogus HIV cure,” BBC News, January 22, 2018, http://www.bbc.com/news/stories-42754150. He also claimed that he could cure female infertility.“Profile: Former Gambian President Yahya Jammeh,” BBC News, January 22, 2017, http://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-24383225. According to Amnesty International, in 2009, Jammeh launched a witch-hunting campaign during which approximately 1,000 Gambians were abducted and forced to drink hallucinogenic poisons on charges of witchcraft. At least six people reportedly died as a result.Adam Nossiter, “Witch Hunts and Foul Potions Heighten Fear of Leader in Gambia,” New York Times, May 20, 2009, https://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/21/world/africa/21gambia.html; “Rights group: 1,000 seized in Gambia ‘witch-hunt,’” CNN, March 18, 2009, http://edition.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/africa/03/18/gambia.amnesty.witchcraft/.

Jammeh also vehemently opposed homosexuality. In 2008, he advised gay people to leave the country under threat of decapitation. In 2014, Jammeh signed a bill into law that punished some homosexual acts with life imprisonment.Associated Press, “Gambian leader approves anti-gay law,” Guardian (London), November 21, 2014, https://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/nov/21/gambian-leader-approves-anti-gay-law. The same year, in an address on state television, he declared that “we will fight these vermins [sic] called homosexuals or gays the same way we are fighting malaria-causing mosquitoes, if not more aggressively.”Associated Press, “The Gambia passes bill imposing life sentences for some homosexual acts,” Guardian (London), September 8, 2014, https://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/sep/09/gambia-passes-bill-life-imprisonment-homosexual-acts. In a 2013 address to the U.N. General Assembly, he stated that “homosexuality…[is] very evil, anti-human as well as anti-Allah,” and criticized its status as a human right in other nations.Michelle Nichols, “Gambian president says gays a threat to human existence,” Reuters, September 27, 2013, https://www.reuters.com/article/us-un-assembly-gays/gambian-president-says-gays-a-threat-to-human-existence-idUSBRE98Q19K20130927. In 2015, he threatened to slit the throats of gay men in The Gambia.Kayla Ruble, “Gambian President Says He Will Slit Gay Men’s Throats in Public Speech,” Vice News, May 11, 2015, https://news.vice.com/article/gambian-president-says-he-will-slit-gay-mens-throats-in-public-speech.

Jammeh used Islamic fundamentalism as a political tool during his rule. He sought to extract political support from Gambian Muslims who were influenced by radical Wahhabi Islam at universities in the Middle East, as well as financial support from Middle Eastern donor nations such as Qatar and Kuwait.Jessica Moody: “Leaving Islamism Aside: The Gambia Under Adama Barrow,” Jamestown Foundation, May 5, 2017, https://jamestown.org/program/leaving-islamism-aside-gambia-adama-barrow/; Abdoulaye Saine, Culture and Customs of Gambia, Santa Barbara: Greenwood (2012), 52, https://books.google.com/books?id=ikWccsfwZJAC&printsec=frontcover&source=gbs_ge_summary_r&cad=0#v=onepage&q&f=false; Misha Hussein, “Middle East funds Gambia as EU cuts aid over human rights concerns,” Reuters, December 10, 2014, https://www.reuters.com/article/us-gambia-rights-donors/middle-east-funds-gambia-as-eu-cuts-aid-over-human-rights-concerns-idUSKBN0JO19520141210. In December 2015, Jammeh declared The Gambia to be an Islamic republic––making it the second Islamic republic in Africa after Mauritania. He stated that “accepting Allah’s religion as your religion and as your way of life is not negotiable” and cited a desire to break from the country’s colonial past.Alex Vines, “The Gambia: Africa’s new Islamic republic,” BBC News, January 22, 2016, http://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-35359593; “Gambia: Jammeh Proclaims Gambia Islamic State,” AllAfrica, December 14, 2015, http://allafrica.com/stories/201512142140.html. In a 2016 speech to The Gambia’s parliament, Jammeh criticized the West’s stance toward ISIS, stating that “it is hypocritical for the West to designate ISIS as a terrorism organization, when the KKK in the United States of America is being treated differently,” and pledged to introduce the rule of sharia (Islamic law) into the country.“Gambia: Breaking News: Gambia’s Jammeh Defends the Terrorist Group ISIS; Says The West Is Being Hypocritical For Refusing To Designate The KKK As A Christian Terrorist Organization!” Freedom Newspaper, March 31, 2016, https://freedomnewspaper.com/2016/03/31/gambia-breaking-news-gambias-jammeh-defends-terrorist-group-isis-says-west-hypocritical-refusing-designate-kkk-christian-terrorist-organization/. Additionally, Jammeh invited Zakir Naik––an Islamic extremist preacher and televangelist wanted in his home country of India for alleged involvement in terrorist acts––to visit The Gambia as a special guest on at least two occasions, and presented him with the country’s highest honorary award––“The Insignia of the Commander of the National Order of the Republic of The Gambia.”“Gambia: Renowned Scholar Dr. Zakir Naik Arrives Gambia Today,” AllAfrica, October 8, 2014, http://allafrica.com/stories/201410081498.html; “Dr Zakir Naik,” PeaceTV, accessed April 6, 2018, http://www.peacetv.tv/en-gb/speakers/dr-zakir-naik; “Gambia: Open Letter to Dr Zakir Naik about Yahya Jammeh’s Crimes Against Muslims and Non-Muslims in The Gambia,” Freedom Newspaper, August 1, 2016, https://freedomnewspaper.com/2016/08/01/gambia-open-letter-to-dr-zakir-naik-about-yahya-jammehs-crimes-against-muslims-and-non-muslims-in-the-gambia/. Naik praised Jammeh during his second visit in July 2016, stating, “there are very few [leaders of Islamic countries] who have the passion, the courage, and the Taqwa [consciousness of Allah] like the President of the Gambia.”“Gambia: Open Letter to Dr Zakir Naik about Yahya Jammeh’s Crimes Against Muslims and Non-Muslims in The Gambia,” Freedom Newspaper, August 1, 2016, https://freedomnewspaper.com/2016/08/01/gambia-open-letter-to-dr-zakir-naik-about-yahya-jammehs-crimes-against-muslims-and-non-muslims-in-the-gambia/.

On December 1, 2016, Jammeh lost the presidency to opposition candidate Adama Barrow. Though Jammeh initially congratulated Barrow and accepted the election results, he reversed his decision a week later and called for new elections, citing voter fraud. Several African leaders and regional bodies, including the African Union (AU) and ECOWAS, unsuccessfully encouraged Jammeh to relinquish power.“Gambia leader Yahya Jammeh rejects election result,” BBC News, December 10, 2016, http://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-38271480; “West African leaders arrive in Gambia to convince Yahya Jammeh to step down, as soldiers ‘take over election building,’” Telegraph (London), December 13, 2016, https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2016/12/13/west-african-leaders-arrive-gambia-convince-yahya-jammeh-step/; “Gambia crisis: Everything you need to know about the battle to remove Yahya Jammeh,” Telegraph (London), January 20, 2017, https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2017/01/18/gambia-crisis-everything-need-know-battle-remove-president-yahya/. In January 2017, a day after The Gambian parliament voted to extend Jammeh’s term by three months, the U.N. Security Council approved a resolution backing Barrow and calling on Jammeh to step down.Edith M. Lederer, “U.N. adopts resolution backing Gambia’s new President Barrow,” Washington Post, January 19, 2017, https://web.archive.org/web/20170119225520/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/africa/un-adopts-resolution-backing-gambias-new-president-barrow/2017/01/19/df6a7166-de76-11e6-8902-610fe486791c_story.html; “Gambia: Security Council backs regional efforts to ensure peaceful transfer of power to Barrow,” UN News, January 19, 2017, https://news.un.org/en/story/2017/01/549832-gambia-security-council-backs-regional-efforts-ensure-peaceful-transfer-power. On January 19, 2017, Barrow was sworn in at the Gambian embassy in Dakar, Senegal.“Gambia crisis: Everything you need to know about the battle to remove Yahya Jammeh,” Telegraph (London), January 20, 2017, https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2017/01/18/gambia-crisis-everything-need-know-battle-remove-president-yahya/. The same day, Senegalese, Nigerian, and other ECOWAS troops invaded The Gambia as part of a U.N.-backed military intervention to force Jammeh to cede power.“Gambia political crisis: What happens next?” BBC News, January 20, 2017, http://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-38650266. Jammeh finally agreed to leave the country following the initial military incursion, and subsequently fled to Equatorial Guinea, where he was granted sanctuary.Tim Cocks and Lamin Jahateh, “Gambia’s former leader Jammeh flies into exile in Equatorial Guinea,” Reuters, January 20, 2017, https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-gambia-politics/gambias-former-leader-jammeh-flies-into-exile-in-equatorial-guinea-idUKKBN1540S3.

On December 21, 2017, the U.S. government sanctioned Jammeh for his record of human rights abuses and corruption. According to the U.S. Department of the Treasury, Jammeh extracted at least $50 million of state funds for personal use during his rule.“United States Sanctions Human Rights Abusers and Corrupt Actors Across the Globe,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, December 21, 2017, https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/sm0243. Though Equatoguinean President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo briefly expressed in January 2018 the possibility of allowing Jammeh to be extradited back to The Gambia, he quickly rescinded his statement, stating, “We are in full agreement that Yahya Jammeh must be protected. He must be respected as a former African leader.”Colin Freeman, “Gambia’s former dictator ‘could be extradited,’” Telegraph (London), January 19, 2018, https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2018/01/19/gambias-former-dictator-could-extradited/; Ruth Maclean, “Equatorial Guinea says it will protect former Gambian leader,” Guardian (London), January 27, 2018, https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/jan/27/equatorial-guinea-says-it-will-protect-yahya-jammeh-former-gambian-leader. Barrow has since strived to reform The Gambia’s military and NIA, which remained loyal to Jammeh following his departure.Jessica Moody: “Leaving Islamism Aside: The Gambia Under Adama Barrow,” Jamestown Foundation, May 5, 2017, https://jamestown.org/program/leaving-islamism-aside-gambia-adama-barrow/. In February 2018, The Gambia’s intelligence authorities released a list of the country’s most-wanted criminals, but did not include Jammeh.“Jammeh excluded from 36 ‘Most Wanted List,’” Point (Bakau), February 8, 2018, http://thepoint.gm/africa/gambia/article/jammeh-excluded-from-36-most-wanted-list.

Mawlawi Abdul Rauf was one of five Taliban members to represent the group in the third round of unofficial peace talks with the Afghan government in Turkey in January 2018. Rauf told Afghanistan’s TOLOnews that the Taliban’s conditions had not changed since previous rounds of peace talks in 2017, but the Afghan government had since made some concessions. Rauf did not elaborate on the Taliban’s conditions, but he suggested that official peace talks would take place in the future, with more Taliban leaders present.Siyar Sirat, “Turkey Delegation ‘Represents All Taliban Factions,’” TOLOnews, January 14, 2018, http://www.tolonews.com/afghanistan/turkey-delegation-%E2%80%98represents-all-taliban-factions%E2%80%99; “Head of Taliban Delegation Mawlawi Abdul Rauf Talks On Turkey Peace Negotiations,” YouTube video, January 14, 2018, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g2EAXOyUB-c.

Rauf stated that the delegation represented all Taliban factions––including affiliated groups like Quetta Shura and the Haqqani network––willing to negotiate directly with the Afghan government, as opposed to those “who want to talk through Americans.”Siyar Sirat, “Turkey Delegation ‘Represents All Taliban Factions,’” TOLOnews, January 14, 2018, http://www.tolonews.com/afghanistan/turkey-delegation-%E2%80%98represents-all-taliban-factions%E2%80%99; “Head of Taliban Delegation Mawlawi Abdul Rauf Talks On Turkey Peace Negotiations,” YouTube video, January 14, 2018, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g2EAXOyUB-c. At the same time, however, Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid stated that the delegation in Turkey did not represent the group.Siyar Sirat, “Turkey Delegation ‘Represents All Taliban Factions,’” TOLOnews, January 14, 2018, http://www.tolonews.com/afghanistan/turkey-delegation-%E2%80%98represents-all-taliban-factions%E2%80%99; Ayaz Gul, “Taliban Denies Attending Afghan Peace Talks in Turkey,” Voice of America, January 14, 2018, https://www.voanews.com/a/taliban-denies-attending-afghan-peace-talks-in-turkey/4207176.html.

Abu Sulayman al-Adani is the emir of ISIS’s affiliate in Yemen. Before becoming emir, he served as a military commander in the group.“Treasury and Terrorist Financing Targeting Certain Partners Issue First Joint Sanctions Against Key Terrorists and Supporters,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, October 25, 2017, https://www.treasury.gov/press-center/press-releases/Pages/sm0187.aspx. He was designated as a terrorist by the United States and six Gulf countries in October 2017.Thomas Joscelyn, “US and Gulf nations sanction 8 jihadists in Yemen,” Long War Journal, October 25, 2017, https://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2017/10/us-and-gulf-nations-sanction-8-jihadists-in-yemen.php.

Adani was born in 1988. According to the U.S. Department of State, he has dual Yemeni and Jordanian citizenship, holding passports from both countries. Although his place of birth is unknown, he presently resides in Yemen.“Counter Terrorism Designations,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, October 25, 2017, https://www.treasury.gov/resource-center/sanctions/OFAC-Enforcement/Pages/20171025.aspx.

In 2013, he was reportedly recommended by current ISIS emir Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi to become the emir of the group’s affiliate in Yemen.“Treasury and Terrorist Financing Targeting Certain Partners Issue First Joint Sanctions Against Key Terrorists and Supporters,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, October 25, 2017, https://www.treasury.gov/press-center/press-releases/Pages/sm0187.aspx. However, when ISIS’s Yemeni affiliate actually formed in November 2014, Nassir al-Harbi (a.k.a. Abu Bilal al-Harbi) became its self-proclaimed emir, although there were reports of disputes surrounding his leadership in subsequent years.Treasury Sanctions Major Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant Leaders, Financial Figures, Facilitators, and Supporters,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, September 29, 2015, https://www.treasury.gov/press-center/press-releases/Pages/jl0188.aspx. In late 2015, seventy members of ISIS in Yemen rebelled against Harbi for reportedly violating Sharia law.Thomas Joscelyn and Bill Roggio, “Divisions emerge within the Islamic State’s Yemen ‘province,’” Long War Journal, December 23, 2015, https://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2015/12/divisions-emerge-within-the-islamic-states-yemen-province.php. While the exact circumstances of Harbi’s removal from the position are unknown, Adani reportedly became emir of ISIS in Yemen by March 2017. Prior to becoming emir, Adani served as a military commander for the group.“Treasury and Terrorist Financing Targeting Certain Partners Issue First Joint Sanctions Against Key Terrorists and Supporters,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, October 25, 2017, https://www.treasury.gov/press-center/press-releases/Pages/sm0187.aspx.

On October 25, 2017, the U.S. Department of the Treasury named Adani a Specially Designated Global Terrorist for acting for or on behalf of ISIS in Yemen.“Treasury and Terrorist Financing Targeting Certain Partners Issue First Joint Sanctions Against Key Terrorists and Supporters,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, October 25, 2017, https://www.treasury.gov/press-center/press-releases/Pages/sm0187.aspx. Several Gulf countries also belonging to the Terrorist Financing Targeting Center, a coalition of nations established in May 2017, also agreed to impose similar sanctions against Adani on the same date. These countries included Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates.Thomas Joscelyn, “US and Gulf nations sanction 8 jihadists in Yemen,” Long War Journal, October 25, 2017, https://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2017/10/us-and-gulf-nations-sanction-8-jihadists-in-yemen.php.

On June 3, 2019, Adani was reportedly captured by Saudi and Yemeni special forces.Joanne Stocker, “Saudi-led coalition claims capture of senior Islamic State Yemen figure,” The Defense Post, June 25, 2019, https://www.thedefensepost.com/2019/06/25/saudi-capture-yemen-isis-leader/.

​Nashwan al-Wali al-Yafi’i is a finance official for ISIS’s affiliate group in Yemen.“Saudi Arabia adds 11 Qaeda, ISIS-linked Yemenis on terror list,” Al Arabiya English, October 25, 2017, https://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/gulf/2017/10/25/Saudi-State-Security-lists-two-entities-and-eleven-names-supporting-al-Qaeda-ISIS.html; “Treasury and Terrorist Financing Targeting Certain Partners Issue First Joint Sanctions Against Key Terrorists and Supporters,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, October 25, 2017, https://www.treasury.gov/press-center/press-releases/Pages/sm0187.aspx. Prior, he was a militant and financial officer for ISIS in a district in Yemen.“Treasury and Terrorist Financing Targeting Certain Partners Issue First Joint Sanctions Against Key Terrorists and Supporters,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, October 25, 2017, https://www.treasury.gov/press-center/press-releases/Pages/sm0187.aspx. He was designated as a terrorist by the United States and six Gulf countries in October 2017.Thomas Joscelyn, “US and Gulf nations sanction 8 jihadists in Yemen,” Long War Journal, Long War Journal, October 25, 2017, https://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2017/10/us-and-gulf-nations-sanction-8-jihadists-in-yemen.php.

Yafi’i was born in 1984 and holds Yemeni citizenship.“Saudi Arabia adds 11 Qaeda, ISIS-linked Yemenis on terror list,” Al Arabiya English, October 25, 2017, https://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/gulf/2017/10/25/Saudi-State-Security-lists-two-entities-and-eleven-names-supporting-al-Qaeda-ISIS.html; “Counter Terrorism Designations,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, October 25, 2017, https://www.treasury.gov/resource-center/sanctions/OFAC-Enforcement/Pages/20171025.aspx. He joined ISIS’s affiliate in Yemen sometime after the group was established in November 2014. He served as a militant and the chief financial officer for the group in the Yafi’i District of Yemen’s Lahij Governorate as of late 2016. At the same time, he was known to associate with a principal ideological leader of ISIS in Yemen. At some point, he directly reported to Khalid Marfadi, a military leader and recruiter for the group. As of early 2017, Yafi’i was known to be part of leadership of ISIS in Yemen as a finance official.“Treasury and Terrorist Financing Targeting Certain Partners Issue First Joint Sanctions Against Key Terrorists and Supporters,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, October 25, 2017, https://www.treasury.gov/press-center/press-releases/Pages/sm0187.aspx.

On October 25, 2017, the U.S. Department of the Treasury named Yafi’i a Specially Designated Global Terrorist for acting for or on behalf of ISIS in Yemen.“Treasury and Terrorist Financing Targeting Certain Partners Issue First Joint Sanctions Against Key Terrorists and Supporters,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, October 25, 2017, https://www.treasury.gov/press-center/press-releases/Pages/sm0187.aspx. Several Gulf countries also belonging to the Terrorist Financing Targeting Center, a coalition of nations established in May 2017, also agreed to impose similar sanctions against Yafi’i on the same date. These countries included Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates.Thomas Joscelyn, “US and Gulf nations sanction 8 jihadists in Yemen,” Long War Journal, October 25, 2017, https://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2017/10/us-and-gulf-nations-sanction-8-jihadists-in-yemen.php.

Khalid Sa’id Ghabish al-Ubaydi is a senior member of ISIS’s affiliate in Yemen. He has served as a recruiter, weapons smuggler, and leader of ISIS in Yemen’s al-Mahrah and Hadramawt Governorates.“Treasury and Terrorist Financing Targeting Certain Partners Issue First Joint Sanctions Against Key Terrorists and Supporters,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, October 25, 2017, https://www.treasury.gov/press-center/press-releases/Pages/sm0187.aspx. He was designated as a terrorist by the United States and six Gulf countries in October 2017.Thomas Joscelyn, “US and Gulf nations sanction 8 jihadists in Yemen,” Long War Journal, October 25, 2017, https://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2017/10/us-and-gulf-nations-sanction-8-jihadists-in-yemen.php.

Ubaydi was born sometime between 1984 and 1986 in the United Arab Emirates.“Counter Terrorism Designations,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, October 25, 2017, https://www.treasury.gov/resource-center/sanctions/OFAC-Enforcement/Pages/20171025.aspx; “Saudi Arabia adds 11 Qaeda, ISIS-linked Yemenis on terror list,” Al Arabiya English, October 25, 2017, https://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/gulf/2017/10/25/Saudi-State-Security-lists-two-entities-and-eleven-names-supporting-al-Qaeda-ISIS.html. He joined ISIS’s affiliate in Yemen sometime after the group was established in November 2014 and held various important positions. In 2014, he worked to recruit youths to join ISIS in Yemen. By late 2016, he was one of the most senior members of the terror group in the city of Al Ghaydah in Yemen’s al-Mahrah Governorate. He also served as an ISIS leader in Yemen’s Hadramawt Governorate. In early 2017, he was known to work as weapons smuggler for ISIS in Yemen, securing and transporting weapons shipments to secret storage locations in the country.“Treasury and Terrorist Financing Targeting Certain Partners Issue First Joint Sanctions Against Key Terrorists and Supporters,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, October 25, 2017, https://www.treasury.gov/press-center/press-releases/Pages/sm0187.aspx.

On October 25, 2017, the U.S. Department of the Treasury named Ubaydi a Specially Designated Global Terrorist for acting for or on behalf of ISIS in Yemen.“Treasury and Terrorist Financing Targeting Certain Partners Issue First Joint Sanctions Against Key Terrorists and Supporters,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, October 25, 2017, https://www.treasury.gov/press-center/press-releases/Pages/sm0187.aspx. Several Gulf countries also belonging to the Terrorist Financing Targeting Center, a coalition of nations established in May 2017, also agreed to impose similar sanctions against Ubaydi on the same date. These countries included Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates.Thomas Joscelyn, “US and Gulf nations sanction 8 jihadists in Yemen,” Long War Journal, October 25, 2017, https://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2017/10/us-and-gulf-nations-sanction-8-jihadists-in-yemen.php.

Ismail Haniyeh was the chief of Hamas’s political bureau from 2017 until his death in 2024. He formerly served as deputy leader of Hamas between 2014 and 2017 and as Hamas’s prime minister in Gaza between 2007 and 2014.“Ismail Haniyeh elected new political head of Hamas,” Times of Israel, May 6, 2017, http://www.timesofisrael.com/ismail-haniyeh-elected-new-head-of-hamas/?utm_source=The+Times+of+Israel+Daily+Edition&utm_campaign=0dd24464cd-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2017_05_05&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_adb46cec92-0dd24464cd-55118405. After Hamas and Fatah signed a reconciliation agreement in April 2014, Haniyeh stepped down as prime ministerJodi Rudoren and Isabel Kershner, “With Hope for Unity, Abbas Swears In a New Palestinian Government,” New York Times, June 2, 2014, http://www.nytimes.com/2014/06/03/world/middleeast/abbas-swears-in-a-new-palestinian-government.html. and accepted the role as deputy leader of Hamas.Jodi Rudoren and Isabel Kershner, “Israel Warns Against Embracing Newly Reconciled Palestinian Government,” New York Times, June 1, 2014, http://www.nytimes.com/2014/06/02/world/middleeast/israel-warns-against-embracing-newly-reconciled-palestinian-government.html. Haniyeh assumed the leadership of Hamas in 2017.“Ismail Haniyeh elected new political head of Hamas,” Times of Israel, May 6, 2017, http://www.timesofisrael.com/ismail-haniyeh-elected-new-head-of-hamas/?utm_source=The+Times+of+Israel+Daily+Edition&utm_campaign=0dd24464cd-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2017_05_05&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_adb46cec92-0dd24464cd-55118405. He remains based in Qatar, where he and other Hamas leaders were reportedly worth a combined $11 billion.Isabel Vincent and Benjamin Weinthal, “Hamas leaders worth staggering $11B revel in luxury — while Gaza’s people suffer,” New York Post, November 7, 2023, https://nypost.com/2023/11/07/news/hamas-leaders-worth-11bn-live-luxury-lives-in-qatar/. Haniyeh reportedly played a role in planning Hamas’s October 7, 2023, attack on Israel, which killed 1,200 people.Summer Goodkind, “Top Hamas military commander claims October 7 attacks were never meant to target Israeli civilians as he breaks ranks to criticise terror group’s leaders ‘who changed the plan last-minute’ in extraordinary intervention,” Daily Mail (London), November 5, 2023, https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-12712397/Top-Hamas-military-commander-claims-October-7-attacks-never-meant-target-Israeli-civilians-breaks-ranks-criticise-terror-groups-exiled-leaders-changed-plan-minute-extraordinary-intervention.html. Haniyeh was reportedly killed in Tehran, Iran, on July 31, 2024.“Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh killed in Iran, Hamas says in statement,” Reuters, July 30, 2024, https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/hamas-chief-ismail-haniyeh-killed-iran-hamas-says-statement-2024-07-31/.

Hamas’s Shura Council elected Haniyeh the new chief of Hamas’s political bureau on May 6, 2017. He replaced Khaled Meshaal, who had held the position for two terms since 2004.“Ismail Haniyeh elected new political head of Hamas,” Times of Israel, May 6, 2017, http://www.timesofisrael.com/ismail-haniyeh-elected-new-head-of-hamas/?utm_source=The+Times+of+Israel+Daily+Edition&utm_campaign=0dd24464cd-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2017_05_05&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_adb46cec92-0dd24464cd-55118405. The day following the May 2017 election, Haniyeh received a congratulatory phone call from Qatari Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammad Bin Abdul Rahman Al Thani, affirming continued Qatari support, according to Hamas.“Qatar's Foreign Minister congratulates Haniyeh on his election win as head of Hamas,” Hamas website, May 7, 2017, http://hamas.ps/en/post/700/qatar-s-foreign-minister-congratulates-haniyeh-on-his-election-win-as-head-of-hamas.

Haniyeh long advocated a political role for Hamas, resulting in his ascension to prime minister of the PA in 2006 when the group joined Palestinian politics before violently assuming control over Gaza the following year. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas fired Haniyeh as prime minister in June 2007 following clashes between Hamas and Fatah forces. Haniyeh refused to accept his dismissal and instead expelled Fatah and the PA from Gaza.J Conal Urquart, Ian Black, and Mark Tran, “Hamas Takes Control of Gaza,” Guardian, June 15, 2007, http://www.theguardian.com/world/2007/jun/15/israel4;
“Abbas Sacks Hamas-Led Government,” BBC News, June 15, 2007, http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/6754499.stm. That same month, Hamas established its own government to rule Gaza with Haniyeh as prime minister. The Hamas government remained separate from the PA, maintaining its own security control over Gaza in opposition to both the PA and Israel. Haniyeh remained prime minister of Gaza until a 2014 reconciliation agreement between Hamas and Fatah, after which Haniyeh became Hamas’s deputy political leader.Jodi Rudoren and Isabel Kershner, “Israel Warns Against Embracing Newly Reconciled Palestinian Government,” New York Times, June 1, 2014,http://www.nytimes.com/2014/06/02/world/middleeast/israel-warns-against-embracing-newly-reconciled-palestinian-government.html.

Haniyeh operated out of the Gaza Strip after assuming the role of Palestinian prime minister in 2006. Hamas has not revealed whether Haniyeh will relocate to Qatar as head of the group’s political bureau, though Hamas’s top political leaders have largely chosen to reside outside of Gaza to avoid restrictions on movement. Meshaal has resided in Doha, Qatar, since 2012, when Hamas’s leadership fled from Syria.“Hamas Political Chiefs Exit Syria,” BBC News, February 28, 2012,http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-17192278. Haniyeh left Gaza in late 2016 to perform the traditional Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca and visit Meshaal in Qatar, sparking speculation that he would relocate to Qatar in anticipation of assuming leadership of Hamas’s politbureau. Hamas quashed the rumors and stated that Haniyeh would return to Gaza.Adam Rasgon, “Hamas  Leader: Haniyeh to Return to Gaza After Qatar Stint,” Jerusalem Post, November 22, 2016, http://www.jpost.com/Middle-East/Hamas-leader-Haniyeh-to-return-to-Gaza-after-Qatar-stint-473328. Following Haniyeh’s May 2017 election, the New York Times reported that Haniyeh would move to Qatar.Isabel Kershner and Majd Al Waheidi, “Hamas Picks Ismail Haniya as Leader as Power Balance Shifts to Gaza,” New York Times, May 6, 2017, https://www.nytimes.com/2017/05/06/world/middleeast/hamas-leader-ismail-haniya-gaza.html?_r=1. However, Haaretz later reported that Haniyeh intends to travel between Gaza and Qatar, though that is largely dependent on Egypt allowing him to exit the territory.Jack Khoury, “Analysis No Reconciliation in Sight: Abbas’ Team Is Unenthused by Hamas’ New Leadership,” Haaretz (Jerusalem), May 7, 2017, http://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/.premium-1.787690.

In his outgoing speech, Meshaal said that Haniyeh and Hamas’s political bureau would continue to focus on the “key” issues of “liberation, Jerusalem, prisoners, right of refugees, lifting the siege imposed on Gaza, and achieving internal unity.”“Khalid Meshal's speech during the inauguration of the new head of Hamas political bureau, Ismail Haniya ( an excerpt),” Hamas website, May 6, 2017, http://hamas.ps/en/post/694/khalid-meshal-s-speech-during-the-inauguration-of-the-new-head-of-hamas-political-bureau-ismail-haniya-(-an-excerpt).

After assuming the leadership of Hamas, Haniyeh did not leave the Gaza Strip again until December 2019 when he led a Hamas delegation on a multi-national tour. Haniyeh held high-level meetings in Turkey and Qatar. Days after his December 8 meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, British media reported that Hamas has continued to plan terrorist attacks from a base in Istanbul with the knowledge of the Turkish government. The delegation announced it also planned to visit Malaysia, Russia, Lebanon, Mauritania, and Kuwait. While in Istanbul, Haniyeh told Turkish media that he is also trying to strengthen Hamas’s relationship with Iran.Raf Sanchez, “Exclusive: Hamas plots attacks on Israel from Turkey as Erdogan turns blind eye,” Telegraph (London), December 17, 2019, https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2019/12/17/hamas-plots-attacks-israel-turkey-erdogan-turns-blind-eye/; “Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh visits Turkey, meets with Erdogan,” Jerusalem Post, December 15, 2019, https://www.jpost.com/Middle-East/Hamas-leader-Ismail-Haniyeh-visits-Turkey-meets-Erdogan-610942; Seth J. Frantzman, “Turkey and Qatar give warm embrace to Hamas leaders,” Jerusalem Post, December 17, 2019, https://www.jpost.com/Middle-East/Turkey-and-Qatar-give-warm-embrace-to-Hamas-leaders-611219.

Haniyeh traveled to Iran the following month to attend the funeral of Qasem Soleimani, the commander of the Quds Force of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps who died in a U.S. airstrike on January 3, 2020. Haniyeh was only one of a handful of people to speak at the funeral. He praised Iran and pledged that the Palestinian resistance would continue. Haniyeh also stood close to Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, signaling that Hamas was attempting to restore its relations with Iran. Prior to the funeral, Haniyeh made a condolence call to Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, who pledged that Iran would continue to back “the Palestinian people’s rights and resistance in defense of its land and holy sites.”“Hamas leader praises Soleimani at Tehran funeral in show of support for Iran,” Times of Israel, January 6, 2020, https://www.timesofisrael.com/hamas-leader-praises-soleimani-at-tehran-funeral-in-show-of-support-for-iran/. Haniyeh also met with Ismail Ghaani, Soleimani’s replacement as head of the Quds Force. The visit to Tehran reportedly infuriated the Egyptian government, which expressly forbade Haniyeh from visiting Iran on his trip abroad.Adam Rasgon, “Egypt reportedly simmers over Hamas chief’s trip to Iran,” Times of Israel, January 7, 2020, https://www.timesofisrael.com/egypt-reportedly-simmers-over-hamas-chiefs-trip-to-iran/.

In early February 2020, unconfirmed reports claimed that Egypt had prevented Haniyeh from returning to the Gaza Strip through the Rafah border crossing, leaving Haniyeh to settle in Qatar. Senior Hamas official Khalil al-Hayya later stated that Haniyeh would remain outside the Gaza Strip for at least six months.Khaled Abu Toameh, “Hamas leader Haniyeh decides to settle in Qatar – report,” Jerusalem Post, February 2, 2020, https://www.jpost.com/Middle-East/Hamas-leader-Haniyeh-decides-to-settle-in-Qatar-report-616253. Later that month, Hamas confirmed that Haniyeh would settle in Doha, Qatar, for the immediate future in order to continue traveling freely through the end of 2020 or early 2021.Ahmed Fouad, “Egypt may find Gaza more appealing without Haniyeh,” Al-Monitor, February 25, 2020, https://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2020/02/egypt-ban-hamas-haniyeh-return-gaza-iran-qatar.html.

Haniyeh continued to exercise this freedom of movement throughout 2020. On August 22, Haniyeh again met with Erdoğan, a move that led the U.S. State Department to raise “concerns about the Turkish government’s relationship with Hamas at the highest levels.”Joseph Haboush, “US Criticizes Erdogan for Meeting with Hamas Leadership, Warns of Turkish Isolation,” Al Arabiya, August 25, 2020, https://english.alarabiya.net/News/middle-east/2020/08/25/US-criticizes-Erdogan-for-meeting-with-Hamas-leadership-warns-of-Turkish-isolation. In September, Haniyeh met with Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah in Lebanon. The two leaders reaffirmed the “stability” of the “axis of resistance” against Israel and discussed regional developments such as the previous month’s announcement of formal ties between Israel and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Haniyeh and Nasrallah jointly condemned Arab normalization with Israel. Haniyeh also visited Lebanon’s Ain al-Hilweh Palestinian refugee camp and announced Hamas possessed rockets capable of reaching Tel Aviv.“Hamas and Hezbollah leaders meet in Lebanon,” Middle East Eye, September 6, 2020, https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/lebanon-palestine-hezbollah-hamas-nasrallah-haniyeh-meeting. In October 2020, Haniyeh conveyed his “absolute rejection” to the restoration of diplomatic ties between the UAE and Israel in a phone call with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.Stephen Farrell, “Israel Hails UAE Deal but Palestinians - and Settlers – Dismayed,” Reuters, August 13, 2020, https://www.reuters.com/article/us-israel-emirates-trump-reactions/israel-hails-uae-deal-but-palestinians-and-settlers-dismayed-idUSKCN2592R5.

Hamas holds internal elections every four years. Ahead of its 2021 elections, there were reports Meshaal was considering ousting Haniyeh and reclaiming his role as Hamas’s chief political leader. In April 2021, however, Hamas announced Meshaal would take over as leader of the group’s foreign office and become its deputy leader.Aaron Boxerman, “Khaled Mashaal tapped as Hamas’s diaspora director,” Times of Israel, April 12, 2021, https://www.timesofisrael.com/khaled-mashaal-tapped-as-hamass-international-director/. On August 1, 2021, Hamas announced Haniyeh had been elected to a second term as the group’s political chief.Nidal Al-mughrabi, “Haniyeh re-elected as chief of Palestinian Islamist group Hamas,” Reuters, August 1, 2021, https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/haniyeh-re-elected-chief-palestinian-islamist-group-hamas-2021-08-01/.

Haniyeh continues to reside in Qatar, where he, Meshaal, and senior Hamas political leader Moussa Abu Marzouk are reportedly worth a combined $11 billion. Hamas’s leaders maintain offices as well as freedom of movement in Qatar. They have been photographed at luxury hotels, on private jets, and at diplomatic clubs around Qatar’s capital of Doha.Isabel Vincent and Benjamin Weinthal, “Hamas leaders worth staggering $11B revel in luxury — while Gaza’s people suffer,” New York Post, November 7, 2023, https://nypost.com/2023/11/07/news/hamas-leaders-worth-11bn-live-luxury-lives-in-qatar/. Haniyeh also makes frequent trips to Iran, which he said is Hamas’s largest financial supporter. In a January 2022 interview with Al Jazeera, Haniyeh revealed Iran had given Hamas $70 million for missiles and defense systems. He praised multiple countries for aiding Hamas but said Iran was the biggest donor.“Iran Funded Hamas Missiles With $70 Million, Haniyeh Says,” Iran International, March 1, 2022, https://www.iranintl.com/en/202201038619.

On July 3, 2023, PA President Mahmoud Abbas called for reconciliation talks between 14 Palestinian factions to end the rift between the factions and create unity in Palestinian governance. Prior to the meeting, Haniyeh demanded Abbas end security cooperation with Israel and restructure the Palestine Liberation Organization, the umbrella organization that includes most Palestinian factions except Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad. On July 30, Haniyeh and Abbas met in El Alamein, Egypt, with the leaders of the other Palestinian factions. Haniyeh praised “comprehensive resistance” to Israel, while Abbas reiterated his commitment to “peaceful popular resistance.”“Palestinian rival governments form ‘reconciliation committee,’” Al Jazeera, July 30, 2023, https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/7/30/palestinian-rival-governments-form-reconciliation-committee. In his address to the conference, Haniyeh called for Palestinians to exploit political turmoil in Israel. He also called for “a new, inclusive parliament … formed on the basis of free democratic elections.”“Palestinian rival governments form ‘reconciliation committee,’” Al Jazeera, July 30, 2023, https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/7/30/palestinian-rival-governments-form-reconciliation-committee; Gianluca Pacchiani and Associated Press, “ At Egypt summit with Fatah, Hamas chief calls to exploit Israeli ‘internal divisions,’” Times of Israel, July 30, 2023, https://www.timesofisrael.com/hamas-fatah-meet-in-egypt-in-attempt-to-broker-reconciliation/. The leaders agreed to form a committee on intra-Palestinian reconciliation.“Palestinian rival governments form ‘reconciliation committee,’” Al Jazeera, July 30, 2023, https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/7/30/palestinian-rival-governments-form-reconciliation-committee.

On October 7, 2023, Hamas launched a mass attack on Israel, sending hundreds of fighters into Israeli towns and military bases within 15 miles of the Gaza border while simultaneously launching a rocket barrage toward Israel.Josef Federman and Issam Adwan, “Hamas surprise attack out of Gaza stuns Israel and leaves hundreds dead in fighting, retaliation,” Associated Press, October 7, 2023, https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-gaza-hamas-rockets-airstrikes-tel-aviv-11fb98655c256d54ecb5329284fc37d2; Josef Federman and Issam Adwan, “Hamas surprise attack out of Gaza stuns Israel and leaves hundreds dead in fighting, retaliation,” Associated Press, October 7, 2023, https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-gaza-hamas-rockets-airstrikes-tel-aviv-11fb98655c256d54ecb5329284fc37d2. Hamas labeled the attack Operation Al-Aqsa Flood.“Operation Al Aqsa Flood,” Hamas Online, Telegram, October 7, 2023. Haniyeh and other Hamas officials watched the attack unfold from Haniyeh’s office in Doha. Haniyeh then issued a press statement calling the attack a response to Israeli crimes after several warnings by Hamas. While watching the news reports, Haniyeh and other leaders reportedly cheered with joy and then prostrated themselves in gratitude before God. Haniyeh praised the attack as the start of a new era in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.Matt Drake, “How Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh watched attack on Israel on TV from his office in Qatar as he celebrated with other officials,” Daily Mail (London), October 8, 2023, https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-12608271/How-Hamas-leader-Ismail-Haniyeh-watched-attack-Israel-TV-office-Qatar-celebrated-officials.html; Hamas Online, Telegram, October 7, 2023. Written orders recovered from the bodies of dead Hamas fighters as well as video testimonials of Hamas attackers showed that Hamas fighters had been directed to kill as many people as possible. These orders contradicted statements from Hamas leaders that the terrorist group targeted only soldiers.Dov Lieber and David S. Cloud, “Hamas Fighters’ Orders: ‘Kill as Many People as Possible,’” Wall Street Journal, October 14, 2023, https://www.wsj.com/world/middle-east/hamas-fighters-orders-kill-as-many-people-as-possible-2a6abff8. Hamas killed more than 1,200 Israelis in the attack and took hostage approximately 240 Israeli civilians and soldiers in Gaza.Peter Saidel and Dov Lieber, “Hamas Took More Than 200 Hostages From Israel. Here’s What to Know.,” Wall Street Journal, November 6, 2023, https://www.wsj.com/world/middle-east/hamas-hostages-israel-gaza-41432124; Lauren Frayer, “Israel revises down its death toll from the Oct. 7 Hamas attacks to about 1,200,” NPR, November 11, 2023, https://www.npr.org/2023/11/11/1212458974/israel-revises-death-toll-hamas-attacks-oct-7. Qatar has sought to negotiate a prisoner exchange for the release of Hamas’s hostages. On November 16, Haniyeh declared Hamas would release Israeli hostages only under its own conditions.“Israeli captives to be released on Hamas conditions: Haniyeh,” Al Mayadeen, November 16, 2023, https://english.almayadeen.net/news/politics/israeli-captives-to-be-released-on-hamas-conditions--haniyeh.

Following the attack, Israel issued an official declaration of war against Hamas and vowed to cripple the terrorist organization.Tia Goldenberg and Wafaa Shurafa, “Israel declares war, bombards Gaza and battles to dislodge Hamas fighters after surprise attack,” Associated Press, October 8, 2023, https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-gaza-hamas-rockets-airstrikes-tel-aviv-ca7903976387cfc1e1011ce9ea805a71. Haniyeh has subsequently called on the United Nations to condemn Israel. An October 14 letter by Haniyeh to U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres accused Israel of war crimes in Gaza, including violations of the Geneva Conventions and other international laws. Haniyeh called on Guterres to pressure Israel to allow humanitarian aid into Gaza.Hamas Online, Telegram, October 14, 2023. Haniyeh has accused Israel of carrying out “barbaric massacres” against Palestinian civilians in Gaza.“Hamas leader accuses Israel of ‘barbaric massacres’ after refugee camp hit,” Al Jazeera, November 1, 2023, https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/11/1/hamas-leader-accuses-israel-of-barbaric-massacres-after-refugee-camp-hit.

Haniyeh’s level of involvement in planning October 7 is a point of contention. In a November 2023 report from the United Kingdom’s Daily Mail newspaper, a senior Hamas commander accused Haniyeh and Hamas’s Gaza leader, Yahya Sinwar, of changing the plan for October 7 at the last minute and inviting a devastating Israeli retaliation. According to the battalion commander, who identified himself only as Abu Mohammed, Hamas had originally planned only to kill Israeli soldiers and take some soldiers hostage. They had not planned to kill civilians. Abu Mohammed claimed that he was one of the planners of October 7, but Haniyeh and Sinwar changed the plan and told fighters to “do what they like.”Summer Goodkind, “Top Hamas military commander claims October 7 attacks were never meant to target Israeli civilians as he breaks ranks to criticise terror group’s leaders ‘who changed the plan last-minute’ in extraordinary intervention,” Daily Mail (London), November 5, 2023, https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-12712397/Top-Hamas-military-commander-claims-October-7-attacks-never-meant-target-Israeli-civilians-breaks-ranks-criticise-terror-groups-exiled-leaders-changed-plan-minute-extraordinary-intervention.html. Abu Mohammed accused the Hamas leadership abroad of not bearing the consequences for October 7 like the people of Gaza did.Summer Goodkind, “Top Hamas military commander claims October 7 attacks were never meant to target Israeli civilians as he breaks ranks to criticise terror group’s leaders ‘who changed the plan last-minute’ in extraordinary intervention,” Daily Mail (London), November 5, 2023, https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-12712397/Top-Hamas-military-commander-claims-October-7-attacks-never-meant-target-Israeli-civilians-breaks-ranks-criticise-terror-groups-exiled-leaders-changed-plan-minute-extraordinary-intervention.html. Citing Palestinian sources, a March 2024 report by Sky News Arabia claimed the Hamas leadership had criticized Sinwar for launching the October 7 attack without consulting Hamas’s political leaders, who were ignorant of the decision.“Yahya Sinwar decided to launch October 7 attack alone, angering Hamas leaders – report,” Jerusalem Post, March 5, 2024, https://www.jpost.com/israel-hamas-war/article-790331.

On November 4, Israel reportedly bombed Haniyeh’s home in the Al-Shathi neighborhood in northern Gaza. There were no immediate reports of casualties.“IDF said to bomb Gaza house of Hamas chief Haniyeh,” Times of Israel, November 4, 2023, https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/idf-said-to-bomb-gaza-house-of-hamas-chief-haniyeh/. The Israeli military did not confirm the strike. On November 16, Israel confirmed it had bombed Haniyeh’s Gaza home in a new strike. According to the IDF, Hamas used the home “as terror infrastructure and, among other things, as a meeting place for the senior officials of the organization.”Emanuel Fabian, “Israeli jet bombs Gaza home of exiled Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh,” Times of Israel, November 16, 2023, https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/israeli-jet-bombs-gaza-home-of-exiled-hamas-leader-ismail-haniyeh/. Haniyeh remained in Qatar, where he continued to meet with Qatari and Iranian officials as well shuttle back and forth to Iran. On October 14, Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian met with Haniyeh in Doha. According to a Hamas press release, the two agreed to “continue cooperation to fully achieve the goals of Hamas and the Palestinian people.”Tzvi Joffre, “Iranian FM, Hamas leader Haniyeh agree to ‘continue cooperation,’” Jerusalem Post, October 15, 2023, https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-768377. Haniyeh met again with Amir-Abdollahian in Qatar on October 31.“Iran’s FM Meets With Hamas Leader In Qatar,” Iran International, October 31, 2023, https://www.iranintl.com/en/202310313854. On November 4, Haniyeh joined with his predecessor Khaled Meshaal in Qatar to meet with Maulana Fazlur Rehman, leader of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F). Haniyeh called on the Islamic ummah (community) to united against Israel.“Hamas chief appeals for Ummah support,” Express Tribune (Karachi), November 5, 2023, https://tribune.com.pk/story/2444858/hamas-chief-appeals-for-ummah-support. Iranian media reported on November 5 that Haniyeh had met recently with Khamenei in Tehran, though reports did not mention an exact date. According to press reports, Khamenei reiterated Iran’s support for the Palestinians.“Iranian state media confirm meeting between Khamenei, Hamas' Haniyeh in Tehran,” Reuters, November 5, 2023, https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/iranian-state-media-confirms-meeting-between-khamenei-hamas-haniyeh-tehran-2023-11-05/.

Hamas agreed to a short-lived ceasefire on November 24, 2023. Negotiated by Qatar and Egypt, the agreement saw the release of 75 hostages in exchange for the release of dozens of Palestinian security prisoners. The ceasefire ended on December 1 following a November 30 Hamas shooting attack in Jerusalem and rocket fire.Jason Burke, “Hamas releases 24 hostages on first day of Gaza ceasefire,” Guardian (London), November 24, 2023, https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/nov/24/israel-hamas-war-gaza-ceasefire-begins-hostage-release-palestinian; Nidal Al-Mughrabi and Suhaib Salem, “Scores reported killed in Gaza after Israel-Hamas truce collapses,” Reuters, December 1, 2023, https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/gaza-negotiators-try-get-israel-hamas-agree-extend-truce-again-2023-12-01/; Emanuel Fabian, “IDF: We hit 200 Gaza targets since Hamas ceasefire violation; 50 rockets fired at Israel,” Times of Israel, December 1, 2023, https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/idf-says-it-carried-out-200-airstrikes-throughout-gaza-since-hamas-ceasefire-violation/; “Live updates | Israel and Hamas trade blame for cease-fire’s end as combat resumes,” Associated Press, December 1, 2023, https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-live-updates-12-1-2023-0c225e35008879ea7574aabb077596f2. On January 2, 2024, Reuters reported that Haniyeh had reiterated to Qatari and Egyptian mediators that Hamas would only release further hostages “under the resistance's conditions.”“Haniyeh says Hamas has delivered its position to Qatar and Egypt,” Reuters, January 2, 2024, https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/haniyeh-says-hamas-has-delivered-its-position-qatar-egypt-2024-01-02/.

Haniyeh continued to represent Hamas in ceasefire negotiations in Cairo under Egyptian and Qatari auspices. Divisions emerged between Hamas’s political and military leadership over the terms of an agreement. In late January 2024, intelligence chiefs from the United States, Israel, Egypt, and Qatar agreed to a framework agreement for a six-week ceasefire that would see Hamas release multiple hostages. According to a February 2, 2024, Wall Street Journal report, Sinwar favored a six-week pause in the war, while Haniyeh reportedly sought a permanent ceasefire with a plan to rebuild Gaza. Hamas’s political leaders sought the release of almost 3,000 Palestinian prisoners from Israel, including those directly involved in violent attacks.Jared Malsin and Summer Said, “Hamas Divisions Over U.S.-Backed Cease-Fire Proposal Stall Negotiations,” Wall Street Journal, February 2, 2024, https://www.wsj.com/world/middle-east/israel-says-next-target-is-crowded-gaza-border-city-adding-urgency-to-cease-fire-talks-d37c3011.

Backed by the United States, Qatar and Egypt continued to push for ceasefire discussions. On March 7, 2024, Hamas withdrew from discussions after Sinwar demanded Israel commit to discussing a permanent end to the war. Haniyeh reportedly favored a six-week pause in fighting. According to Egyptian officials cited by the Wall Street Journal, Sinwar believed Hamas had an advantage over Israel because of growing political divisions in Israel.Summer Said, Margherita Stancati, and Anat Peled, “Hamas Leaves Gaza Talks With No Cease-Fire Deal,” Wall Street Journal, March 7, 2024, https://www.wsj.com/world/middle-east/hamas-leaves-gaza-talks-with-no-cease-fire-deal-f9ec1ba8. Haniyeh blamed Israel for the breakdown in talks. He added that Hamas remained open to a ceasefire, but Israel must accept a permanent ceasefire and full withdrawal of its forces from Gaza. Haniyeh also said that Hamas was willing to join a Palestinian Authority unity government with Fatah.Nidal Al-Mughrabi, “Hamas chief blames Israel for stalled ceasefire talks, leaves door open,” Reuters, March 10, 2024, https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/hamas-chief-blames-israel-stalled-ceasefire-talks-leaves-door-open-2024-03-10/.

Haniyeh made his second trip to Iran in March 2024 to thank Khamenei for Iran’s continued support. The trip coincided with a U.N. Security Council resolution calling for a ceasefire in Gaza. Haniyeh praised the resolution but said there needs to be a permanent ceasefire. While in Tehran, Haniyeh called the October 7 attack a “turning point” for the Palestinians as they enter a new phase in their war against Israel.“Hamas Leader Thanks Iran For Support During Tehran Visit,” Iran International, March 26, 2024, https://www.iranintl.com/en/202403268924. Citing the United States’ refusal to veto the Security Council resolution, Haniyeh praised Israel’s “unprecedented political isolation.”Agence France-Presse, “Hamas leader speaks in Iran of Israel’s ‘political isolation,’” Voice of America, March 26, 2024, https://www.voanews.com/a/hamas-leader-speaks-in-iran-of-israel-s-political-isolation-/7543634.html.

While Haniyeh remained based in Qatar, Israel has targeted members of his family in Gaza. On April 1, 2024, Israeli forces reportedly arrested Haniyeh’s sister Sabah Avad al-Salam Haniyeh on suspicion of contact with Hamas operatives and supporting acts of terror.“Police arrest sister of Hamas leader Haniyeh in southern Israel raid,” Times of Israel, April 1, 2024, https://www.timesofisrael.com/police-arrest-sister-of-hamas-leader-haniyeh-in-southern-israel-raid/. On April 10, 2024, three of Haniyeh’s sons—Hazem, Amir, and Mohammad—were reportedly killed by an Israeli drone-launched missile in Gaza’s Al-Shati refugee camp while in a car on their way to an Eid al-Fitr celebration. According to Hamas media, the strike also killed four of Haniyeh’s grandchildren.Nidal Al-Mughrabi, “Three sons of Hamas leader Haniyeh killed in Israeli airstrike,” Reuters, April 10, 2024, https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/three-sons-hamas-leader-haniyeh-killed-israeli-airstrike-2024-04-10/. Haniyeh responded by praising God for “bestowing upon us the honor of their martyrdom,” telling Al Jazeera that Hamas would not surrender or temper its demands.Gianluca Pacchiani, “Hamas leader Haniyeh thankful for the ‘honor of martyrdom’ granted to his sons,” Times of Israel, April 10, 2024, https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/hamas-leader-haniyeh-thankful-for-the-honor-of-martyrdom-granted-to-his-sons/. Israeli security services confirmed the strike and accused Haniyeh’s sons of being Hamas operatives “en route to carry out terror activity in the area of central Gaza.”Emanuel Fabian, “IDF, Shin Bet confirm killing Haniyeh’s sons, say the three were Hamas operatives,” Times of Israel, April 10, 2024, https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/idf-shin-bet-confirm-killing-haniyehs-sons-say-the-three-were-hamas-operatives/.

On July 31, 2024, Hamas released a statement mourning the death of Haniyeh in a “treacherous Zionist raid on his residence in Tehran.”“Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh killed in Iran, Hamas says in statement,” Reuters, July 30, 2024, https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/hamas-chief-ismail-haniyeh-killed-iran-hamas-says-statement-2024-07-31/. Haniyeh was in Tehran for the July 30 inauguration of the country’s new president, Masoud Pezeshkian.Abby Sewell, “Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh is assassinated in Tehran,” Associated Press, last updated July 30, 2024, https://apnews.com/article/iran-hamas-israel-30968a7acb31cd8b259de9650014b779. A statement from Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed that Haniyeh’s residence in Tehran was “struck” early in the morning on July 31, killing him and one of his guards.“Hamas, IRGC claim Israel eliminated leader Ismail Haniyeh in airstrike on Tehran home,” Jerusalem Post, July 31, 2024, https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-812649. The Hezbollah-affiliated news site Al Mayadeen blamed Israel, though Israel did not immediately comment on Haniyeh’s death.“Hamas, IRGC claim Israel eliminated leader Ismail Haniyeh in airstrike on Tehran home,” Jerusalem Post, July 31, 2024, https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-812649. A New York Times investigation published on August 2 concluded that Haniyeh was killed by a bomb snuck into his guesthouse in Tehran approximately two months before his visit.Ronen Bergman, Mark Mazzetti, and Farnaz Fassihi, “Bomb Smuggled Into Tehran Guesthouse Months Ago Killed Hamas Leader,” New York Times, August 1, 2024, https://www.nytimes.com/2024/08/01/world/middleeast/how-hamas-leader-haniyeh-killed-iran-bomb.html. However, senior Hamas official Khalil Al-Hayya claimed that Haniyeh died when a missile struck his guesthouse.Tala Ramadan, Jana Choukeir, and Nidal Al-Mughrabi, “Slain Hamas leader Haniyeh buried in Qatar amid vows of revenge against Israel,” Reuters, August 2, 2024, https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/funeral-slain-hamas-leader-haniyeh-be-held-qatar-2024-08-02/.

Haniyeh was buried in Lusail, Qatar, on August 2. Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani attended Haniyeh’s memorial service in Doha, alongside Meshaal and other Hamas leaders. During the memorial, Meshaal warned that Haniyeh’s death would energize Hamas in its mission to free Palestine. Meshaal also said that Hamas would make no concessions over its principles, including not recognizing Israel. Senior Hamas official Sami Abu Zuhri told Reuters that Hamas’s message to Israel is that “you are sinking deep in the mud and your end is getting closer than ever. The blood of Haniyeh will change all equations.”Tala Ramadan, Jana Choukeir, and Nidal Al-Mughrabi, “Slain Hamas leader Haniyeh buried in Qatar amid vows of revenge against Israel,” Reuters, August 2, 2024, https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/funeral-slain-hamas-leader-haniyeh-be-held-qatar-2024-08-02/.

Reuters initially reported on July 31 that that Hamas had selected Meshaal to succeed Haniyeh.Nidal Al-Mughrabi, “Khaled Meshaal, who survived Israeli assassination attempt, tipped to be new Hamas leader,” Reuters, July 31, 2024, https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/khaled-meshaal-who-survived-israeli-assassination-attempt-tipped-be-new-hamas-2024-07-31/. On August 6, however, Hamas officially named Sinwar as Haniyeh’s replacement. Meshaal endorsed Sinwar “in loyalty to Gaza and its people, who are waging the battle of the Flood of Al-Aqsa.”Agence France-Presse, “Hamas official to AFP: Sinwar’s selection as new leader sends ‘strong message of resistance,’” Times of Israel, August 6, 2024, https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/hamas-official-to-afp-sinwars-selection-as-new-leader-sends-strong-message-of-resistance/.

On February 1, 2024, the U.S. Department of Justice issued an indictment charging Meshaal and five other senior Hamas leaders with terrorism charges related to October 7. According to the indictment, the six leaders played central roles in planning, supporting, and perpetrating Hamas’s terrorist atrocities of October 7. In addition to Haniyeh, the indictment charged Mohammed Deif, Marwan Issa, Ali Baraka, Sinwar, and Meshaal. The complaint specifically charged the six with conspiracy to murder U.S. citizens, conspiracy to finance terrorism, conspiracy to use weapons of mass destruction resulting in death, and conspiracy to support terrorism resulting in death. The complaint cited Hamas terrorist acts dating back to 1996. According to the Justice Department, the indictment was kept under seal to prevent Haniyeh and others from going into hiding. The Justice Department unsealed the indictment on September 3, 2024, after determining there was no longer sufficient reason to keep the indictment sealed after Haniyeh’s death that July.“Justice Department Announces Terrorism Charges Against Senior Leaders of Hamas,” U.S. Department of Justice, September 3, 2024, https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/justice-department-announces-terrorism-charges-against-senior-leaders-hamas.

Abu Sayed was the emir of ISIS’s province in Afghanistan and Pakistan, Wilayat Khorasan. He died in a U.S. airstrike in Afghanistan on July 11, 2017.Ryan Browne, “US kills leader of ISIS in Afghanistan,” CNN, July 14, 2017, http://www.cnn.com/2017/07/14/politics/us-kills-isis-leader-afghanistan/index.html.

Militants in Afghanistan and Pakistan pledged allegiance to ISIS in November 2014. ISIS accepted the pledge in January 2015, officially forming Wilayat Khorasan, and appointed former Pakistani Taliban commander Hafiz Saeed Khan as leader.“Islamic State moves in on al-Qaeda turf,” BBC News, June 25, 2015, http://www.bbc.com/news/world-31064300. There were approximately 1,300 ISIS fighters in Afghanistan as of September 2016, according to General John Nicholson, the highest ranking U.S. military commander in the country. Nicholson said on September 23, 2016, that ISIS leaders in Syria provide the Afghanistan fighters with money, guidance, and communications support. According to Nicholson, ISIS’s fighters are largely former members of the Pakistani Taliban and primarily based in Afghanistan’s Nangarhar region.“U.S. General Says Taliban Controls 10 Percent Of Afghanistan,” Radio Free Europe Radio Liberty, September 23, 2016, https://www.rferl.org/a/28009576.html.

A U.S. airstrike killed Abu Sayed on July 11, 2017, at ISIS-Khorasan’s headquarters in Kunar province, Afghanistan. The Pentagon confirmed his death three days later.“Statement by Chief Pentagon Spokesperson Dana W. White on death of ISIS-K leader in Afghanistan,” U.S. Department of Defense, July 14, 2017, https://www.defense.gov/News/News-Releases/News-Release-View/Article/1248198/statement-by-chief-pentagon-spokesperson-dana-w-white-on-death-of-isis-k-leader/. Abu Sayed was the third ISIS-Khorasan leader to be killed within a year. Previous ISIS leader Abdul Hasib was killed in a joint U.S.-Afghan operation in Afghanistan’s Nanghahar province on April 27, 2017. His predecessor Hafiz Saeed Khan was killed in a July 2016 U.S. drone strike.“Head of Islamic State in Afghanistan killed: Pentagon,” Reuters, July 14, 2017, http://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-afghanistan-islamic-state-idUSKBN19Z26G?il=0.

U.S. Secretary of Defense James reportedly called Abu Sayed’s death “a victory on our side in terms of setting them back, it’s the right direction.”Ryan Browne, “US kills leader of ISIS in Afghanistan,” CNN, July 14, 2017, http://www.cnn.com/2017/07/14/politics/us-kills-isis-leader-afghanistan/index.html.

Izzat al-Rishq is a Qatar-based founding member of Hamas’s Political Bureau who remains a high-level operative and international representative of the group. Izzat al Risheq, European Council on Foreign Relations, accessed January 27, 2022, https://ecfr.eu/special/mapping_palestinian_politics/izzat_al_risheq/. Rishq has served on numerous Hamas delegations to Muslim and Arab states. He also previously served as the head Hamas’s media department and 2006 electoral committee.Izzat al Risheq, European Council on Foreign Relations, accessed January 27, 2022, https://ecfr.eu/special/mapping_palestinian_politics/izzat_al_risheq/.

Rishq has been active on social media. Facebook has closed multiple iterations of Rishq’s accounts. On January 19, 2013, Rishq wrote a Facebook post denouncing Facebook for closing his accounts. Rishq labeled Facebook’s actions “arbitrary and unethical,” as well as biased. Izzat Al Risheq, Facebook post, January 19, 2013, https://www.facebook.com/izzat.alrisheq/posts/419158788163567. That version of Rishq’s account remained online as of April 2023, though it had not been publicly updated since 2013.Izzat Al Risheq, Facebook account, accessed April 2, 2023, https://www.facebook.com/izzat.alrisheq. He joined Twitter in January 2020 and had accrued more than 9,500 followers as of April 2, 2023.Izzat al-Rishq, Twitter account, accessed April 2, 2023, https://twitter.com/reshiq_i.

Rishq attended Kuwait University and graduated in 1983.Izzat Al Risheq, Facebook account, accessed January 27, 2022, https://www.facebook.com/izzat.alrisheq. In 1996, Jordan arrested Rishq for his involvement with Hamas and then expelled him to Qatar in 1999.Izzat al Risheq, European Council on Foreign Relations, accessed January 27, 2022, https://ecfr.eu/special/mapping_palestinian_politics/izzat_al_risheq/. Rishq moved to Syria in 2001. He returned to Qatar in 2012 after the outbreak of Syria’s civil war.Izzat al Risheq, European Council on Foreign Relations, accessed January 27, 2022, https://ecfr.eu/special/mapping_palestinian_politics/izzat_al_risheq/.

Hamas has included Rishq in multiple high-level international negotiations. On August 5, 2014, a ceasefire ended three months of conflict between Hamas and other Palestinian factions against Israel. Between June and August, Hamas fired more than 2,200 rockets toward Israel. Rishq participated in the ceasefire talks with Israel that eventually ended the confrontation. Elhanan Miller, “Hamas and Fatah: The rift,” Times of Israel, August 19, 2014, https://www.timesofisrael.com/hamas-and-fatah-the-rift/; Yasmine Saleh and Lin Noueihed, “Israel, Hamas Militants Begin 72-Hour Truce,” Chicago Tribune, August 5, 2014, http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/chi-israel-hamas-gaza-truce-20140804-story.html; Adnan Aby Amer, “Hamas Readies for Israeli Ground Offensive with Tunnels, Traps,” Al-Monitor, July 9, 2014, http://www.al-monitor.com/pulseen/originals/2014/07/palestine-gaza-hamas-preparations-israel-ground-offensive.html. In August 2017, Rishq met with Iranian Strategic Research Center director Ali Akbar Velayati and Iranian parliamentary speaker Ali Larijani in Tehran. Larijani told Rishq solidarity is essential among Muslims to be able to stand against their enemies. Rishq declared Hamas’s determination to have closer relations with Iran, Syria, Hezbollah, and Palestinian Islamic Jihad. “Iran’s Leader stresses fighting as only way to save Palestine,” Mehr News Agency, August 8, 2017, https://en.mehrnews.com/news/126967/Iran-s-Leader-stresses-fighting-as-only-way-to-save-Palestine.

Rishq has also participated in multiple Hamas delegations meeting with the Qatari leadership in that country. On December 16, 2019, Rishq participated in a Hamas delegation meeting with Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani in the Qatari capital of Doha. According to Hamas, the delegation briefed Al-Thani on recent political developments, including Palestinian refugees, Israeli settlements, and Jerusalem.“Senior Hamas delegation meets with Qatar emir,” Middle East Monitor, December 17, 2019, https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20191217-senior-hamas-delegation-meets-with-qatar-emir/. A January 10, 2021, Hamas delegation led by Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh met with Al-Thani in Doha. The delegation also included Hamas leaders Moussa Abu Marzouk, Mohammed Nazzal, Maher Obeid, Husam Badran, and Zaher Jabareen. The delegation discussed Qatari efforts to promote Palestinian unity.“Senior Hamas delegation meets with Qatar emir,” Middle East Monitor, December 17, 2019, https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20191217-senior-hamas-delegation-meets-with-qatar-emir/.

Rishq is also involved in prisoner and ceasefire negotiations with Israel. In June 2021, he joined Hamas’s negotiating team in Cairo for discussions on a prisoner exchange agreement with Israel.Khaled Abu Toameh, “Hamas military commanders invited to Cairo for prisoner swap talks,” Jerusalem Post, June 9, 2021, https://www.jpost.com/arab-israeli-conflict/hamas-military-commanders-invited-to-cairo-for-prisoner-swap-talks-670529. In April 2022, Rishq claimed Hamas and Israel were in negotiations to avoid a renewed conflict. But, calling Jerusalem and the Al-Aqsa Mosque a red line, Rishq warned any aggression toward Jerusalem or Al-Aqsa would be met with “confrontation.”“Hamas 'working to avoid escalation' with Israel,” TRT World, April 16, 2022, https://www.trtworld.com/middle-east/hamas-working-to-avoid-escalation-with-israel-56413. Rishq has also been critical of the Palestinian Authority for maintaining security cooperation with Israel. Following December 2022 arrest raids by Israeli and Palestinian forces in the West Bank, Rishq questioned how the Palestinian Authority could continue to associate with Israel.Izzat al-Rishq, Twitter post, December 13, 2022, 3:00 p.m., https://twitter.com/reshiq_i/status/1602755426931589123.

On May 8, 2022, in the aftermath of an April 29 Hamas attack on the West Bank settlement of Ariel that killed one and an unclaimed May 5 attack in the Israeli city of Elad that killed three, the Times of London reported Israeli officials had told foreign allies the Jewish state would restart targeted killings of Hamas leaders abroad if such attacks continued. The Times speculated Israel would target deputy leader Saleh al-Arouri and Zaher Jabarin, responsible for financing Hamas’s international networks. Hamas issued broad threats of rocket attacks and suicide bombers if Israel began targeting its leaders.Anshel Pfeffer, “Israel ‘will assassinate Hamas leaders if terror attacks continue,’” Times (London), May 8, 2022, https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/israel-will-assassinate-hamas-leaders-if-terror-attacks-continue-m7xc9cnln; Khaled Abu Toameh, “Terror groups threaten rocket strikes if Israel resumes targeted killings,” Jerusalem Post, last updated May 8, 2022, https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-706080; “Hamas vows suicide bombings, ‘unprecedented response’ if Israel targets its leaders,” Times of Israel, May 7, 2022, https://www.timesofisrael.com/hamas-vows-suicide-bombings-unprecedented-response-if-israel-targets-its-leaders/. While Rishq threatened “immediate war” if Israel attempted to assassinate the group’s Gaza leader, Yahya Sinwar.“Hamas Threatens Israel with ‘Immediate War’ if it Attempted to Assassinate Sinwar,” Asharq al-Awsat (London), May 8, 2022, https://english.aawsat.com/home/article/3633911/hamas-threatens-israel-immediate-war-if-it-attempted-assassinate-sinwar.

Rishq continues to play a central role in Hamas’s international diplomacy. In 2014, Rishq was part of Hamas’s negotiating team in talks with Fatah, the primary party of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) and controlling party of the Palestinian Authority (PA).Joel Greenburg, “Israel, Hamas extend cease-fire five days,” Philadelphia Inquirer, August 14, 2014, https://www.inquirer.com/philly/news/nation_world/20140814_Israel__Hamas_extend_cease-fire_five_days.html. On December 16, 2021, Rishq joined a Hamas delegation that met with Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani. The delegation briefed the emir on the “latest political developments, especially those related to strategic issues, above all Jerusalem, settlement activity, Palestinian refugees and the dangers posed to the Palestinian cause, in addition to attempts by some sides to politically liquidate it.”“Senior Hamas delegation meets with Qatar emir,” Middle East Monitor, December 17, 2019, https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20191217-senior-hamas-delegation-meets-with-qatar-emir/. In June 2021, Rishq joined a Hamas delegation in Cairo to negotiate with Egyptian intelligence officials on a prisoner exchange agreement with Israel.Khaled Abu Toameh, “Hamas military commanders invited to Cairo for prisoner swap talks,” Jerusalem Post, June 9, 2021, https://www.jpost.com/arab-israeli-conflict/hamas-military-commanders-invited-to-cairo-for-prisoner-swap-talks-670529. In March 2023, Rishq joined a Hamas delegation to Moscow for high-level meetings with Russian government officials. According to Hamas, the meeting included discussion of Israeli settlements and settler violence. Hamas reaffirmed its commitment to violent resistance to Israel. According to Hamas, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov expressed Russia’s unwavering support for Palestinian rights.“Hamas delegation meets with Russian deputy foreign minister in Moscow,” Hamas, March 16, 2023, https://hamas.ps/en/post/4624/Hamas-delegation-meets-with-Russian-deputy-foreign-minister-in-Moscow.

On October 7, 2023, Hamas launched a mass attack on Israel, sending thousands of fighters into Israeli towns and military bases within 15 miles of the Gaza border while simultaneously launching a rocket barrage toward Israel.Josef Federman and Issam Adwan, “Hamas surprise attack out of Gaza stuns Israel and leaves hundreds dead in fighting, retaliation,” Associated Press, October 7, 2023, https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-gaza-hamas-rockets-airstrikes-tel-aviv-11fb98655c256d54ecb5329284fc37d2; Josef Federman and Issam Adwan, “Hamas surprise attack out of Gaza stuns Israel and leaves hundreds dead in fighting, retaliation,” Associated Press, October 7, 2023, https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-gaza-hamas-rockets-airstrikes-tel-aviv-11fb98655c256d54ecb5329284fc37d2. Hamas killed at least 1,200 people and captured approximately 240 civilian and military hostages.Josef Federman and Issam Adwan, “Hamas surprise attack out of Gaza stuns Israel and leaves hundreds dead in fighting, retaliation,” Associated Press, October 7, 2023, https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-gaza-hamas-rockets-airstrikes-tel-aviv-11fb98655c256d54ecb5329284fc37d2; “Israel revises Hamas attack death toll to ‘around 1,200,’” Reuters, November 10, 2023, https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/israel-revises-death-toll-oct-7-hamas-attack-around-1200-2023-11-10/. Hamas labeled the attack Operation Al-Aqsa Flood.“Operation Al Aqsa Flood,” Hamas Online Telegram Channel, October 7, 2023. Following the attack, Israel issued an official declaration of war against Hamas and vowed to cripple the terrorist organization.Tia Goldenberg and Wafaa Shurafa, “Israel declares war, bombards Gaza and battles to dislodge Hamas fighters after surprise attack,” Associated Press, October 8, 2023, https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-gaza-hamas-rockets-airstrikes-tel-aviv-ca7903976387cfc1e1011ce9ea805a71. Rishq has accused Israel of fabricating claims of Hamas atrocities on October 7. Rishq also accused the international media of spreading lies about Hamas’s actions on October 7.Anjuman Rahman, “Israel has yet to tell a single truth not only since 7 October, but since the 1948 Nakba,” Middle East Monitor, November 20, 2023, https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20231120-israel-has-yet-to-tell-a-single-truth-not-only-since-7-october-but-since-the-1948-nakba/. According to Rishq, Hamas’s fighters are “either destined for victory or martyrdom.”Hamas statement, Hamas Online Telegram Channel, December 10, 2023. In late December 2023, Rishq rejected an Egyptian proposal for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza in exchange for Hamas relinquishing power there.Ahmed Mohamed Hassan and Nidal Al-Mughrabi, “Hamas, Islamic Jihad reject Gaza gov. overhaul for permanent ceasefire, Egyptian sources say,” Reuters, December 25, 2023, https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/hamas-islamic-jihad-reject-giving-up-power-return-permanent-ceasefire-egyptian-2023-12-25/. He has praised Hamas’s attack and what he has called the enduring Palestinian spirit, which is “unfamiliar with the concepts of surrender or defeat.”Hamas statement, Hamas Online Telegram Channel, December 10, 2023.

Fazl Mohammad Mazloom is a U.N.-sanctioned Taliban senior leader who served as the Taliban’s deputy minister of defense and commander of all Taliban troops in northern Afghanistan prior to the 9/11 attacks.“S E C R E T / / NOFORN / / 20330223,” U.S. Department of Defense, February 23, 2008, http://media.miamiherald.com/static/images/escenic-images/gitmopdfs/us9af-000007dp.pdf;
Matthew Rosenberg and Carlotta Gall, “Prisoner Trade Yields Rare View Into the Taliban,” New York Times, June 1, 2014, https://www.nytimes.com/2014/06/02/world/asia/soldier-prisoner-trade-for-five-taliban-figures-offers-rare-view.html. Following the Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan in August 2021, Mazloom was named deputy to the defense minister of the Taliban government on September 7.“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.

Mazloom was “an influential Taliban leader” who had developed “close ties” with the Taliban’s senior leaders.“Report on the Inquiry into: The Department of Defense’s May 2014 Transfer to Qatar of five law-of-war detainees in connection with the recovery of a captive U.S. soldier,” Committee on Armed Services, December 9, 2015, https://armedservices.house.gov/sites/republicans.armedservices.house.gov/files/wysiwyg_uploaded/Report%20on%20the%20Inquiry%20into%20the%20Taliban%20Five%20Transfer_0.pdf. Among others, Mazloom was an associate of former Taliban emir (leader) Mullah Mohammed Omar.“S E C R E T / / NOFORN / / 20330223,” U.S. Department of Defense, February 23, 2008, http://media.miamiherald.com/static/images/escenic-images/gitmopdfs/us9af-000007dp.pdf. Given Mazloom’s status within the Taliban, the U.N. Security Council sanctioned Mazloom on February 23, 2001.“Consolidated United Nations Security Council Sanctions List,” U.N. Security Council, accessed December 28, 2016, https://www.un.org/sc/suborg/en/sanctions/un-sc-consolidated-list. Mazloom was captured by the anti-Taliban Northern Alliance in November 2001 and detained in the U.S. Guantanamo Bay detention center from January 2002 to May 2014.“S E C R E T / / NOFORN / / 20330223,” U.S. Department of Defense, February 23, 2008, http://media.miamiherald.com/static/images/escenic-images/gitmopdfs/us9af-000007dp.pdf. He was one of five Taliban senior leaders transferred to Qatar as part of the Qatar-mediated exchange for captive U.S. Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl.“Report on the Inquiry into: The Department of Defense’s May 2014 Transfer to Qatar of five law-of-war detainees in connection with the recovery of a captive U.S. soldier,” Committee on Armed Services, December 9, 2015, https://armedservices.house.gov/sites/republicans.armedservices.house.gov/files/wysiwyg_uploaded/Report%20on%20the%20Inquiry%20into%20the%20Taliban%20Five%20Transfer_0.pdf.

In 2013, the U.S. National Intelligence Council determined that Mazloom would “probably [again]… become an effective and influential military leader” if he were able to return to Afghanistan and operate freely.“Report on the Inquiry into: The Department of Defense’s May 2014 Transfer to Qatar of five law-of-war detainees in connection with the recovery of a captive U.S. soldier,” Committee on Armed Services, December 9, 2015, https://armedservices.house.gov/sites/republicans.armedservices.house.gov/files/wysiwyg_uploaded/Report%20on%20the%20Inquiry%20into%20the%20Taliban%20Five%20Transfer_0.pdf.

On May 31, 2014, Mazloom was transferred from the U.S. detention center in Guantanamo Bay to Qatar alongside four other Taliban detainees. The move came as part of a negotiated exchange for the release of U.S. captive soldier Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl. At the time of the their transfer, the so-called Taliban Five—including Mazloom—were considered to be sufficiently dangerous as to require them to remain in detention.“Report on the Inquiry into: The Department of Defense’s May 2014 Transfer to Qatar of five law-of-war detainees in connection with the recovery of a captive U.S. soldier,” Committee on Armed Services, December 9, 2015, https://armedservices.house.gov/sites/republicans.armedservices.house.gov/files/wysiwyg_uploaded/Report%20on%20the%20Inquiry%20into%20the%20Taliban%20Five%20Transfer_0.pdf. Although the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the United States and Qatar was classified regarding the terms for Taliban detainees released to Qatar, the U.S. Armed Forces Committee was able to note that the MOU specified “monitoring” efforts to be undertaken by Qatar, as well as the prohibition against detainees’ “travel outside Qatar,” “engaging in conduct that will raise money for prohibited causes,” and “threatening American interests.”“Report on the Inquiry into: The Department of Defense’s May 2014 Transfer to Qatar of five law-of-war detainees in connection with the recovery of a captive U.S. soldier,” Committee on Armed Services, December 9, 2015, 76, https://armedservices.house.gov/sites/republicans.armedservices.house.gov/files/wysiwyg_uploaded/Report%20on%20the%20Inquiry%20into%20the%20Taliban%20Five%20Transfer_0.pdf.

The U.S. Committee on Armed Services determined in December 2015 that members of the Taliban Five have been engaged in “threatening activities” since their transfer to Qatar “not unlike their activities before they were detained on the battlefield.”“Report on the Inquiry into: The Department of Defense’s May 2014 Transfer to Qatar of five law-of-war detainees in connection with the recovery of a captive U.S. soldier,” Committee on Armed Services, December 9, 2015, https://armedservices.house.gov/sites/republicans.armedservices.house.gov/files/wysiwyg_uploaded/Report%20on%20the%20Inquiry%20into%20the%20Taliban%20Five%20Transfer_0.pdf. In January 2015, the U.S. Pentagon said that there was reason to believe that “at least one” member of the Taliban Five was involved in “some activities… centered around potential reengagement.” In March 2015, a news outlet reported that “at least three of the five Taliban leaders… have tried to plug back into their old terror networks.”“Report on the Inquiry into: The Department of Defense’s May 2014 Transfer to Qatar of five law-of-war detainees in connection with the recovery of a captive U.S. soldier,” Committee on Armed Services, December 9, 2015, 75, https://armedservices.house.gov/sites/republicans.armedservices.house.gov/files/wysiwyg_uploaded/Report%20on%20the%20Inquiry%20into%20the%20Taliban%20Five%20Transfer_0.pdf.

As of 2015, Taliban leaders were reportedly living in an exclusive neighborhood in suburban Doha, receiving luxury SUVs, free medical care, air-conditioned homes “the size of small castles,” and fresh produce delivered daily to their homes, according to a report by Newsweek journalist Sami Yousafzai.Sami Yousafzai, “Taliban Leaders Are Living in Luxury in Qatar,” Newsweek, March 24, 2015, http://www.newsweek.com/2015/04/03/taliban-leaders-are-living-luxury-qatar-316122.html. Senior Taliban leaders reportedly believed at the time that Mazloom should replace then-leader of the Taliban Mullah Mansour. One senior Taliban commander said that members of Mansour’s circle, in an effort to stave off a power struggle, had told Western officials that Fazl was likely to join ISIS if allowed to leave Qatar.Sami Yousafzai, “Taliban Leaders Are Living in Luxury in Qatar,” Newsweek, March 24, 2015, http://www.newsweek.com/2015/04/03/taliban-leaders-are-living-luxury-qatar-316122.html.

On August 6, 2021, the Taliban began an offensive against major Afghan cities with the seizure of Zaranj, capital of Nimruz province.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/. By August 13, the Taliban controlled 17 of Afghanistan’s 34 provincial capitals and more than two-thirds of the country.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. 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, after which the Taliban declared 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/. 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/.

On September 7, 2021, the Taliban announced the official appointments within their caretaker government. Mazloom was appointed deputy to the defense minister 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. 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.

Nurullah Nuri is a U.N.-sanctioned Taliban senior leader who commanded Taliban military forces during the U.S. invasion of Afghanistan in 2001.David Blair, “Five pillars of the old Taliban regime,” June 1, 2014, Telegraph (London), http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/afghanistan/10868068/Five-pillars-of-old-Taliban-regime.html. A former detainee at Guantanamo Bay, Nuri later joined the Taliban’s political office in Qatar in 2014.Barnett R. Rubin, “Constitutional Issues in the Afghan Peace Negotiations: Process and Substance,” United States Institute of Peace, November 2020, https://www.usip.org/sites/default/files/2020-11/20201116-sr_488-constitutional_issues_in_the_afghan_peace_negotiations_process_and_substance-sr.pdf. Following the Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan in August 2021, Nuri was named the minister of border and tribal affairs of the Taliban government on September 7.“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.

From 2000 to 2001, Nuri was the governor of numerous provinces under the control of the Taliban. Nuri is implicated in the summary execution of ethnic Uzbeks in Balkh in May 2001 and of at least 31 ethnic Hazara civilians and Shiite Muslim detainees at Robatak Pass, in north central Afghanistan, in May 2000.“Afghanistan: Three Afghan Commanders Should Be Prosecuted,” Human Rights Watch, December 3, 2001, https://www.hrw.org/news/2001/12/03/afghanistan-three-afghan-commanders-should-be-prosecuted;
“Massacre at Robatak Pass, May 2000,” Human Rights Watch, 2001, https://www.hrw.org/reports/2001/afghanistan/afghan101-04.htm;
Lolita C. Baldor, “Lawmakers worry prisoner swap sets a troubling precedent,” Public Broadcasting Service, June 2, 2014, http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rundown/lawmakers-worry-prisoner-swap-sets-troubling-precedent/. Nuri was an associate of former Taliban emir (leader) Mohammed Omar, and was at one point one of 25 Taliban officials who met with Omar most frequently.“Report on the Inquiry into: The Department of Defense’s May 2014 Transfer to Qatar of five law-of-war detainees in connection with the recovery of a captive U.S. soldier,” Committee on Armed Services, December 9, 2015, https://armedservices.house.gov/sites/republicans.armedservices.house.gov/files/wysiwyg_uploaded/Report%20on%20the%20Inquiry%20into%20the%20Taliban%20Five%20Transfer_0.pdf. Given Nuri’s leadership role in the Taliban, the U.N. Security Council sanctioned Nuri on January 25, 2001.“NURULLAH NURI,” United Nations, January 25, 2001, https://www.un.org/securitycouncil/sanctions/1988/materials/summaries/individual/nurullah-nuri.

Nuri was captured by the anti-Taliban Northern Alliance in November 2001 and detained in the U.S. Guantanamo Bay detention center from January 2002 to May 2014.“S E C R E T / / NOFORN / / 20330223,” U.S. Department of Defense, February 23, 2008, http://media.miamiherald.com/static/images/escenic-images/gitmopdfs/us9af-000007dp.pdf. Six years after his capture, a February 2008 security assessment by the U.S. Department of Defense deemed that Nuri continued to pose a high risk to the United States, its interests, and allies.

On May 31, 2014, Nuri was released from Guantanamo Bay along with four other Taliban prisoners, including U.N.-designated Taliban operatives Fazl Mohammad Mazlooma and Abdul Haq Wasiq.Mushtaq Yusufzai, “Freed Taliban Commander Tells Relative He’ll Fight Americans Again,” NBC News, June 6, 2014, http://www.nbcnews.com/storyline/bowe-bergdahl-released/freed-taliban-commander-tells-relative-hell-fight-americans-again-n124451. The release of the so-called “Taliban Five,” brokered by Qatar, was conducted in exchange for U.S. Army sergeant Robert Bowdrie “Bowe” Bergdahl, who had been captured by the Taliban-affiliated Haqqani Network in June 2009.Mushtaq Yusufzai, “Freed Taliban Commander Tells Relative He’ll Fight Americans Again,” NBC News, June 6, 2014, http://www.nbcnews.com/storyline/bowe-bergdahl-released/freed-taliban-commander-tells-relative-hell-fight-americans-again-n124451; “Report on the Inquiry into: The Department of Defense’s May 2014 Transfer to Qatar of five law-of-war detainees in connection with the recovery of a captive U.S. soldier,” Committee on Armed Services, December 9, 2015, https://armedservices.house.gov/sites/republicans.armedservices.house.gov/files/wysiwyg_uploaded/Report%20on%20the%20Inquiry%20into%20the%20Taliban%20Five%20Transfer_0.pdf. According to the Times of Oman, Nuri is “the most controversial” of the “Taliban Five.”“Many Afghans oppose release of Taliban officials,” Times of Oman, June 2, 2014, http://timesofoman.com/article/35230/World/Many-Afghans-oppose-release-of-Taliban-officials. Former U.S. Presidential candidate and Senator for Arizona John McCain also described Nuri and the “Taliban Five” as “the hardest of the hard-core.”Lolita C. Baldor, “Lawmakers worry prisoner swap sets a troubling precedent,” Public Broadcasting Service, June 2, 2014, http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rundown/lawmakers-worry-prisoner-swap-sets-troubling-precedent/.

At the time of the their transfer, the so-called Taliban Five—including Nuri—were considered to be sufficiently dangerous as to require them to remain in detention.“Report on the Inquiry into: The Department of Defense’s May 2014 Transfer to Qatar of five law-of-war detainees in connection with the recovery of a captive U.S. soldier,” Committee on Armed Services, December 9, 2015, https://armedservices.house.gov/sites/republicans.armedservices.house.gov/files/wysiwyg_uploaded/Report%20on%20the%20Inquiry%20into%20the%20Taliban%20Five%20Transfer_0.pdf. Although the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the United States and Qatar was classified regarding the terms for Taliban detainees released to Qatar, the U.S. Armed Forces Committee was able to note that the MOU specified “monitoring” efforts to be undertaken by Qatar, as well as the prohibition against detainees’ “travel outside Qatar,” “engaging in conduct that will raise money for prohibited causes,” and “threatening American interests.”“Report on the Inquiry into: The Department of Defense’s May 2014 Transfer to Qatar of five law-of-war detainees in connection with the recovery of a captive U.S. soldier,” Committee on Armed Services, December 9, 2015, 76, https://armedservices.house.gov/sites/republicans.armedservices.house.gov/files/wysiwyg_uploaded/Report%20on%20the%20Inquiry%20into%20the%20Taliban%20Five%20Transfer_0.pdf.

According to a December 2015 report by the Committee on Armed Services, the U.S. intelligence community determined that Nuri was a “natural” although not necessarily “effective leader among the Afghan Guantanamo Bay detainees.“Report on the Inquiry into: The Department of Defense’s May 2014 Transfer to Qatar of five law-of-war detainees in connection with the recovery of a captive U.S. soldier,” Committee on Armed Services, December 9, 2015, https://armedservices.house.gov/sites/republicans.armedservices.house.gov/files/wysiwyg_uploaded/Report%20on%20the%20Inquiry%20into%20the%20Taliban%20Five%20Transfer_0.pdf.

After arriving in Doha, Qatar, a Taliban commander who is also Nuri’s relative claimed that Nuri insisted he “would go to Afghanistan and fight American forces there.”Mushtaq Yusufzai, “Freed Taliban Commander Tells Relative He’ll Fight Americans Again,” NBC News, June 6, 2014, http://www.nbcnews.com/storyline/bowe-bergdahl-released/freed-taliban-commander-tells-relative-hell-fight-americans-again-n124451. The U.S. Committee on Armed Services determined in December 2015 that members of the Taliban Five have indeed been engaged in “threatening activities” since their transfer to Qatar “not unlike their activities before they were detained on the battlefield.”“Report on the Inquiry into: The Department of Defense’s May 2014 Transfer to Qatar of five law-of-war detainees in connection with the recovery of a captive U.S. soldier,” Committee on Armed Services, December 9, 2015, https://armedservices.house.gov/sites/republicans.armedservices.house.gov/files/wysiwyg_uploaded/Report%20on%20the%20Inquiry%20into%20the%20Taliban%20Five%20Transfer_0.pdf. In January 2015, the U.S. Pentagon said that there was reason to believe that “at least one” member of the Taliban Five was involved in “some activities… centered around potential reengagement.” In March 2015, a news outlet reported that “at least three of the five Taliban leaders… have tried to plug back into their old terror networks.”“Report on the Inquiry into: The Department of Defense’s May 2014 Transfer to Qatar of five law-of-war detainees in connection with the recovery of a captive U.S. soldier,” Committee on Armed Services, December 9, 2015, 75, https://armedservices.house.gov/sites/republicans.armedservices.house.gov/files/wysiwyg_uploaded/Report%20on%20the%20Inquiry%20into%20the%20Taliban%20Five%20Transfer_0.pdf.

The released Taliban leaders were reportedly living in an exclusive neighborhood in suburban Doha, receiving luxury SUVs, free medical care, air-conditioned homes “the size of small castles,” and fresh produce delivered daily to their homes, according to a report by Newsweek journalist Sami Yousafzai.Sami Yousafzai, “Taliban Leaders Are Living in Luxury in Qatar,” Newsweek, March 24, 2015, http://www.newsweek.com/2015/04/03/taliban-leaders-are-living-luxury-qatar-316122.html. Additionally, Nuri reportedly joined the Taliban’s political office in Doha, where he allegedly attended the peace negotiations between the U.S. government and the Taliban in February 2020.Barnett R. Rubin, “Constitutional Issues in the Afghan Peace Negotiations: Process and Substance,” United States Institute of Peace, November 2020, https://www.usip.org/sites/default/files/2020-11/20201116-sr_488-constitutional_issues_in_the_afghan_peace_negotiations_process_and_substance-sr.pdf.

On August 6, 2021, the Taliban began an offensive against major Afghan cities with the seizure of Zaranj, capital of Nimruz province.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/. By August 13, the Taliban controlled 17 of Afghanistan’s 34 provincial capitals and more than two-thirds of the country.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. 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, after which the Taliban declared 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/. 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/.

On September 7, 2021, the Taliban announced the official appointments within their caretaker government. Nuri was appointed minister of border and tribal affairs.“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.