Veterans Covert Protection Group’s Post

Almost three years after the withdrawal of U.S. forces from Afghanistan, the current state of al-Qaeda looms large. According to a recent United Nations report, key al-Qaeda allies have since consolidated power in Afghanistan, providing the group with favorable conditions to evolve. Defense policy researcher and counterterrorism expert, Sara Harmouch, argues “dispelling myths of its decline, al-Qaeda remains a resilient and evolving force, continually refining its methods.” Join us on May 2 for our next public program “Al-Qaeda: A Threat Evolved?” where #911Museum Director Clifford Chanin and Harmouch will discuss the relationship between al-Qaeda and the Taliban, the current standing of al-Qaeda and its affiliates in the region, and what this all means for the U.S. and the complex threat landscape it currently faces. Register for free: https://ow.ly/k4jG50RmvAp

This week’s Mali "In Focus" by Castor Vali examines the recent attack on Ménaka by Islamic State in the Greater Sahara (ISGS) and the group's growing dominance in eastern Mali and western Niger. Despite being repelled on 27 June, the militants' numbers indicate ISGS is intensifying efforts to push out the Malian Armed Forces. With minimal military pressure, ISGS is likely to continue expanding its presence and capabilities in Ménaka and the eastern Gao Region. Stay informed with our latest insights on regional security dynamics. Sign up for our reports here: https://lnkd.in/dMKW56TZ #SecurityUpdate #Mali #ISGS #RegionalStability #CastorVali #Terrorism #SecurityThreats #WestAfrica #MilitaryAnalysis #ConflictZone #InFocus #Geopolitics #SecurityInsights #MaliCrisis #CounterTerrorism #GaoRegion #Menaka #BorderSecurity #SahelRegion #DefenceUpdates

I am excited to share my latest article, "Pakistan's Counterterrorism Strategy: Beyond Azm-e-Istehkam," for the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI), a leading defense and security think tank based in the UK. I argued that Operation Azm-e-Istehkam, like its predecessors, is unlikely to bring lasting peace unless Pakistan shifts to a more holistic and integrated strategy. The military alone cannot win this war; true victory requires the backing of socioeconomic development, robust legal frameworks, political unity, and unwavering public support. I delved into how, with the launch of this latest military counterterrorism operation, the country can ensure that it does not repeat past mistakes. It's time for a fresh perspective and a new approach. Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/d5jMahVe. #AzmeIstehkam #Counterterrorism #Pakistan #SecurityStudies #PolicyAnalysis

Samuel and I had the honor of retiring a couple of old, worn-out U.S. flags at Home Depot. It’s a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by those who defend our nation and the values we hold dear. On this #REDFriday, let’s remember every deployed service member. From Europe to the Middle East, Asia-Pacific to Africa, and even the Arctic, U.S. forces are actively deployed in challenging environments to maintain peace, fight terrorism, and support allies: 🇺🇸 Europe: Rotational forces in Poland, Romania, and the Baltic States strengthening NATO partnerships. 🇺🇸 Middle East: Operations in Iraq, Syria, and the Gulf States countering threats like ISIS and regional aggression. 🇺🇸 Asia-Pacific: Enhanced presence in the Philippines and Australia, building regional stability. 🇺🇸 Africa: Counterterrorism missions in Somalia targeting groups like al-Shabaab. 🇺🇸 Arctic: Increased readiness in Alaska in response to growing global tensions with Russia. Our service members are standing in the gap for freedom and security. Let’s stand for them—wear red, pray for their safety, and never forget their sacrifices. #RememberEveryDeployed #REDFriday #SupportOurTroops #HonorAndRespect #GlobalSecurity #AmericanValues 🇺🇸

Though the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan have ended and the U.S. has turned its focus to the Pacific and Europe, regional conflicts continue to draw our military's attention back to the Middle East, where Iraq has once again found itself as a "central battleground" in the region. In this recent article for the Middle East Institute, Gen. Joseph Votel, USA (Ret.) and Col. Christopher P. Costa, USA (Ret.) note that our military must learn from prior mistakes made in the region to establish an enduring and robust relationship between U.S. Special Forces (USSOF) and Iraqi Counterterrorism Service (CTS) in order to mitigate risks and help stabilize a sovereign Iraq. Leaning on many years of experience in the U.S. Special Forces (USSOF) and counterterrorism, along with time spent with the U.S. military in the Middle East, Votel and Costa stress that building partnerships is key as our nation and its leaders face multidimensional global threats. Read more ⬇️ #MiddleEast #Iraq #counterterrorism #specialforces #globalthreats #Votel

In a recent article, Charles Lister, Senior Fellow & Director, of Counterterrorism & Syria Programs at the Middle East Institute, shed light on the surge of ISIS activity in Iraq and Syria during the first half of 2024. Another article in The New York Times discussed the reasoning behind this surge. While the majority of attacks were in #Syria, Aligning Cultures' local partner Abdullah Jasim mentioned in a recent post, the new ISIS tactics in their recent attacks in #Diyala in northeastern #Iraq. In all scenarios, the group’s reconstitution could have serious implications for people in the region, many of whom have been suffering the effects of war for decades. Not to mention its consequences on the return and reintegration efforts of families with perceived affiliation. We at Aligning Cultures firmly believe that the response tactics also need to change, harnessing stakeholders' communication, applying a trauma lens on all intervention aspects, and more importantly, learning from previous lessons. Below you will find links to both articles and attached is an adequate translation of Abdullah Jasim's post. https://lnkd.in/eqNmkyiu https://lnkd.in/e6zre7fF

Following the Pulwama attack and subsequent events, the Indian government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has consistently emphasized a zero-tolerance policy towards terrorism. There has been a strong focus on national security, counter-terrorism measures, and diplomatic efforts to address cross-border terrorism. The Balakot airstrike in 2019 was positioned as a decisive response to terrorist activities, signaling a robust stance against those involved in promoting violence and destabilizing the region. India has continued to advocate for global cooperation in combating terrorism and has sought to isolate state-sponsored terrorism. Under Prime Minister Modi's leadership, there has been a concerted effort to strengthen internal security, enhance intelligence capabilities, and collaborate with the international community to address the broader issue of terrorism. However, it's essential to note that counter-terrorism policies are complex and multifaceted, involving diplomatic, military, and intelligence efforts. Furthermore, the government also prioritizes supporting the families of the martyrs by offering financial assistance, educational support, and various welfare measures. Policies and initiatives are implemented to ensure the well-being of those left behind, collectively paying tribute to the heroes who sacrificed their lives for the nation. #creativeleaders #india #pulwamattack #indianarmy #crpfindia #terroism

Next week is the 23rd anniversary of 9/11. Right now, the terror threat is extremely high; at a level unseen in decades. Terrorists are in the United States, the border is open, and they are plotting attacks as bad as or worse than September 11. America is facing a terror threat conglomerate: Open border + Afghanistan Withdrawal + Direct China Threat + Pro-Palestine/Hamas Terrorist Sympathizing Movement. As Afghanistan continues receding to pre-9/11 status, terrorists infiltrated into America through the open border (some inside the U.S. since Operation Allies Welcome). The terrorists are here. The MOST IMPORTANT national security question to investigate is whether Chinese land purchases (espionage) near military bases are also serving as safe houses for terrorists illegally crossing the border. This is the most dangerous time for America since September 11, 2001. #usa #war #afghanistan #taliban #china #military #terrorism #september11 #neverforget

It’s hilarious that Belgium’s Deputy Prime Minister, Petra De Sutter, who’s more accustomed to teaching women’s health as a professor of gynecology than managing complex geopolitical realities, feels qualified to lecture Israel on counterterrorism. When someone who can’t even tell the difference between terrorists like Hezbollah and counterterrorism agencies who are protecting civilians starts condemning Israel’s military operations, you know it’s time for them to step away from international politics. Seriously, De Sutter calls Israeli defense actions “massive terror attacks,” but somehow misses Hezbollah lobbing rockets at civilians? Stick to the classroom, Petra. Counterterrorism requires understanding basic distinctions—like terrorists vs. those trying to stop them—which seems like a lot for you to handle. Next time, leave the geopolitical commentary to those who aren’t confused about who the terrorists are, because that’s a fundamental requirement for discussing this topic.

Following the kidnapping of the #ChibokGirls in 2014, Boko Haram has expanded into neighboring countries #Cameroon, #Chad, and #Niger, and has also demonstrated its capacity to seize and hold towns and villages, particularly during the height of its insurgency between 2014 and 2015. Despite setbacks following counterterrorism efforts by the Nigerian government and its partners since 2015, the movement continues to control territories in the Lake Chad Basin islands. Additionally, Boko Haram has expanded its operations toward northwest Nigeria, likely in response to ongoing military operations by the Lake Chad Basin Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) in northeast Nigeria and other countries. Boko Haram and its offshoot — the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) — have continued to rely on hit-and-run tactics that exploit the challenging terrain of northern Nigeria and the surrounding Lake Chad islands to evade military forces, allowing them to maintain a formidable advantage despite concerted counterterrorism efforts. Learn more about Boko Haram and the results of #Nigeria’s regional counterinsurgency response in our report: https://lnkd.in/ef946t52