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Showing posts from May, 2025

Examining the security situation on the African Continent

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Author: Cara Rau, Political and Intelligence Analyst  WARNING: THIS REPORT CONTAINS DESCRIPTIONS OF GRAPHIC VIOLENCE AND CONTENT SOME MAY FIND DISTURBING. READER DISCRETION IS ADVISED.  Bottom Line Up Front  Despite the world's largest displacement crisis affecting Sudan, and Burkina Faso being ranked by the Global Terrorism Index (GTI) in 2025 as the nation the most affected by terrorism in the world, the mainstream media still appears to favour reporting on Gaza and Ukraine. Of course these conflicts deserve our attention, but so do other parts of the world, specifically Africa, a continent the world media has left behind.  South Africa   Despite South Africa not being at war nor being actively targeted by Jihadist insurgents, the security situation in the country remains dire. Violent crime remains a threat with gender-based violence, gang violence, organised crime and other related topics continuing to make local headlines. The security situation in ...

New Tactics: First Known Islamic State Mozambique (IS-M) Attack on Tourist Destination

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Authored by:  Cara Rau , Political and Intelligence Analyst focussed on Jihadism and Political Violence  Warning: This report contains descriptions of graphic violence.  Bottom Line Up Front On 30 April 2025, Islamic State Mozambique (IS-M) claimed credit for an attack that targeted the Kambako hunting area of the Chapungu-Kambako Safari (CKS) camp in the Niassa Special Reserve. This is the first known targeting  of a tourist destination in Mozambique by IS-M. Images from Islamic State show at least five victims who appear to be guards or rangers based on their clothing. Additionally, it was confirmed that at least two camp workers were beheaded. The camp was also looted and set alight.  Niassa Reserve is located on the border of the Niassa and Cabo Delgado Provinces. Attacks by the group in Niassa Province are very rare and the IS-M activity is concentrated in Cabo Delgado.  IS-M Communications  It is notable that Islamic State released claims of cre...

Proof-of-Life Image Emerges for Austrian National Currently Held by Islamic State Sahel Province (ISSP)

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Authored by Cara Rau; Intelligence Analyst focussed on terrorism and political violence.  Bottom Line Up Front  On 29 April 2025,  Aïr-Info Agadez reported that it had obtained exclusive proof of life for Eva Gretzmacher, an Austrian national kidnapped from her home on the night of 11 January 2025 in Agadez, Niger.  Aïr-Info Agadez said that they received the proof of life in the form of a photo on 29 April 2025, the victim's 74th birthday. Aïr-Info Agadez  also reported that their sources confirm that she is in good health and currently being held by Islamic State Sahel Province (ISSP) in Mali. The victim was reportedly moved between Ansongo and Ménaka, then to Adéramboukane in Mali's Gao Region. The same source also stated that, according to information cross-checked by Aïr Info, Eva Gretzmacher is being held together with Claudia Abbt (aged 67), a Swiss-Nigerien dual citizen who was kidnapped from her home on the evening of 13 April 2025 from Agad...