North Africa

Last Updated (Monday, 29 November 1999 19:00) Written by Evan Kohlmann Wednesday, 02 January 2008 19:00

The NEFA Foundation has obtained and translated the latest communiqué issued by "the Al-Qaida Network in the Islamic Maghreb" (formerly known as the Salafist Group for Prayer and Combat, GSPC) claiming responsibility for yesterday's suicide bombing attack on a police station in An-Naciria, approximately 75 miles east of Algiers. According to the statement, "a lion from Al-Qaida's Network in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM), the martyr Abdullah al-Chayani, set forth on his mission carrying no less than 500kg of explosives aiming to attack the apostate den working against the jihad...O' you, those who have abandoned our religion and your masters: you should expect the arrival of groups of those who long for martyrdom, and they will greet you with the scent of death."

Statement from the "Al-Qaida Network in the Islamic Maghreb" on "Victories in Algeria and Mauritania"

Last Updated (Monday, 29 November 1999 19:00) Written by Evan Kohlmann Saturday, 29 December 2007 19:00

The NEFA Foundation has obtained and translated the latest communiqué issued by the "Al-Qaida Network in the Islamic Maghreb" (formerly known as the Salafist Group for Prayer and Combat, GSPC) claiming responsibility for recent terrorist attacks in Algeria and neighboring Mauritania. According to the statement, "This operation has come at a time when the Israeli flag was seen raised in the beloved, but tarnished city of Nouakchott...at a time when the Mauritanian regime has consumed itself with supporting the crusaders, arresting young Muslim men, spreading hunger among its people -- and all while guarding its lords...and fighting against the jihad and the mujahideen...We inform the slaves of America and France to be prepared for more horrific events coming their way."

Statement from "the Al-Qaida Network in the Islamic Maghreb" on "The Battle of the Martyr Sufyan Abu Haydara"

Last Updated (Monday, 29 November 1999 19:00) Written by Evan Kohlmann Tuesday, 11 December 2007 19:00

The NEFA Foundation has obtained and translated a communiqué issued by "the Al-Qaida Network in the Islamic Maghreb" (formerly known as the Salafist Group for Prayer and Combat, GSPC) claiming responsibility for yesterday's twin suicide car bombings in the capital of Algeria targeting local offices of the United Nations and the "headquarters of the constitutional council", responsible for overseeing the process of democratic elections. Media sources have reported that the bombings killed at least 37 people and wounded scores more.

New Video Releases from Al-Qaida in Algeria

Last Updated (Monday, 29 November 1999 19:00) Written by Evan Kohlmann Friday, 25 May 2007 19:00

On May 9 and 10, Al-Qaida's Committee in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM)--formerly known as the Algerian Salafist Group for Prayer and Combat--issued two significant new video releases, including a recorded speech from AQIM leader Abu Musab Abdel Wadoud and footage of its April 11 suicide bombing attacks in the capital Algiers. In his message, Wadoud explained, "we have decided from now on to execute suicide attacks as our strategic weapon in our confrontation with the enemies. Therefore, in order to carry out this decision, we have sent our orders to the various leaders across different regions, the commanders of our soldiers and the leaders of the brigades and fighting units, to open the door for those who wish to volunteer to become martyrs. Also, we are trying to motivate Muslims and encourage them to the sacrifice themselves in the cause of Allah. We have also asked them to supply any necessary supplies required by the martyrs, and also to help us in choosing precise targets which will help us to achieve our jihadi goals." Separately, a new report is now available for download from the NEFA Foundation titled "Two Decades of Jihad in Algeria: the GIA, the GSPC, and Al-Qaida."

- English Transcript: Abu Musab Abdel Wadoud - "Where are Those Who Are Committed to Die?"
Al-Qaida in the Islamic Maghreb - "The Battle of Badr in Algeria"
- NEFA Report: "Two Decades of Jihad in Algeria: the GIA, the GSPC, and Al-Qaida"

Al-Qaida Claims Suicide Bombings in Algeria

Last Updated (Monday, 29 November 1999 19:00) Written by Evan Kohlmann Tuesday, 10 April 2007 19:00

The Algerian Salafist Group for Prayer and Combat (GSPC)--now known as "Al-Qaida's Committee in the Islamic Maghreb"--has issued a statement today claiming responsibility for dramatic suicide bombings in the capital of Algeria. The statement identified the bombers (with accompanying photographs) as Muaz bin Jabal, al-Zubair Abu Sajidah, and Abu Dujanah. According to the statement: "We bring good news to the larger Islamic nation and, in particular, to our mujahideen brothers concerning the execution of special type of an operation for the very first time... We say to the apostates and their lords among the crusaders: behold the young Muslim men who are coming to you, behold those who cherish death more than life itself, and cherish martyrdom the same way that you cherish your corrupt lifestyle. We shall not put away our swords and we shall never live in peace until every last Muslim land is set free from the crusaders, the apostates, and the collaborators... O’ Allah, attack the Jews and Christians and their apostate collaborators and bring victory to the mujahideen everywhere."