Photo Above: (Video/Cartel Activity) Jalisco Nueva Generacion Cartel (CJNG) Issues Threat to Governing Authorities of Aguascalientes, Mexico - 14 September
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Bottom Line Up Front:. In Mexico there are at least five active turf wars being waged in the states of San Luis Potosi, Guanajuato, Sonora, Michoacán and Aguascalientes. Even Mexico City hasn't been spared the conflict caused by mostly the Sinaloa (CDS) and Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG) Cartels attempting to take over the operations of the smaller cartels. Much like Islamic State has done in various locations across the globe, the CJNG is specifically mounting both physical and propaganda campaigns to position itself as the authority over the Mexican government. Their claims have ranged from the food pantries giving out much needed sustenance to the poor, to intimidating the locals by showing their arsenal of manpower and weapons to force the hearts and minds to turn to the CJNG rather than relying on the regional-specific cartels with minimal funding or the often-absent federal government support in rural areas.
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Image Above: Screenshot (above) Slovak's Siege Shack suggests that getting really good at destroying power supplies while never getting caught.
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TRAC INCIDENT REPORT: Chainsaw "Sabotage" on 12,000 Volt Power Poles in Lynnwood & Between Interurban Trail and I-5 Near the Alderwood Mall, North of Seattle, Snohomish County, Washington, United States |
In an incident first reported last month, TRAC monitored an unusual amount of Telegram chatter on 14 September 2020 regarding the chainsaw sabotage in Snohomish. The infamous "Slovak's Siege Shack" Telegram channel advocated for more attacks on power supplies. The same Telegram channel has often pointed to how soft a target electrical grids are and that most arson attacks are difficult to solve. The incident stems from 19 August when at least 5 utility poles had been sabotaged with a chainsaw in Snohomish County. Residents alerted the utility company. An investigation by the company discovered one pole completely severed and at least four poles that were unsuccessfully felled. Extreme far right Telegram channels not only praised the actions but also advocated copycats. Though both extreme far right and extreme far left target electrical grids, the extreme far right most often distribute instructional guides. |
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Al-Qaeda In The Arabian Peninsula (AQAP): "Who Is the Victor?" |
On 13 September, al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula released a publication entitled, "Who Is the Victor?" The publication circulated Telegram "On the Occasion of the Nineteenth Anniversary of the Blessed September 11 Attacks." AQAP argues that the United States has economically lost the so-called 'war on terrorism' and the sheer debt and troop losses the US has incurred fighting in Afghanistan and Iraq have demoralized the nation. The document also spends a lot of time on the mental health for returning veterans. The second half of the document focuses on how US COVID policies have destroyed the nation. US debt, GDP, and unemployment are examples of how the US has failed. Conversely, the number of jihadi groups and willingness to travel to jihad (hijrah) has only grown since 9/11. Conflating their cause with Islamic State's, AQAP is also quick to point out that the United States is the second largest consumer of jihadist propaganda.To be clear Al Qaeda Central Command under Osama bin Laden master plan was always to bankrupt the United States in the process of fighting their franchises. So with that point, the message from al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) merely states that the franchise is still on target on the long war battle ground.
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Images: (above); Cover of latest publication from AQAP
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Video screenshot (above): PopMob post on Twitter. (Below) Joe "Rambo Biggs" boast on Telegram.
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(Poster) PopMob (Popular Mobilization) Announces Rally To Meet The Proud Boys on 26 September in Portland, Oregon, United States |
Only two weeks after a ANTIFA / Anti-Fascist Action counter-protester killed a Patriot Prayer member during a Trump rally in Portland, another anti-fascist group, PopMob (Popular Mobilization) vowed to block a planned rally in the city by The Proud Boys. TRAC has been following the travels of Proud Boy member Joe "Rambo" Biggs as he posts selfies along the route from his home in Florida to Portland. Proud Boy chairman, Enrique Tarrio, announced a planned rally in Terry Schrunk Plaza, a federal park in downtown Portland to take place on 26 September. The announcement by PopMob (with its 21,300 followers on Twitter) and Bigg's promise to bring an arsenal along with a recent post stating that he has "gotten into the business of stacking bodies" sets the stage for potential conflict in the city later this month.
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(Statement) Al-Qaeda In The Arabian Peninsula (AQAP): Statement Calling On Muslims In The Homes Of The Crusaders To Launch Attacks In France, In Response To What Was Published By The Charlie Hebdo Newspaper - 11 September 2020 |
On 11 September 2020 al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) posted a statement that circulated Telegram calling on Muslims in the homes of the Crusaders to launch attacks on France, in response to what was published by the Charlie Hebdo newspaper. Additional chatter around the statement also circulated Telegram. The timing of the 'call to action' for lone wolf attacks cannot be ignored. The statement was released on 9/11 anniversary attacks in the United States. Given the length and lack of flashy imagery, it is unclear how inspired lone wolves will be willing to answer the call. The message will most likely only appeal to those insider AQAP base supporters in Yemen and Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. |
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Screen Shot (above): AQAP statement following Charlie Hebdo reprinting cartoon of Prophet Mohamed that initially brought them to the attention of jihadis.
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TRAC's Weekly Analyst Review is a small curated list of many events.
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TRAC Weekly Analyst Briefing
As many of our clients know, we invite one organization a week to sit in on our Analyst Briefing. The briefings take place at 10 AM US eastern time and last an hour. We meet virtually in TRAC's online conference center.
If your organization is interested in attending, please schedule with the link below. We look forward to having you join us and ask questions.
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