The Long War Journal (Site-Wide)

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• Islamic State uses improvised weapons of war in Mosul, Iraq
• Analysis: Merger of al Qaeda groups threatens security in West Africa
• Israel’s airstrikes in Palmyra likely targeted Hezbollah weapons shipments


Islamic State uses improvised weapons of war in Mosul, Iraq Posted: 18 Mar 2017 06:18 AM PDT The Islamic State's Ninawa province has released a video highlighting its use of improvised weapons of war in the battle for Mosul, Iraq. The weapons include: vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices (VBIEDs) with armor attached, modified drones, and a remote-controlled rocket launcher. Children or young adolescents used as "martyrdom" bombers are also featured in the propaganda production.

Analysis: Merger of al Qaeda groups threatens security in West Africa Posted: 18 Mar 2017 04:20 AM PDT Earlier this month, four al Qaeda groups in West Africa merged to form the "Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims." Its constituent organizations launched more than 250 attacks across the region in 2016, a significant increase in the jihadists' operational tempo from the previous year.

Israel’s airstrikes in Palmyra likely targeted Hezbollah weapons shipments Posted: 17 Mar 2017 04:38 PM PDT Hezbollah may have begun receiving weapons shipments at Palmyra’s T-4 airport in an attempt to avoid Israeli detection.