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More CTP Analysis

Recent in-depth pieces on frontline issues from the CriticalThreats team

  1. January 15th Yemen Strike: Details and Implications for AQAP

    A strike on January 15 killed six al Qaeda operatives in Yemen, including the no. 3 leader and military commander of al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP), Qasim al Raymi. Please see here for analysis of the operaiton and implications for AQAP and Yemeni security.

  2. Critical Threats Briefing on Yemen and AQAP

    On January 12, 2010, CTP Director Frederick Kagan and researcher Chris Harnisch presented a briefing on the security situation in Yemen and U.S. considerations for the way forward regarding a Yemen strategy. Click here to watch the briefing and review the briefing slides.

  3. Christmas Day Attack: Manifestation of AQAP Shift Targeting America

    CTP analyzes the recent Christmas Day attack and al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula's (AQAP) apparent shift to targeting the United States and its interests. Click here for more...

  4. Christmas Day 2009 Airline Bombing: Yemen and al Qaeda Context

    The Christmas Day bombing attempt was reportedly conducted by a Nigerian self-described al Qaeda member who received training, indoctrination, and possibly equipment from al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP), the al Qaeda franchise in Yemen. Context, including recent AQAP statements, here.

  5. Yemen's Southern Challenge: Background on the Rising Threat of Secessionism

    As an insurgency rages in the north of Yemen and al Qaeda regroups throughout the country, the threat of a powerful secessionist movement simmers in the south. CTP examines the history, leadership, and grievances of Yemen's Southern Movement.

  6. Al Shabaab's Successful Suicide Bombing

    On December 3, a suicide bombing - likely carried out by al Shabaab - killed at least 22, including three senior government officials, at a college graduation ceremony in Mogadishu, Somalia. CTP looks at the significance of the attack's success, as well as why al Shabaab may have targeted a graduation ceremony.

  7. Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban: Military Considerations

    An assessment of the challenges that Pakistan’s security forces would face in an effort to target Afghan-focused insurgent groups.

  8. Tracker: Saudi Military Operations Along Yemeni Border

    On November 4, Saudi Arabia acknowledged bombing al Houthi positions along the Yemeni border after al Houthi insurgents gained control of territory within Saudi Arabia. CTP provides continuous coverage of Saudi Arabia's operations in assisting to defeat the al Houthi rebels.

all recent analysis

CTP News Briefs

Daily data on security, political, and economic trends in Critical Threats' focus areas.

  1. Iran News Roundup

    Iran News Roundup February 5, 2010

    Iranian cleric warns opposition against anti-regime activity on Revolution Day; Supreme Leader’s representative calls on ‘elites’ to ‘return to bosom of revolution’; Moscow welcomes Tehran’s nuclear swap offer; Iranian ambassador to Russia optimistic about delivery of S-300 missile system; Iranian trade officials reports ‘tangible increase’ in non-oil exports to Arab, African countries; Afghan paper criticizes Tehran for double standard in Afghanistan

  2. Pakistan Security Brief

    Pakistan Security Brief - February 5, 2010

    Two separate bombs kill at least 22 in Karachi; TTP spokesman says Hakimullah Mehsud is alive; Taliban flog three in Orakzai agency; protests supporting Kashmir occur throughout Pakistan; Sunni-Shia peace agreement reached in Hangu district; two Quetta police injured in bomb blast; militants attacked a power grid station in Khyber agency.

  3. Iran News Roundup

    Iran News Roundup February 3, 2010

    Iranian government, opposition readying for Revolution Day rallies; Ahmadinejad expresses willingness to export uranium for enrichment abroad; Iran announces launch of new rocket carrying live animals to space; Ahmadinejad elaborates on subsidy reform program; Turkey to boost energy cooperation with Iran; Tehran backs Kabul’s reconciliation effort with Taliban

  4. Pakistan Security Brief

    Pakistan Security Brief - February 4, 2010

    Police arrest 35 suspects in lower Dir bombing; military continues Bajaur offensive; two militants arrested in Nowshera; more speculation about Hakimullah Mehsud’s death; checkpoint in Mohmand attacked by militants; more details uncovered about Tuesday’s drone strikes in North Waziristan; US court finds Pakistani woman guilty of attempting to kill US troops; Rangers’ authority expanded to include all of Karachi.

  5. Pakistan Security Brief

    Pakistan Security Brief - February 3, 2010

    Bomb explosion kills three US soldiers in lower Dir; rumors emerge that TTP lieutenant Qari Hussein has been killed; US drone strikes kill 16 in North Waziristan; three militants killed in Swabi operation; Rangers given authority to handle wave of violence in Karachi.

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