Jund Ansar Allah (Knights of God’s Followers) is the first known terrorist organization in the Palestinian territories to be inspired by al Qaeda. The group is reported to have been created in November of 2008. It is not likely to be a grassroots Palestinian organization, but rather an al Qaeda offshoot that is set up in the Palestinian territories in order to carry out al Qaeda’s goal of striking Israel.
THREAT GROUP PROFILE META DATA & ANALYSIS
Intel Analysis: Jund Ansar Allah is a new terrorist organization in the Gaza Strip. The group is not constructed in a traditional jihadist mold that places an emphasis on Shaira law, defending Islam, waging jihad and expelling all non-believers from Muslim lands. The group’s goals are broad as opposed to specific. In fact, Jund Ansar Allah does not mention the defense of Palestinians as one of their goals. For the past several years, concerns of an al Qaeda presence in the Palestinian Territories have emerged, especially as al Qaeda rhetoric on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict has intensified. Jund Ansar Allah is the first organization in the Territories to insist that it maintains a connection to the al Qaeda organization.
Group Activities: JAA perpetrated its first terrorist attack on June 8, 2009 by attacking Israeli forces near the Karni crossing with the Gaza Strip. This intricate attack, involving at least 10 individuals and several explosive laden horses, demonstrates the organization’s unique capabilities and resources. Although Israeli security forces along the border thwarted the attack, the fact that reinforcements, including helicopters, were necessary to ward off the attack, speaks volumes about the attack’s coordination and complexity.It is likely the group is planning more attacks for the future.
Individuals Involved: Jund Ansar Allah appears to be a relatively secretive organization when compared to other al Qaeda affiliates who attempt to capitalize on a charismatic leader – the group has yet to identify such an individual. All of the communiqués released by the organization are allegedly from a Sheikh Abdullah al-Muhajir – likely a pseudonym. In Arabic, ‘al-Muhajir’ means ‘the announcer’. This title is symbolic to the organization as they called their first communiqué “The Proclamation” and their first attempted attack on an Israeli target which they called “The Battle of Proclamation.” We believe this individual, known as al-Muhajir, is the leader of the organization.
Operating Region: JAA operates in the Gaza Strip.
Strength: According to Israeli intelligence estimates, JAA has approximately 400 members who come from the Gaza Strip as well as other parts of the Muslim world.
External Aid: JAA is comprised of a majority of local members and some external members. Although al Qaeda inspires the group, we do not believe it has any direct connection with the group’s core members, including Osama Bin Laden.
Status: Active
Date posted: April 26, 2014
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