Eye on Extremism: August 19, 2026
Top Stories
Reuters: Attacks on aid workers hit record high in 2025, UN says
A record number of humanitarian workers were attacked last year, driven partly by increased use of armed drones, the United Nations said on Wednesday, calling the trend “appalling.” Some 907 aid workers were killed, injured or kidnapped in 2025 versus 833 the year before, according to the Aid Worker Security Database, a platform funded by Canada and Australia that compiles major security incidents affecting aid workers.
Hamas said on Tuesday that it remained committed to the US-backed Gaza disarmament deal, a day after a source told The Times of Israel that the Board of Peace is considering abandoning its original framework, which would have seen the terror group disarming in phases, in favor of an all-at-once process supported by Israel.
CEP Mentions
Hans-Jakob Schindler, senior director of the Counter Extremism Project, noted that Lavrov’s comments, which followed the drone discovery, are seen as a threat and warning of a more aggressive campaign against Europe, the West, and NATO, and are close to an admission of guilt by Russia in hybrid warfare operations.
SRF TV: Terror instead of aid: Donations apparently end up with ISIS
Hans-Jakob Schindler discusses the role of donations and the misuse of humanitarian organizations in terrorism financing.
NTV: “Russia discards agents in case of arrest”
According to terrorism expert Hans-Jakob Schindler, espionage by so-called low-level agents has only increased sharply in recent years. He explains the differences between them and professional agents and what characterizes this mass phenomenon.
Analysis
Africa Defense Forum: Terrorist Rule in Mali Would Upend Region
The terrorist attack in April that killed Mali’s defense minister in his home added fuel to the notion that Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin could one day take control of the country. Over the last year or more, the group also known as JNIM has launched an economic blockade on the landlocked country that largely crippled the capital, Bamako. Its alliance with the Tuareg-based Azawad Liberation Front (FLA) drove government forces and Russian mercenaries out of the north of the country during the same operation that killed Defence Minister Sadio Camara.
War on the Rocks: What Have We Learned from the 9/11 Wars? Not Nearly Enough
Over the next month, the United States will pass two major historical milestones: the five-year anniversary of its withdrawal from Afghanistan and the 25-year anniversary of the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. While the latter is likely to receive at least a modicum of respectful remembrance from U.S. leaders and the American public, the former is likely to be ignored by the U.S. government and to escape broader notice.
Rehabilitating radicalized Muslim youth requires an approach that refuses to conflate religious conservatism with violent extremism and that treats disengagement as a multidimensional, individualized process rather than a single ideological correction.
Newsweek: The Hijackers Debated: Hit Only One WTC Tower, Target White House Instead?
In this series, Newsweek maps the road to 9/11 as it happened 25 years ago, day by day.
United States
Reuters: DOJ unseals new charges against 17 hackers in Iran-backed campaign
The U.S. Department of Justice on Tuesday unsealed new and updated charges against 17 individuals working with an Iranian company that it alleges carried out hacks and data theft against U.S. universities, companies and government agencies. The DOJ said in a statement, opens new tab that the individuals were working with the Mabna Institute, which carried out hacking campaigns on behalf of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and other Iranian government and university clients.
JTA: Trump campus antisemitism investigations violated the law, DOJ whistleblower claims
The Trump administration’s investigations into antisemitism at three elite universities were driven by premeditated political goals and violated federal law, according to an account by a former Justice Department attorney.
Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-MD), the ranking member of the House Judiciary Committee, claimed on Tuesday that the Trump administration’s probes into campus antisemitism were “fake” and that schools found to have violated federal civil rights law were effectively framed, pointing to whistleblower reports that claimed the administration had manipulated evidence to show violations of law despite lacking sufficient evidence.
Associated Press: Prosecutors say bullet engraving shows Charlie Kirk was targeted for his politics
Prosecutors in Charlie Kirk’s killing pointed Tuesday to an engraved bullet, arguing that the inscription “Hey Facist! CATCH!” demonstrates that Kirk was targeted for how the defendant perceived his politics. Whether defendant Tyler Robinson acted out of political animus could be key for prosecutors seeking the death penalty — or for his attorneys in taking that punishment off the table.
WILX: Visit by anti-Muslim activist sparks protests, arrests in Dearborn
A demonstration outside a Dearborn City Council meeting turned physical Tuesday, with swastikas, American flags, toppled barricades and people in clown costumes present at the scene. Hundreds of people gathered for the demonstration amid a visit to the city from anti-Muslim activist Jake Lang. Officials had prepared for a larger protest and relocated the city council meeting to the Henry Ford Centennial Library.
Within 24 hours of Abdul El-Sayed becoming Michigan’s Senate Democratic nominee, the candidate faced an onslaught of attacks. But instead of critiquing his policy positions or campaign promises, the comments focused on his background and Muslim faith, framing the epidemiologist-turned-
New York Jewish Week: NYC schools have seen 250 antisemitic incidents since Oct. 7, report finds
A new report from the United Jewish Teachers, a New York teachers advocacy group, released Tuesday claimed to have catalogued at least 250 antisemitic and anti-Israel incidents in New York City public schools since Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023, attacks on Israel.
KTIV: Man facing terrorism charges after threatening local police department, county attorney
A Northwest Iowa man is facing terrorism charges after he allegedly threatened to bomb the local police department, and threatened the life of a county official. On Tuesday, Aug. 18. officers say 28-year-old Christian Burford, of Sioux City, was taken into custody and charged with two counts of terrorism.
JTA: Jews have long fought antisemitism in court. Is the law built for the fight?
When historian James Loeffler set out to write a history of antisemitism and free speech in America, he kept running into the same complaint from opposite ends of the political spectrum: that antisemitism is somehow different — either too readily dismissed, or too easily weaponized.
JTA: Rep. Randy Fine beats Dan Bilzerian, who said he wants to ‘kill Israelis’
Jewish far-right firebrand Rep. Randy Fine secured a landslide victory in his Florida GOP primary on Tuesday, ending a race marked by antisemitic tropes, allusions to Adolf Hitler and sharp criticism of Islam.
Esther Panitch, a Democratic Georgia state representative and the lone Jewish member of the state’s legislature, is calling on the Council on American-Islamic Relations of Georgia to “change their minds” about featuring antisemitic speakers at its upcoming gala in September.
A Virginia investigative report alleged persistent antisemitic incidents at an Arlington high school with inadequate administrative response, according to a national news outlet. The Free Press reported on a 39-page summary of evidence it said former Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares issued in October, citing antisemitic incidents among students at Yorktown High School.
Bulgaria
Radio Bulgaria: Three detained at neo-Nazi club in Bulgaria’s Plovdiv face charges
Three of the people detained at a private club associated with the Plovdiv branch of the international neo-Nazi organization “Blood & Honour” have been charged with incitement to discrimination, hatred, and violence based on race, national origin, or sexual orientation, Deputy District Prosecutor Neno Dimov said at a briefing. Two of them are father and son, while the third - the tenant of the premises - has been charged as the perpetrator.
Akmu: Prof. Radulov: Neo-Nazi groups in Bulgaria are not multiplying as much as we think
Neo-Nazi ideologies are attracting more and more young people in our country. A large group of followers of the global organization “Blood and Honor” were detained in Plovdiv, but only one remains in custody.
Germany
In just over two weeks’ time, Saxony-Anhalt – home to historic timber-framed houses, the dramatic Harz mountains and the birthplace of Martin Luther – will hold what could prove one of the most significant state elections in Germany’s postwar history.
United Kingdom
BBC: Extremist convicted of preparing acts of terrorism
A man who attempted to join the so-called Islamic State (IS) has been found guilty of preparing acts of terrorism. Mohamed Mohamoud, who was born in Somalia but moved to Bristol in 2020, previously admitted that he flew back to his home country in January 2025 and tried to join the terrorist organisation as a “martyr,” but failed to reach the group because of ongoing UK counter-terrorism operations.
The National: Anti-Muslim hate incidents soar in London
Incidents of anti-Muslim hate are soaring to record levels in London, with a six-fold increase in the last five years. Last year saw the highest number of annual reported incidents in London on record, at 1,909. The figure for the whole of 2026 is expected to be even higher, having already reached 1,031 by the end of June, according to the British Muslim helpline Tell Mama.
JNS: British venue admits discrimination against Jewish comedian
A British venue that had deplatformed a Jewish comedian last year ostensibly over his views on Gaza has accepted that the move was discriminatory against him as a Jewish person, a British magazine reported on Monday.
The Times: Green members propose ‘state regulation of journalists’ consciences’
Greens for Palestine called on Tuesday for The Times to be held “accountable” after this newspaper revealed party activists had discussed “killing Zionists” and one participant had described British Jews as “a brilliant weapon for the Israeli state”.
The Times: Inside the Green Party group chats that discussed ‘killing Zionists’
Green Party activists claimed British Jews were a “weapon” of Israel and described hostility towards Jews as “understandable”, leaked messages show. Participants in a private WhatsApp group used by Green members discussed “killing Zionists” and described the majority of Israeli Jews as “genociders.” Separate comments on the party’s conference forum defended “violent resistance” and “armed struggle” by Palestinians.
The Times: ‘Every day we think the Taliban will find and kill us’
Since that day, August 15, Nadim’s family has been forced into hiding and subjected to years of heartache — and now poverty and despair. He is among some 3,000 Afghans who have been told they can come to Britain because of the threats they face but, like the others, has been denied help to reach the UK.
Afghanistan
Afghanistan International: Opposition Groups Feature Prominently In Taliban Leaders’ Speeches
Top Taliban leaders, including the group’s economic and administrative deputy prime ministers, interior and foreign ministers and army chief, devoted a significant part of their Independence Day speeches to opponents, urging them to end fighting & activities against the Taliban.
Afghanistan International: Taliban Must Listen To Afghan People, Says Interior Minister Haqqani
Taliban Interior Minister Sirajuddin Haqqani called on the group’s opponents to stop fighting, saying they should not ruin their own lives or those of the Afghan people. Speaking in Kabul on Wednesday, 19 August, at a ceremony marking the 107th anniversary of Afghanistan’s independence, Haqqani said: “My advice to those who oppose us and live abroad is: do not ruin your own lives and the lives of the people.”
Kabul Now: Taliban Detain Four Civilians in Northeastern Afghanistan
Local sources in Panjshir Province, in northeastern Afghanistan, say that the Taliban have detained four civilians in Pariyan district of the province. Sources in Pariyan told KabulNow that the four men were detained on Monday (August 17) from the village of Kojan. According to the sources, the detainees are young farmers who have no links to any group or organization opposed to the Taliban.
Gaza Strip/West Bank
Reuters: Israel kills six in Gaza on day after Kushner meeting with Netanyahu, medics say
Israel’s military said it had carried out an airstrike on Hamas commanders and several other militants. It said one of those targeted had taken part in the Hamas-led October 7, 2023, attack on Israel that triggered the war.
US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee doubled down Tuesday on his description of extremist West Bank settlers as “terrorists,” while denying reports of a clash between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the White House over the next phase of the US-backed plan for Gaza.
Iran
Global Arab Network: IRGC Consolidates Domestic Power Amid Strategic Shift to Protracted War
Iran has utilized the period of relative calm since June to significantly bolster its military capabilities and consolidate the internal influence of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), signaling a strategic pivot toward a state of prolonged regional confrontation. According to emerging security analysis, the Iranian state is undergoing a comprehensive restructuring characterized by the deepening of the IRGC’s dominance over domestic affairs, effectively aligning the country’s internal infrastructure with its external military objectives.
Fox News: Iran’s gutted ranks leave loyalists filling critical posts — with one glaring problem
Iran is rebuilding the upper ranks of its military and security establishment after months of wartime losses by turning largely to familiar veterans — figures whose careers in some cases stretch back to the 1979 Islamic Revolution, the Iran-Iraq War and previous domestic crackdowns.
Iran International: Seized UAE tanker heads to Iran’s Bandar Abbas – IRGC media
A UAE tanker seized in the northern corridor of the Strait of Hormuz was diverted toward Iran’s southern port of Bandar Abbas, IRGC-affiliated Fars News reported on Wednesday.
Iraq
Shafaq News: Asayish arrests seven ISIS militants hiding in Al-Sulaymaniyah
Kurdistan Region security forces (Asayish) arrested seven wanted ISIS militants hiding in Al-Sulaymaniyah and its surroundings on Tuesday. The suspects were detained under Article 4 of Iraq's Anti-Terrorism Law and handed over to federal authorities for further investigation and legal proceedings.
Iraqi News: Terrorists killed in airstrikes in northern Iraq
The Iraqi Security Media Cell (ISMC) confirmed on Monday that airstrikes successfully eliminated a group of terrorists in the Zaghitoun Valley area in the northern Iraqi province of Kirkuk. After receiving comprehensive information from the Military Intelligence Directorate, Iraqi security forces discovered an active terrorist hideaway, according to a statement cited by the state-run Iraqi News Agency (INA).
Israel
Times of Israel: PM, Kushner clashed over continued Israeli strikes on Oct. 7 terrorists — officials
The main dispute during Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s meeting on Monday with US special envoy Jared Kushner was over the premier’s insistence that Israel continue carrying out strikes on Hamas operatives in Gaza who allegedly took part in the terror group’s October 7 onslaught, an official present at the sit-down told The Times of Israel.
Jerusalem Post: Beersheba terror suspect admits to ‘wanting to blow up’ nightclub dancers
Abdullah Gergawi, who was indicted Tuesday over an alleged plot to carry out a terrorist attack near the Forum nightclub in Beersheba, told investigators that he intended to target people dancing at the venue. “I wanted to blow up the people dancing there, whether they were Jews or Arabs.”
Syria
Syrian Observer: Internal Security Forces Arrest Senior ISIS Commander in Aleppo Countryside
Syrian Internal Security Forces, operating in coordination with the General Intelligence Service and international partners, arrested a senior military commander of ISIS — a violent extremist organization responsible for grave human rights violations — during a security operation in the countryside of Manbij, Aleppo governorate.
India
Afghanistan International: Engagement With Taliban Has Gained Momentum, Says India
India’s Foreign Ministry defended the presence of an official at a Taliban takeover anniversary event at the Afghan embassy in Delhi, saying India’s engagement with the Taliban has gained momentum over the past year.
Africa
Africa Defense Forum: Gold Rush Opens Door for Terrorists in Southern Africa
Zimbabwean researcher Charles Moyo believes that Southern Africa is a region at a crossroads. While it enjoys peace and stability relative to the rest of the continent, it faces the threat of expanding terrorism from Islamic State affiliates in northern Mozambique and eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo.
TVC News: IS Sahel Commander Reportedly Killed In Clashes With JNIM
Abou Zeid Al-Burkinabi, described as a commander of the Islamic State Sahel Province, was reportedly killed during clashes with rival militant group Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) on 17 August 2026. The reported death highlights the continuing rivalry between the two jihadist factions, which have fought for territory, fighters and resources across parts of the Sahel.
Somalia
Africa News: Somalia: Dozens killed in fighting to control key city of Baidoa
ierce fighting between the Somali army and opposition forces in the key city of Baidoa in South West State has left dozens of people dead, including at least four civilians.
Australia
For almost two years, Mohommed Farhat has been in prison after he pleaded guilty to 15 offences in connection with property damage, including spray-painting “Fuk Israel” on cars in Sydney’s east and setting another vehicle alight in late 2024.
Adelaide Now: Social media’s gateway to hate is a growing national security risk
Social media algorithms should be audited and fines imposed on tech giants fuelling the rise in extremism, a report funded by Australia’s peak intelligence agency has found.
Technology
Arab News: Pakistan urges Google to proactively monitor social media over militant propaganda
Pakistan on Wednesday urged Google to proactively monitor social media for militant propaganda and harmful content, saying extremist groups were using online platforms to spread fear as the country battles persistent militant violence.
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