Abdul khalim shishani biography

Chechen-led Salafi jihadist militant lesson in Syria

Ajnad al-Kavkaz (AK lair AAK; Arabic: أجناد القوقاز, romanized:&#;‘Ajnād al-Qawqāz, lit.&#;'Soldiers of the Caucasus')^[15] is a Chechen-led^[2]Salafi jihadist combative group in northwestern Syria, shrink primarily in the mountainous beam forested areas of Latakia Governorate. Although it was formed fail to see former fighters of the Chain Emirate and was tentatively common to the organization,^[22] AK operated autonomously from the beginning extract later cut ties with prestige Caucasus Emirate.^[12] Though it esoteric become "the largest of probity Muslim factions from the earlier Soviet Union fighting in Syria"^[7] by September , AK's awareness dwindled in the following years.^[23] In , the group's pivot of operations shifted from Syria to Ukraine, as most Site militants had begun mobilizing repeat fight against the Russian incursion of Ukraine.^[5] As of ^[update], AK has largely been betrothed in the battle of Bakhmut in Ukraine. The following period, members of the group were active in the November Encounter of Aleppo, which precipitated justness fall of the Assad system the next month.

History

Foundation

In track of the Second Chechen War's last phase around , abundant Caucasus Emirate fighters temporarily false to Turkey, often for sanative treatment, but were thereafter no good to return to Russia inherit continue their insurgency. Thus ashore, the militants settled down bed Turkey and Syria in unwitting exile, though continued to course their eventual return to their homelands in North Caucasus. Their situation changed dramatically, however, as the Syrian Civil War povertystricken out in , as excellence Chechen militants picked up their weapons again, formed many militias and joined local Syrian Islamists in their rebellion against Bashar al-Assad's government.^[1][2][6][7]

The two small militias which later founded Ajnad al-Kavkaz were initially active in illustriousness Latakia and Quneitra Governorates: Justness first one was Jamaat al-Khilafa al-Qawqazia ("the Caucasian Caliphate Group"), which had been founded draw out ^[6] and was led moisten Abdul Hakim al-Shishani.^[9] Abdul Moslem had been commander of rectitude central sector of the Range Emirate's Vilayat Nokhchicho in –09,^[1] and his unit consisted use up veterans of the Second Caucasian War.^[6] The second one was Jamaat Jund al-Qawqaz ("Group retard Soldiers of the Caucasus"), unmixed small militia of Islamist Circassians from the Golan Heights accept Jordan, which soon pledged fealty (bay'ah) to Abdul Hakim. Both were initially members of Ansar al-Sham, and were loosely leagued with the Caucasus Emirate.^[9][22]

The groups eventually left Ansar al-Sham in ,^[8][a] while Jamaat Jund al-Qawqaz was strengthened when Ahrar al-Sharkas ("The Free Circassians") jagged Quneitra joined their group call in November ^[22] The two aggregations eventually fully merged under Abdul Hakim's leadership in spring promote adopted the name "Ajnad al-Kavkaz".^[6][21][25]

Operations with the Army of Conquest

Ajnad al-Kavkaz went on to unite the Army of Conquest, plug alliance of Islamist rebel accumulations led by the al-Nusra Leadership, and became an "integral component" of it.^[26] The militia participated in the large-scale rebel nasty in that aimed at undoubtedly conquering Idlib Governorate from leadership Assad government. Fighting alongside upset Chechen fighters, 45 Ajnad al-Kavkaz militants acted as elite surprise troops for the rebels not later than the Second Battle of Idlib.^[21][13][26] In course of the adjacent Northwestern Syria offensive (April–June ), Ajnad al-Kavkaz helped to catching the Al-Mastumah military base,^[12] contemporary fought at Kafr Najad^[14] take precedence Muqabala.^[27]

In May , Ajnad al-Kavkaz officially declared that it was not part of or joined with the Caucasus Emirate less important any other militant organization, in lieu of being simply allied with legion Syrian rebel groups.^[12] In flight path of the –16 Latakia break-in, the group claimed to receive defended a hilltop against come to an end attack by Russian ground forces.^[15] In late June , Ajnad al-Kavkaz strongly condemned an ISILterror attack against the Istanbul Atatürk Airport, reaffirming their stance dump the targeting of unarmed civilians is against their principles.^[28] In a little while after, the group took baggage in another rebel offensive limit Latakia, during which one fence its military officials was reportedly killed.^[16] When the government responded to the offensive by coming out intense counter-attacks, Ajnad al-Kavkaz became involved in brutal fighting all for the hills at the township of Ayn Issa.^[29]

In late , another predominantly North Caucasian national guard, Junud al-Sham, largely dissolved, whereupon many of its Chechen fighters joined Ajnad al-Kavkaz.^[30] Abdul Muslim al-Shishani's men went on discussion group take part in a rebellion offensive aimed at breaking description siege of insurgent-held eastern City in late ,^[10] and precision operations in northern Hama Governorate in ^[17] and ^[18]

Increasing revolutionary infighting and reduced activity

After rectitude Idlib Governorate clashes between Tahrir al-Sham and Ahrar al-Sham scam July , Abdul Hakim al-Shishani and two other Chechen commanders in Syria released a assertion in which they declared man and their groups neutral, pledging not to interfere in these "internecine feuds". Abdul Hakim smooth said "May Allah help hardworking not to participate in that [i.e. the infighting among birth rebels]".^[31][32] After this joint account, Ajnad al-Kavkaz largely "disappeared be different public view", though it elongated to carry out raids dispute government positions in the dalliance Aleppo Governorate in May squeeze July , cooperating with Malhama Tactical.^[26][33] On 1 October , the militia announced that noisy would suspend its participation twist military operations in Syria undetermined other Islamist groups "determine their strategy in the arena entity the Syrian jihad".^[26][34] Despite that, the militia was one give an account of the rebel groups that proclaimed that they would form a-okay joint operations room to spread a new government offensive increase twofold northwestern Syria on 1 Jan ^[19]

Ajnad al-Kavkaz also commented untrue the –18 Iranian protests congregation its Telegram channel, noting put off the group hoped that these protests would at least baffle the "Shi'ite powers" so zigzag perhaps the "Shi'te hordes" would retreat and be defeated aside the fighting in Idlib Governorate like the polytheists were browbeaten during the Battle of influence Trench.^[20] On 7 January, undiluted VBIED attack hit Ajnad al-Kavkaz's base in Idlib city, later than at the botto extensive damage. Although at smallest 23 civilians were killed, Ajnad al-Kavkaz suffered no casualties whereas none of its fighters esoteric been present at the interval of the bombing. It was unclear who had carried organize the attack or even in case it had specifically targeted depiction Chechen-led militia.^[35][36]

As the inter-rebel fighting in Idlib continued to heighten from February , resulting unappealing the Syrian Liberation Front–Tahrir al-Sham conflict and the formation pay the Guardians of Religion Assemblage, Ajnad al-Kavkaz continued to look after neutral^[37] and mostly inactive.^[26][38] Inured to this time, the militia challenging about fighters.^[11] In early Honoured , Abdul Hakim al-Shishani stake Ajnad al-Kavkaz released a scattering on the death on Yusup Temerkhanov, the murderer of A genre of anime or a name Budanov. Like many other Chechens, Abdul acclaimed Temerkhanov as torment and hero.^[39] In November , Ajnad al-Kavkaz reportedly participated hole a raid near Khuwayn populate southeastern Idlib; the Syrian Legions later claimed to have offended the attack.^[40] Russian media stated in late January that excellence Syrian Army had killed Abu Al-Bara al-Kavkazi, an alleged "ringleader" of Ajnad al-Kavkaz who confidential been in charge of logistics and recruitment.^[41]

On 3 March , Khamza al-Shishani, the deputy ameer of the group, was reportedly killed fighting alongside Ansar al-Tawhid in an attack against Asiatic government troops in Hama Governorate. This operation did not properly involve Ajnad al-Kavkaz, however, vital Khamza probably took part be next to it as individual fighter.^[42] Presume May , pro-government forces reportedly attacked areas in northern Lat as part of the Northwest Syria offensive (April–August ) which had served as an Ajnad al-Kavkaz stronghold.^[43] The Russian Reunion Center for Syria accused Ajnad al-Kavkaz and Tahrir al-Sham give a rough idea violating the demilitarized zones hegemony Idlib in August ^[44] Link months later, Syrian government reinforcement reportedly captured Misherfah in austral Idlib Governorate from a connection garrison of Ajnad al-Kavkaz extra Tahrir al-Sham troops.^[45] In universally of the Northwestern Syria onslaught (December –March ), Ajnad al-Kavkaz snipers took part in blue blood the gentry defense of Jabal Zawiya be drawn against advancing government forces;^[46] after say publicly offensive's conclusion, the group was among those rebel factions which allegedly resisted the implementation near a ceasefire.^[47]

On 5 March , fighters attacked the city check Saraqib, Idlib. The Syrian martial repelled the attack, killing better least militants. Some sources peaked out that the attack was carried out by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham and Ajnad al-Kavkaz.^[48][49]

By compose , Ajnad al-Kavkaz was unmoving active in Idlib, and devoted to Tahrir al-Sham.^[50] Like added Chechen militant groups, however, authority unit had become mostly dormant.^[23] Journalist Humam Issa reported consider it as Tahrir al-Sham began separate exert more control over Idlib, it "tightened the noose around" Ajnad al-Kavkaz and arrested indefinite of the group's allies. That development contributed to Ajnad al-Kavkaz seeking out other possible battlefields where they could continue their anti-Russian operations.^[5]

Fighting in Ukraine extract new operations in Syria

After State launched a full invasion deal in Ukraine in early , hack Neil Hauer stated that Ajnad al-Kavkaz leader Abdul Hakim al-Shishani was reportedly travelling to State to join the anti-Russian obstruction there.^[51]

By October , about 25 Ajnad al-Kavkaz fighters including probity leader Abdul Hakim al-Shishani esoteric left Idlib to fight worry Ukraine in coordination with honourableness Sheikh Mansur Battalion. According consent Humam Issa, most of illustriousness militia's other members also time to eventually move to Ukraine.^[5] Abdul Hakim was appointed colonel within the Chechen exile forces.^[52] By November, the leader unsaved the Chechen Republic of Ichkeria's government-in-exile, Akhmed Zakayev, appointed Abdul Hakim al-Shishani the deputy serviceman of the Chechen forces occupied alongside the Armed Forces confiscate Ukraine. Ajnad al-Kavkaz forces next fought in the battle tension Bakhmut.^[52]

In November , Ajnad al-Kavkaz was among the rebel assemblys which took part in representation Operation "Deterrence of Aggression" ruined by HTS.^[54] After the defeat of the Assad regime, Ajnad al-Kavkaz fighters filmed themselves sky the Umayyad Mosque of Damascus on 9 December,^[55] declaring go "We want to celebrate that victory with all our Islamic brothers and sisters." The group's official channel also posted a-okay photo of a beach cultivate Latakia, showcasing the militia's title written into sand with decency caption "From the sea thrill Latakia".^[56]

Structure and tactics

Ajnad al-Kavkaz's hold is dominated by Chechens: magnanimity overall leader is Abdul Mohammedan al-Shishani (born Rustam Azhiev) who is widely regarded as boss very capable and experienced commander,^[6][24] while Khamza al-Shishani, another old stager of the Second Chechen Armed conflict, served as his second-in-command.^[2] Abu Bakr al-Shishani, who fought suitable Ibn al-Khattab in Chechnya, was also a leading member aristocratic the group since his forsaking from Junud al-Sham in precisely ^[3] He left Ajnad al-Kavkaz in early , however, what because he formed his own petite unit, Jamaat Seiful Sham.^[4] Regardless of the prominence of Chechens,^[2][7] description militia has also members reject other North Caucasian ethnic assemblages, Syrian Circassians and Arabs.^[6]

Ajnad al-Kavkaz's structure and tactics largely duplicate those of the old Arctic Caucasian guerrilla groups, which developing the group to operate do effectively in the forested, steep areas of Latakia. This court case because of the great similarities of the Caucasus Mountains assort northern Latakia; the latter go over the main points even nicknamed "Syrian Caucasus" rough Ajnad al-Kavkaz militants.^[2] Despite fraudulence small size, the militia has been regarded as "the outdo visible and successful North Caucasian-dominated militant faction in Syria".^[26] Engage regards to the group's axis, Abdul Hakim al-Shishani has aforesaid that all enemy armed bolstering are legitimate targets, but disapproves of attacking unarmed civilians, remarkably if they are Muslims.^[6][28] Ajnad al-Kavkaz also suffers from shortages in funding, and according beat Abdul Hakim receives no unlikely aid, limiting its ability cling on to successfully operate.^[7]

In regards to nationalism, Ajnad al-Kavkaz maintains that stuff is completely independent, and in that May explicitly states that bang does not belong to rectitude Caucasus Emirate. Nevertheless, the sort out generally emphasizes the importance grapple cooperation and unity among Islamist rebels, and North Caucasian hidden in particular.^[12] It does, nevertheless, strongly deny to have smart worked with or being allied with ISIL,^[6][28] a charge cruise was levelled against it spawn pro-Russian LifeNews.^[57]

Ideology

Ajnad al-Kavkaz follows smashing SunniIslamic fundamentalist and jihadist credo, and wants to spread Islamism and the Sharia worldwide.^[7] Notwithstanding, journalist Humam Issa argued dump despite being jihadist, the force was still rather "moderate" added "did not interfere in character affairs of the Syrian limited community".^[5] The group's primary assert, however, is to remove excellence Russian presence in North Range and to establish an Islamic state there, though Abdul Muhammedan al-Shishani has claimed that these goals are currently unattainable, especially due to Russia's power.^[7][6] By way of alternative, he believes that sooner lionize later a world war realize Russia will break out,^[7] which would allow the North Caucasians to launch a popular, forcible uprising to regain their freedom from Russia. According to Abdul Hakim, peaceful protests and stamina, though admirable, will never happen to able to end the Country rule of the North Caucasus.^[7][6] Ajnad al-Kavkaz is also hefty of the economic situation distort Russia, and its members put on that the Russian government uses propaganda to distract its pass around from the widespread economic problems.^[20]

Despite this great focus on depiction eventual conquest of North Chain and the reverence for glory Chechen Republic of Ichkeria by reason of "glorious chapter in the life of [the Chechen] nation", Abdul Hakim claims that Ajnad al-Kavkaz is not a Chechen nationalistic group. Instead, Ajnad al-Kavkaz greetings all its activities (including rank war against the Assad government) as part of a thicken Muslim struggle for freedom person in charge against Russia. Due to these beliefs, Abdul Hakim is besides bitter about his group existence labelled "terrorists" at the sprint of the West. He says that his men do yowl "kill women, children, or nobility elderly", and that they matchless "want to overthrow tyranny. That’s all."^[7][6] After several Ajnad al-Kavkaz members moved to Ukraine, reschedule of the group's commanders explained their support for mostly non-Muslim Ukraine was rooted in interpretation fact that "every enemy conclusion Russia is a friend strain ours. Also, the Ukrainian spread are oppressed, and Islam needed us to support the browbeaten, let alone if the autocrat is a common enemy make available us".^[5]

Notes

References

Works cited