Country Reports on Terrorism 2014 - Foreign Terrorist Organizations: Jama'atu Ansarul Muslimina fi Biladis-Sudan (Ansaru)
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Date:
19 June 2015
aka Ansaru; Ansarul Muslimina Fi Biladis Sudan; Vanguards for the Protection of Muslims in Black Africa; JAMBS; Jama'atu Ansaril Muslimina Fi Biladis Sudan
Description: Designated as a Foreign Terrorist Organization on November 14, 2013, Jama'atu Ansarul Muslimina fi Biladis-Sudan (Ansaru) publicly splintered from Boko Haram in January 2012. Ansaru's leadership structure remains unclear; however, Khalid al-Barnawi held one of the top leadership positions within the organization. Since its inception, Ansaru has targeted western and international civilians and Nigerian government and security officials and is responsible for the deaths of civilians and a number of Nigerian security personnel. Ansaru's stated goals are to defend Muslims throughout all of Africa by fighting against the Nigerian government and international interests, but to avoid killing innocent Muslim civilians. While Ansaru claims to identify with Boko Haram's objectives and struggle, it has criticized the group for killing fellow Muslims.
Activities: In November 2012, Ansaru raided a police station in Abuja, killing Nigerian police officers and freeing detained terrorists from prison. In January 2013, Ansaru attacked a convoy of Nigerian peacekeepers on their way to Mali. Ansaru has also engaged in multiple kidnapping attacks targeting civilians. In late 2012, Ansaru kidnapped a French engineer and claimed the action was justified due to French involvement in Mali. Similarly in early 2013, Ansaru kidnapped and subsequently executed seven international construction workers. Ansaru committed no known attacks in 2014.
Strength: Total membership is unknown. Given its narrower scope of operations, it is estimated that Ansaru's membership is much smaller than that of Boko Haram's.
Location/Area of Operation: Ansaru's operations take place in northern Nigeria.
Funding and External Aid: Ansaru maintained a working relationship with Boko Haram and during 2014 may have rejoined with the larger group.
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