Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > North Africa
Islamist activity in the Sahara in relation to travel security Islamist activity in the Sahara in relation to travel security
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
North Africa Topics specific to North Africa and the Sahara down to the 17th parallel (excludes Morocco)
Photo by Hendi Kaf, in Cambodia

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Hendi Kaf,
in Cambodia



Trans Sahara Routes.

Like Tree90Likes

Reply
Page 47 of 51 « First 3334353637383940414243444546 47 48495051
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #691  
Old 6 Jun 2020
Chris Scott's Avatar
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jun 2000
Posts: 4,932
AQIM chief Al-Qaeda chief Abdelmalek Droukdel killed
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-52943692

Nabbed just as they rested in a oued, we are told.
Last edited by Chris Scott; 11 Jun 2020 at 21:22.
Reply With Quote
  #692  
Old 8 Jun 2020
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Oxford
Posts: 32
Shame he could not have been taken alive. The trial and sentencing would have potential for the forces of good. To kill him is to make him a martyr for the causes of evil. The same with Bin Laden.
Yet, end of an era, insha'Allah his replacement is nothing like as influential or effective, or as good with explosives.
All quiet here in Mauri,
Zoubir el Inglizi
Reply With Quote
  #693  
Old 8 Jun 2020
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Sweden
Posts: 1,465
Amazing it took 16 years to get him. And perhaps not surprising it was in Mali.
Not much going on in Algeria anymore, jihad-wise. At least not in the open.
No attacks, no statements, no videos, nothing.
But it was exported to twenty other countries.

Enjoy your day in Chinguetti, Zoubir.
Reply With Quote
  #694  
Old 8 Jun 2020
Chris Scott's Avatar
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jun 2000
Posts: 4,932
It is amazing. Hard to think it's possible to travel from eastern Alg where they say he hid, all the way down to the Mali border undetected.
Anyone might have thought he was protected in Alg.
As long as he made his chaos over the border he was left alone or maybe even helped to do it there.

yours sincerely

J Keenan
Reply With Quote
  #695  
Old 9 Jun 2020
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Sweden
Posts: 1,465
So somebody gave him up, and the french were waiting for him.
The end of Aqim then, all leaders gone and defeated on Algerian soil.
Perhaps Algeria will become the next safe place to go in the Sahara?
Some more details
https://www.theafricareport.com/2948...illed-in-mali/
Reply With Quote
  #696  
Old 9 Jun 2020
Chris Scott's Avatar
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jun 2000
Posts: 4,932
I read that earlier but found it failed to live up to its title.
It mentions Abu Zeid's death in 2013 like it was somewhere else.

... in the Adrar des Ifoghas, the mountainous massif in the extreme north-east of Mali.

and not just 50km from where Droukdel got caught. Maybe something more detailed will emerge later.

You'd think Iyad Ag Ghaly must be top of the list by now.
https://www.france24.com/en/20200608...qaeda-is-group

Hard to think that Droukdel's death will open up Algeria for tourism as we knew it
More detauls: http://lignesdedefense.blogs.ouest-f...dal-21233.html
Attached Thumbnails
Islamist activity in the Sahara in relation to travel security-dfb.jpg  

Last edited by Chris Scott; 12 Jun 2020 at 09:21.
Reply With Quote
  #697  
Old 9 Jun 2020
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Sweden
Posts: 1,465
Well not just his death but the defeat of Aqim.
The rest is politics.
They could open up today if they wanted to.
I hear even Kabylie is pretty safe these days.
They've had a massive military presence since the poor French bloke lost his head.
Last edited by priffe; 11 Jun 2020 at 18:55.
Reply With Quote
  #698  
Old 14 Jun 2020
gdz gdz is offline
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Dec 2018
Posts: 30
As long as there was no DNA test, I cannot trust the french.
Reply With Quote
  #699  
Old 14 Jun 2020
gdz gdz is offline
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Dec 2018
Posts: 30
Quote:
Originally Posted by Chris Scott View Post
It is amazing. Hard to think it's possible to travel from eastern Alg where they say he hid, all the way down to the Mali border undetected.
Anyone might have thought he was protected in Alg.
As long as he made his chaos over the border he was left alone or maybe even helped to do it there.

yours sincerely

J Keenan
Just read the article above:

While he was said to be hiding somewhere in eastern Algeria, holed up with his close guard in the dense scrub near the Tunisian border, or sheltered in Libya, Droukdel was shot after he had just crossed the vast Algerian desert to seek refuge in Mali, which has become a sanctuary for Islamist activism.

He was hiding on the Chaambi mountains, from Tunisia, he could then easily go to Libya and from there to Mali.
I honestly believe he went through Niger where there are american drones, and probably from there the french intelligence with the help of the US got information about his position
Reply With Quote
  #700  
Old 19 Jun 2020
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Sweden
Posts: 1,465
They did DNA testing.
He was found by the Americans using voice recognition.
Tipped off the French.
Unclear if it was a convoy or just one vehicle.
And if a drone was used.
https://sahelblog.wordpress.com/2020...oukdel-strike/

https://twitter.com/SimNasr
Reply With Quote
  #701  
Old 21 Jun 2020
gdz gdz is offline
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Dec 2018
Posts: 30
Quote:
Originally Posted by priffe View Post
They did DNA testing.
He was found by the Americans using voice recognition.
Tipped off the French.
Unclear if it was a convoy or just one vehicle.
And if a drone was used.
https://sahelblog.wordpress.com/2020...oukdel-strike/

https://twitter.com/SimNasr
The article you cited mentions the use of a drone by the U.S.

Quote:
According to this source, the U.S. identified Droukdel’s voice and located him when Droukdel placed a phone call, and then turned that information over to the French. According to the same source, an American drone fired the first shots at Droukdel’s convoy, lighting the way for French helicopters that then destroyed the convoy.
Knowing that the U.S has a military base in Niger for surveillance and they use drones massively, I believe that the path Tunisia -> Libya -> Niger -> Mali is the correct one, but anything can be possible
Reply With Quote
  #702  
Old 21 Jun 2020
Chris Scott's Avatar
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jun 2000
Posts: 4,932
I read that he never ever ever used the phone.
That's how he survived so long.

But the quote in the link from Geoff Porter explained a lot.
Reply With Quote
  #703  
Old 9 Aug 2020
Chris Scott's Avatar
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jun 2000
Posts: 4,932
Six French [tourists] aid workers among 8 shot near Niamey
https://www.france24.com/en/20200809...-governor-says

Happened at a giraffe reserve near Kouré, 60km SE of Niamey and possibly along an axis designated as requiring only 'added vigilance', (yellow) according to the French govt MAE map below.

Some say ISGS were behind it.
Attached Thumbnails
Islamist activity in the Sahara in relation to travel security-drtn.jpg  

Last edited by Chris Scott; 9 Aug 2020 at 23:14.
Reply With Quote
  #704  
Old 9 Aug 2020
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Sweden
Posts: 1,465
Was there in 2014. Amazing and very sad the number of places in WA I have been over the last 12 years that are now impossible to visit.
Reply With Quote
  #705  
Old 15 Aug 2020
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Sep 2018
Posts: 42
Quote:
Originally Posted by priffe View Post
Was there in 2014. Amazing and very sad the number of places in WA I have been over the last 12 years that are now impossible to visit.
The world has become an increasingly unstable place in the past 20 years, unfortunately.

Do you happen to have more photos from that trip that you can share somewhere?
Reply With Quote
Reply
Page 47 of 51 « First 3334353637383940414243444546 47 48495051

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

LinkBacks (?)
LinkBack to this Thread: https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/north-africa/islamist-activity-sahara-relation-travel-49806
Posted By For Type Date
Sahariens • Consulter le sujet - Plutot des bonnes nlles d'Algérie This thread Refback 24 Mar 2019 15:34
Kidnappings | Sahara Overland This thread Refback 27 Feb 2015 12:11
Alex Thurston | Sahel Blog This thread Refback 24 May 2013 08:10
Early Perspectives on the Mali Crisis from a Jihadist Forum (II) | The Moor Next Door This thread Refback 16 Apr 2013 11:10
Laatste nieuws over Mali / Timbouctou / Gao- This thread Refback 28 May 2012 13:09
Sahara Overland ~ book reviews This thread Refback 30 Mar 2012 18:28
Sahara Overland ~ News Archive 2008 This thread Refback 12 Feb 2011 20:29
Sahara Overland News This thread Refback 28 Jul 2010 21:00
Fight against al qaeda in the maghreb - Page 2 - The HUBB This thread Refback 23 May 2010 01:10

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 24 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 24 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Sahara - XT500 - 1982 Chris Scott Ride Tales 17 28 Sep 2015 01:12
Adventure Travel Film Festival Australia - Bright Vic 24-26 Feb 2012 Adventure Travel Film Festival Australia HU Travellers Meetings - Australia 23 28 Nov 2012 07:04
2012 Inspirational Travel Literature Awards - Nominate now mattcbf600 The HUBB PUB 2 15 Feb 2012 16:49
Global Giving Field visitor as you travel jcravens Make a Difference 0 11 Nov 2011 21:53

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

25 years of HU Events
Be sure to join us for this huge milestone!

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

Virginia: April 24-27 2025
Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
CanWest: July 10-13 2025
Switzerland: Date TBC
Ecuador: Date TBC
Romania: Date TBC
Austria: Sept. 11-14
California: September 18-21
France: September 19-21 2025
Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 23:47.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top