Retired Spook. Polygot. Owner @gcvfriends. Contributor @BulwarkOnline & @LongWarJournal. President of @AAVA_AFG_USA. Deputy Director -@GFAfghanistan
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Articles by Will Selber
When the world's at stake, go beyond the headlines.
As the Taliban enters its sixth year in power, it remains more powerful than it was before the Sept. 11 attacks. The Taliban’s flag flies in all of Afghanistan’s 34 provinces.
Pakistani outreach presents a dilemma for Afghanistan’s anti-Taliban resistance Original
Logos of anti-Taliban resistance groups in Afghanistan. From top left: Afghan Liberation Movement, National Mobilization Front, Homeland Soldiers Front, and Afghan United Front; second row: Afghanistan Green Trend, Afghanistan Freedom Front, and National Resistance Front; bottom row: Andarab Resistance Front and the Afghanistan Republican Front. On October 22, The New York Times gave credence to rumors of potential Pakistani support for the anti-Taliban resistance in Afghanistan.
The Houthis’ Red Sea power play
The Houthis are on the offensive in Yemen, threatening one of the world’s most important maritime chokepoints and bringing the war back to Saudi Arabia’s doorstep. Bill Roggio is joined by FDD research analyst and Long War Journal contributor Bridget Toomey to discuss the Iranian-backed group’s renewed campaign to conquer Yemen, its advances along the Red Sea coast, and its siege of the strategic city of Taiz.
FBI arrests alleged Islamic State supporter accused of plotting to assassinate Texas congressman
On October 5, the FBI arrested a 17-year-old from McKinney, Texas, who is accused of plotting to assassinate Republican US Representative Keith Self of Texas and carry out a terrorist attack in North Texas on behalf of the Islamic State. Self represents Texas’s 3rd Congressional District, which includes McKinney. “The FBI stopped this radical Islamic terrorist before he could strike,” said Texas Governor Greg Abbott. “Radical Islamic terrorism has no place in Texas.
FBI arrests alleged Islamic State supporter accused of plotting to assassinate Texas congressman
Republican US Representative Keith Self of Texas. On October 5, the FBI arrested a 17-year-old from McKinney, Texas, who is accused of plotting to assassinate Republican US Representative Keith Self of Texas and carry out a terrorist attack in North Texas on behalf of the Islamic State. Self represents Texas’s 3rd Congressional District, which includes McKinney. “The FBI stopped this radical Islamic terrorist before he could strike,” said Texas Governor Greg Abbott.
Pakistan-Taliban border clashes continue amid diplomatic efforts
Pakistani artillery fires at Taliban positions in footage released by Radio Pakistan on October 17. Since October 12, border clashes between Pakistan and the Taliban have continued in multiple locations, with both sides accusing the other of initiating hostilities. Russian and European Union officials visiting Kabul and Islamabad called for renewed dialogue and de-escalation.
Shipshow: The world’s waterways are at war
The world’s most critical shipping lanes are becoming battlegrounds as Iran targets commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, the Houthis threaten shipping through the Bab al Mandab, and Russia and Ukraine wage an escalating maritime war in the Black Sea. Generation Jihad host Bill Roggio is joined by Dr. Sal Mercogliano, host of What’s Going On With Shipping?, to discuss how these conflicts are disrupting global trade, driving up energy prices, and threatening the freedom of navigation.
Taliban-Pakistan border clashes continue after Moscow talks end without agreement
Since October 5, reported fighting between the Taliban and Pakistan has largely consisted of border clashes along Afghanistan’s southeastern Paktia province and Pakistan’s northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. The fighting followed disagreements at the eighth Moscow Format Consultations on Afghanistan, a Russia-led regional diplomatic forum, which ended without a joint statement.
Taliban-Pakistan border clashes continue after Moscow talks end without agreement
A projectile strikes a hillside position near the Afghanistan-Pakistan border during clashes reportedly occurring on October 10, 2026, in footage released by Pakistan’s Inter-Services Public Relations. Since October 5, reported fighting between the Taliban and Pakistan has largely consisted of border clashes along Afghanistan’s southeastern Paktia province and Pakistan’s northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.
Islamic State-linked suspects detained or charged in 6 countries since late September
The Islamic State flag. Authorities in Georgia, North Macedonia, Germany, Italy, Turkey, and Israel detained or indicted 51 Islamic State-linked suspects in eight separate cases between September 25 and October 8. The arrests underscore the jihadist group’s continued ability to attract supporters despite more than a decade of sustained counter-terrorism operations against it.
The Taliban vs Pakistan: Can they both lose?
Five years after the US withdrawal from Afghanistan, the Taliban is stronger than ever, Al Qaeda continues to operate under its protection, and Pakistan is learning the hard way that supporting jihadists comes with a price.
FBI arrests alleged Islamic State supporter accused of plotting Mall of America attack
On October 6, the FBI arrested Sheikhdoon Abdullahi Mohamud, 18, of Richfield, Minnesota, near his residence after he bought an AK-47-style rifle, magazines, and ammunition from an undercover FBI employee, according to an FBI affidavit filed in federal court. Mohamud, an American citizen of Somali descent, who had pledged allegiance to the Islamic State, allegedly intended to conduct a mass shooting at the Mall of America in Bloomington.
FBI arrests alleged Islamic State supporter accused of plotting Mall of America attack
Sheikhdoon Abdullahi Mohamud. (Source: FBI/court documents) On October 6, the FBI arrested Sheikhdoon Abdullahi Mohamud, 18, of Richfield, Minnesota, near his residence after he bought an AK-47-style rifle, magazines, and ammunition from an undercover FBI employee, according to an FBI affidavit filed in federal court. Mohamud, an American citizen of Somali descent, who had pledged allegiance to the Islamic State, allegedly intended to conduct a mass shooting at the Mall of America in Bloomington.
Pakistan launches new strikes as conflict with Taliban persist into third week
Last week, Pakistan conducted another round of airstrikes in Afghanistan and targeted operations against terrorists at home, prompting fresh accusations between Islamabad and the Taliban as the two former allies entered their third week of conflict. On the night of September 30, Pakistan struck targets in the eastern Afghan province of Kunar and the southern province of Helmand, marking the third round of Pakistani airstrikes since a September 18 complex suicide attack in northwestern Pakistan.
US charges engineer with supporting Houthis, Louisiana brothers and Florida man with financing Hamas
Federal authorities in September charged defendants in three cases alleging support for the Houthis and Hamas. The cases accuse a Department of Energy engineer of attempting to aid the Houthis and two Louisiana brothers and a Florida beauty-store owner of financing Hamas, including through donations presented as humanitarian relief.
US charges engineer with supporting Houthis, Louisiana brothers and Florida man with financing Hamas
The Houthi emblem (left) and the Hamas flag. Federal authorities in September charged defendants in three cases alleging support for the Houthis and Hamas. The cases accuse a Department of Energy engineer of attempting to aid the Houthis and two Louisiana brothers and a Florida beauty-store owner of financing Hamas, including through donations presented as humanitarian relief.
Anti-Taliban resistance claims attacks across Afghanistan in September
As the Taliban enters its sixth year in power, a resistance against its rule remains active despite lacking a sanctuary or an official state sponsor. Throughout September, eight anti-Taliban resistance groups claimed to have conducted 37 targeted operations, consisting mostly of ambushes or assassinations.
Anti-Taliban resistance claims attacks across Afghanistan in September
Logos of anti-Taliban resistance groups in Afghanistan. From top left: Afghan Liberation Movement, National Mobilization Front, Homeland Soldiers Front, and Afghan United Front; second row: Afghanistan Green Trend, Afghanistan Freedom Front, and National Resistance Front; bottom row: Andarab Resistance Front and the Afghanistan Republican Front. As the Taliban enters its sixth year in power, a resistance against its rule remains active despite lacking a sanctuary or an official state sponsor.
Operation Enduring Failure: 25 years after the US invasion of Afghanistan
Was Operation Enduring Freedom, the US invasion of Afghanistan launched in October 2001 to kill or capture Al Qaeda’s leaders and oust the Taliban from power, a success or a failure? With the Taliban currently in control of Afghanistan and Al Qaeda operating training camps throughout the country, the answer seems obvious.
Fighting between Pakistan and the Taliban persists into second week
The latest round of conflict between Pakistan and the Taliban continued this past week, including airstrikes, cross-border attacks, targeted operations, and a car bombing. The fighting appears likely to continue unless intermediaries can help bring about a ceasefire between the former allies. On September 24, Pakistan conducted airstrikes on 10 targets in Afghanistan that it said were used to conduct drone attacks against Pakistan.
Fighting between Pakistan and the Taliban persists into second week
A Pakistani Air Force F-16B Fighting Falcon. (Source: Asuspine via Wikimedia, CC BY-SA 4.0) The latest round of conflict between Pakistan and the Taliban continued this past week, including airstrikes, cross-border attacks, targeted operations, and a car bombing. The fighting appears likely to continue unless intermediaries can help bring about a ceasefire between the former allies.
Islamic State suspects extradited or arrested in Lebanon, Canada, Australia, and the US
On September 23, media reports emerged that Lebanese Army Intelligence had arrested a suspected Islamic State member in northern Lebanon after placing him under surveillance. During questioning, the individual allegedly said that Islamic State commanders in Syria had tasked him with assassinating Pope Leo XIV during the pope’s visit to Lebanon in November 2025. He reportedly said heightened security prevented him from carrying out the attack.
Pakistan conducts airstrikes in eastern Afghanistan in retaliation for terrorist attacks
On September 20, Pakistan conducted airstrikes in eastern Afghanistan, reportedly targeting militants suspected of involvement in recent terrorist attacks in western Pakistan. Pakistan claimed that the strikes killed 28 fighters, while the Taliban said that only three civilians had been killed. The Pakistani government has repeatedly accused the Afghan Taliban of providing sanctuary to militant groups that attack the Pakistani state.
Pakistan conducts airstrikes in eastern Afghanistan in retaliation for terrorist attacks
Pakistani Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons participate in the Red Flag 10-4 training exercise over the Nevada Test and Training Range in 2010. (T1 Steven Wolff, US Air Force) On September 20, Pakistan conducted airstrikes in eastern Afghanistan, reportedly targeting militants suspected of involvement in recent terrorist attacks in western Pakistan. Pakistan claimed that the strikes killed 28 fighters, while the Taliban said that only three civilians had been killed.
FBI arrests Pennsylvania man accused of plotting Islamic State-inspired attack
The Islamic State flag. On September 12, the FBI arrested a 21-year-old Pennsylvania man accused of plotting a violent attack on behalf of the Islamic State, marking the second arrest of an American citizen for allegedly plotting an Islamic State-inspired attack within the past month. The FBI arrested Jonathan Hunter Kramer outside a hotel in Cranberry Township, Pennsylvania, approximately 25 miles north of Pittsburgh.
The truth about America’s munitions crisis
Conflicts continue in Europe and the Middle East, and Beijing is sprinting to prepare for potential aggression in the Pacific. Meanwhile, the United States confronts a military munitions crisis—but few Americans understand what is really going on. What is the true nature of America’s munitions crisis? What are the consequences of the current challenges? How did we get into this position?
Former US ambassador Khalilzad visits Kabul, attends Taliban oil deal signing
Zalmay Khalilzad (standing, left of center) attends a September 7 ceremony marking a deal between the Taliban and Saudi Arabia’s Delta International. (Source: the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan) As the Taliban enters its sixth year in power following the fall of Kabul, it continues seeking international legitimacy and foreign investment.
Former US ambassador Khalilzad visits Kabul, attends Taliban oil deal signing
As the Taliban enters its sixth year in power following the fall of Kabul, it continues seeking international legitimacy and foreign investment. The recent visit by Zalmay Khalilzad, the former US ambassador to Afghanistan who later served as the special representative for Afghan reconciliation under Presidents Donald Trump and Joe Biden, may help the Taliban in its goal of achieving both objectives, even though he no longer officially represents the US government.
Islamic state plots disrupted and operatives arrested in 4 countries
In August and September, Kuwaiti, Israeli, Turkish, and French officials thwarted several suspected Islamic State attacks and arrested and indicted alleged Islamic State members and sympathizers, underscoring the organization’s global reach despite over a decade of counterterrorism pressure. Kuwaiti security officials made three separate arrests of suspected Islamic State members in August.
Taliban force surrender of dissident commander, kill senior anti-Taliban resistance leader
Hasib Panjshiri (left), commander of the National Resistance Front, and dissident Taliban commander Juma Khan Fateh. (Public domain and @hasankhyber on X) Last week, the Taliban scored a pair of victories that may help solidify the group’s rule in Afghanistan and blunt some of the anti-Taliban resistance’s recent progress on the battlefield.
Albany woman charged with plotting to attack New York Capitol in support of Islamic State
Jessica Bowie allegedly taking photographs near the New York State Capitol in preparation for a terrorist attack. (FBI/DOJ) On August 19, the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force arrested Jessica Bowie, 35, of Albany, New York, after she allegedly took possession of what she believed was an explosive device that she intended to use in an attack on the New York State Capitol, according to the US Department of Justice.
Resistance to Taliban rule persists in Afghanistan
As the Taliban’s reign over Afghanistan enters its sixth year, the Taliban remains stronger, more unified, and better equipped than it was before September 11, 2001. Today, its flag flies across all 34 provinces and roughly 400 districts. Yet beneath an appearance of uncontested control, the Taliban faces its most serious combination of challenges since Kabul fell. Relations with Pakistan have worsened, producing intermittent cross-border clashes and military operations.
Resistance to Taliban rule persists in Afghanistan
Logos of anti-Taliban resistance groups in Afghanistan. From top left: Afghan Liberation Movement, National Mobilization Front, Homeland Soldiers Front, and Afghan United Front; bottom row: Afghanistan Green Trend, Afghanistan Freedom Front, and National Resistance Front. As the Taliban’s reign over Afghanistan enters its sixth year, the Taliban remains stronger, more unified, and better equipped than it was before September 11, 2001.
25 Years Later: The state of Al Qaeda
Twenty-five years after 9/11, analysts still can’t agree on whether Al Qaeda is a spent force or a resurgent threat. Generation Jihad’s Bill Roggio and co-host Will Selber speak with guest Graeme Wood, staff writer at The Atlantic, and unpack his new article on the group’s uncertain legacy.
Five Years Since the Fall of Kabul, the Betrayal Continues
(Photo illustration by Bill Kuchman/The Bulwark | Photos: Getty, Shutterstock) FOR MOST AMERICANS, August 15 is not a particularly memorable date. But it was on that day, five years ago Saturday, that the Taliban, al-Qaeda, and their Pakistani allies defeated the United States, NATO, and their Afghan allies by capturing Kabul. In scenes eerily reminiscent of the fall of Saigon, the United States conducted a chaotic, two-week evacuation and abandoned a twenty-year war.
Afghan United Front commences operations against Taliban
On August 1, a new anti-Taliban resistance group emerged in Afghanistan. After years of hinting at military operations, the Afghan United Front (AUF), led by former Afghan National Army Lieutenant General Sami Sadat, claimed its first attack in Kandahar, reportedly killing two Taliban fighters, before claiming a second operation in Lashkar Gah in Helmand province.
Afghan United Front commences operations against Taliban
By Will Selber | August 6, 2026 | @AggieWill00 The Afghan United Front emblem. (Afghanistan United Front on X) On August 1, a new anti-Taliban resistance group emerged in Afghanistan. After years of hinting at military operations, the Afghan United Front (AUF), led by former Afghan National Army Lieutenant General Sami Sadat, claimed its first attack in Kandahar, reportedly killing two Taliban fighters, before claiming a second operation in Lashkar Gah in Helmand province.
Tag Archives: Anti-Taliban resistance groups
The Afghan United Front has emerged as the first major Pashtun-led resistance organization to launch operations against the Taliban. The group’s likely focus on operations in southern Afghanistan would expand resistance organizations’ historical focus in the country’s north.
Anti-Taliban resistance groups increase attacks in northeast Afghanistan, district center briefly falls
Over the last two weeks of July, anti-Taliban resistance groups conducted sustained operations in the northeastern province of Badakhshan, resulting in the Taliban losing control of its first district center since it regained power nationwide in August 2021.
Anti-Taliban resistance groups increase attacks in northeast Afghanistan, district center briefly falls
By Will Selber | July 31, 2026 | @AggieWill00 Left to right: The Afghan Freedom Front emblem, the National Resistance Front emblem, and the Sephahiyan-e Mihan emblem. Over the last two weeks of July, anti-Taliban resistance groups conducted sustained operations in the northeastern province of Badakhshan, resulting in the Taliban losing control of its first district center since it regained power nationwide in August 2021.
Tag Archives: Sephahiyan-e Mihan
Three anti-Taliban resistance groups launched separate operations across Badakhshan province, Afghanistan, over a two-week period, temporarily overrunning a district center and attacking Taliban positions in multiple districts. While there is no evidence of direct coordination among the resistance groups, there are signs cooperation may be increasing.
Suspect in deadly Berlin Pride attack pledged allegiance to Islamic State, prosecutors say
By Will Selber | July 29, 2026 | @AggieWill00 The white minivan reportedly used in the July 25 Berlin Pride attack sits abandoned after crashing into a tree.
Seeking forgiveness from the Taliban
Former Marine and New York Times journalist Thomas Gibbons-Neff recently returned to Afghanistan to find accountability and closure, specifically seeking out Mullah Abdul Rahim Gulab, a Taliban commander he had battled in 2010.
Suspect in deadly Berlin Pride attack pledged allegiance to Islamic State, prosecutors say
On July 25, 2026, Abdul Rahman Ballout, a 21-year-old German citizen of Lebanese descent who had recently been released from prison after being convicted of attempting to join the Islamic State, allegedly drove a van into crowds near the Berlin Pride celebration in downtown Berlin, killing one woman and injuring 29 others. A crowd had gathered in a large Berlin park to celebrate the festival when, at approximately 10 pm, a white minivan sped into pedestrians, striking numerous people.
Tag Archives: Berlin Pride attack
A 21-year-old German who had reportedly previously attempted to join the Islamic State allegedly carried out the deadly vehicle-ramming attack at Berlin’s Pride festival, killing one person and injuring 29 others.
The Sum of All Fears
Howdy, First, my prayers are with the families of the two Guardsmen shot yesterday in DC. Regardless of how one feels about this mission — and I believe it’s unwise — these two Americans were away from home during the holidays, serving their country, and fell victim to a likely terrorist attack. This is an utterly deplorable and cowardly act. The suspect was identified as Rahmanullah Lakanwal, an Afghan national from Khost, who served in the National Strike Unit (NSU)-3 in Kandahar.
Democrats Need to Learn to Talk to Veterans Again
Generate Key Takeaways [Editor’s note: This article was originally published on February 26 of this year; we’re pleased to repost it today for Veterans Day.] IF YOU SPEND AS MUCH TIME AS I DO around current and former members of the military, you can’t avoid knowing a lot of MAGAs. That’s just the way it is. But most service members and veterans aren’t rabid Trump supporters. Most of them are basically like anyone else—they only pay attention to politics when they have to.
NRF Archives
UAE ‘likely’ building airstrip on strategic island in Red Sea | Satellite imagery shows an airstrip under construction on Zuqar Island, a strategic location in the Red Sea that is under the control of the National Resistance Forces (NRF), an anti-Houthi partner of the UAE. The UAE has reportedly been behind the development of a series of airstrips across strategic locations in and around the Red and Arabian Seas.
Generation Jihad | A word with the last Afghan general
By Bill Roggio & Will Selber | July 6, 2025 | Nearly four years after Kabul fell, the Taliban remain entrenched—and the resistance is fragmented, under-resourced, and increasingly demoralized. General Hibatullah Alizai, the last Chief of General Staff of the Afghan army, joins Bill Roggio and Will Selber to discuss the anti-Taliban fight, internal Taliban rifts, and why the US and its allies risk repeating their worst mistakes.
2 US Islamic State supporters arrested in June on terrorism charges
Over the past month, US law enforcement authorities arrested two Americans on terrorism charges, including charging one individual with “attempting to provide material support to [the Islamic State].” On June 24, law enforcement arrested Ammaad Akhtar, 33, of Stockton, California, for attempting to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization.
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