A Strategic Analysis of Violent Extremist Organizations in the United States Central Command Area of Responsibility

Authors | Editors: Logan, M. (University of Nebraska, Omaha); Zimmerman, L. (University of Nebraska, Omaha); Ligon, G. (University of Nebraska, Omaha)

Executive Summary

In this study, our research team examines the organizational sophistication, leadership, and tactical patterns of five high-priority Violent Extremist Organizations (VEOs) operating in the United States Central Command Area of Responsibility (USCENTCOM). The five VEOs include Hay’at Tahrir al- Sham (HTS), Islamic State of Iraq and Levant (ISIL), the Islamic State – Sinai Province (IS-SP), Jaish al-Adl, and Lebanese Hezbollah. We draw from both the leadership for the Extreme and Dangerous for Innovative Results project and the Global Terrorism Database to examine the organizational sophistication, leadership, and tactical patterns of each of the five VEOs. Our findings indicate that ISIL continues to pose the greatest threat to US interests in the CENTCOM AOR. In the near future, however, HTS and Lebanese Hezbollah may pose greater threats depending on dynamic actions.

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