New Jihadist Group emerges in Lebanon: Ahmed al-Assir Brigade
On 24 May 2025, a new jihadist group emerged in Lebanon: the “Ahmed al-Assir Brigade”.
The group released a 3:11-minute video announcing its formation, stating that it will fight against the tyrants and oppressors of Sunnis in Lebanon, against Hezbollah and the Jews. The group specified that it will operate in Lebanon, but its goal is to expand throughout the Levant. The group claimed to already have operational cells in the areas of Ain al-Hilweh, Sidon, Arsal, Baalbek, and Beirut.
The following day, 25 May, the new Lebanese jihadist group published a lengthy statement clarifying its positions and objectives:
The full statement said:
“To clarify the group's position and respond to the accusations.
First: we do not represent Sheikh Ahmed Al-Assir, may God free him from captivity, and we represent no one but ourselves. Although we Muslims reject the rule of tyrants, we recognise the interests of Sunni civilians in their cause and understand their fears of jihadist actions.
Second, some claim that the brigade is preaching sedition in Lebanon and Syria. We are simply working with reality. It is not represented by the absence of law in Lebanon and the rule of tyrants to defend Sunnis in the Western Levant from existential threats. Using this name is not our request, but rather the request of the men of jihad who have been close to the Islamic movement in Lebanon for years.
Third: The Jewish accusations are stupid, and their goal is to make people believe that Sunnis have no heroes, because they fear the power of Sunnis.
The Lebanese army has no capabilities, and its speciality is not success in war or the security of the country, but rather the repression of the people. The Sunni defensive line in Lebanon will never be in the hands of the army.
Fourth: Most of the responses to the launch of the Sunni brigade in Lebanon and Syria have been very positive, and many are now responding to our call, praise be to God”.
On 3 June, the Lebanese jihadist group released a new video, this time lasting 1 minute and 21 seconds, in which it announced that “we have opened our ranks to jihad and invite you, O Muslims, from the Muhajireen to the Ansar, to join jihad under the banner of the Ahmed al-Assir Brigades”
Yesterday, on their channels, the group expressed the hope that Hezbollah and the Israeli army would kill each other, reminding them that both are their enemies.
Daniele Garofalo is a researcher and analyst on Jihadist Terrorism, Islamist Insurgents and Armed Groups. He is an expert in Monitoring Jihadist Media Channels, Islamist rebels, and Armed Groups.
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