Road to the Caliphate: July 1-7

Primary Sources:

Abū Bakr al-Ḥussaynī al-Qurayshī al-Baghdādī: “Message To the Mujāhidīn and the Islamic Ummah In the Month Of Ramaḍān”

Shaykh Abū ‘Abd al-Malik: “And [Because] They Were Deluded In Their Religion By What They Were Inventing”

Abū Bakr al-Ḥussaynī al-Qurayshī al-Baghdādī: “Khuṭbah and Jum’ah Prayer in the Grand Mosque of Mūṣul (Mosul)”

Raqqa – A picture shows the joy of Islamic State fighters in the column after declaring the Islamic Caliphate

Retribution against 8 Shabiha apostates on charges of communicating with the Nusayri regime, calling for pro-regime marches, and supporting the Nusayri regime

Confiscating and burning a quantity of smoke and cigarettes in the public square in the city of Maskanah

While the brothers were combing Albukamal, they found smoke stores and burned what was in them

A preaching forum was held in the village of Bojaq near the city of Sarrin in the Manbij sector

Holy Qur’an memorization circles supervised by the Islamic State in the northern countryside of Homs

Homs State, Northern Rif Sector, the shari’ah session during Ramadan

In implementation of the amnesty decision issued by the Commander of the Faithful, 11 detainees were released today from the Hisbah prison in the city of Manbij

The court in the city of al-Bab imposed the punishment of banditry last week on a state soldier for taking money from people under the pretext that they are infidels

This individual was killed today after Friday prayers. He raped a foreign fighter sister in the Free Army prisons, and this incident is proven and not the first

Report on the Islamic State’s control over the “Al-Omar” field and the village of al-Shuhail

Retribution for an informant who deals with the Nusayri regime and an apostate from Ahrar al-Sham who participated in fighting the Islamic State and raped one of the sisters

Statement of allegiance of the factions and people of the city of Shuhail to the Islamic State

The sons of the clan and the fighting factions remain in their homes and withdraw from the fight against the Islamic State

The conditions of the Islamic State on the people of al-Shuhail to achieve peace

A demonstration in Al-Shaitat, rejecting the entry of ISIS into it and demanding the continuation of the jihad against it

Shari’ah sciences institute run by the Islamic State in al-Bab, Aleppo province

The Da’wah office in the al-Haririyah region holds an Iftar campaign for the fasting person in the village of Taybeh, in which speeches were delivered and preaching brochures were distributed

The Zakat Office begins distributing zakat to eligible residents of the region in the city of Raqqa

al-Barakah Province After controlling the oil fields Islamic State distributes “gasoline” for free to common Muslims in al-Shaddadi sector

Iftar in Wilayat al-Barakah

Secondary Sources:

The Promise of Aleppo’s Radicals – NYTimes

Al Qaeda leaves east Syria strongholds to Islamic State

Islamic State seizes oil field and towns in Syria’s east – Yahoo News

In Raqqa, an All-Female ISIS Brigade Cracks Down on Local Women | Syria Deeply

Extremist group takes Syria’s key oil field

Road to the Caliphate: June 24-30

Primary Sources:

Islamic State of Iraq and al-Shām: “Breaking Of the Border”

Islamic State of Iraq and al-Shām: “The End of Sykes-Picot”

Shaykh Abū Muḥammad al ‘Adnānī al-Shāmī: “This Is the Promise Of God”

A statement by the Islamic State distributed a short while ago

A large quantity of smoke and cigarettes was confiscated and burned in the door section

Burning a quantity of cigarettes in the public square after a speech from one of the preachers about enjoining good and forbidding evil – Deir Hafir area

The punishment of banditry was applied to bandits after their arrest in the al-Jazra area, eastern Raqqa province

The Public Relations Office in Aleppo Province sponsors tribal reconciliation

He was at the forefront of those who pledged allegiance to brother Abu Yusuf al-Masri, a leader in the Jabhat al-Nusrah, and he announced his repentance from fighting the state

The Public Services Administration Center in Manbij sector repairs and beautifies the entrance to al-Faruq Dam (formerly Tishrin Dam)

The Public Services Administration Center in Manbij District is carrying out a cleaning and beautification campaign for the sidewalks and islands in the city’s streets

Albu Layl in Deir az-Zor province falls under ISIS control

Muhammad bin Abdul Wahhab was aspiring to spread monotheism in al-Sham and Iraq, and his works are being transmitted by people and taught throughout the Islamic State

A statement to our people in Eastern Ghouta

Statement of the obituary of ‘Abd al-Majid al-‘Utaybi

A response to the statement of the Unified Judicial Council in Eastern Ghouta

Tawbah from a former member of the Nusayri regime and he was working in Harasta and a member of the Sultan Muhammad al-Fatah Brigade at the reception office – al-Bab region

If you stop us, we will stop you

Taking over the villages of Muhassan and Albulayl and cleansing the region of sahawat and the military council

One of the advocacy activities in the region is distributing gifts to the children of Yarmouk Camp

The Islamic State asks Muslims to sight the Ramadan crescent tomorrow, Friday, and to inform the Islamic courts of their sightings

Retribution against the apostate who cursed God Almighty in the Qabasin – al-Bab area

Ghouta’s new judiciary gives ISIS 24 hours to dissolve its “state,” submit to rebel authority

Establishing a hadd on hostility against one of the elements of the state. God’s law applies to the people and to us

Pictures of the distribution of advocacy brochures in Homs Province in preparation for the holy month of Ramadan

History, location, borders, area, and fronts

Raqqa – The joy that took place before breakfast at al-Na’im Roundabout on the occasion of the declaration of the Islamic Caliphate

Raqqa — The Hisbah car roams the streets of Raqqa city calling for the declaration of the Islamic Caliphate

Raqqa – A speech by an Islamic State fighter speaking about the declaration of the Islamic Caliphate

On the occasion of Ramadan the Islamic State provides relief to the city of al-Khayr

If you have any complaints against IS, come to this office

The opening of al-Bayan Radio issued by the Islamic State, the Caliphate State, in the province of Raqqa

Secondary Sources:

AP News: Syrian rebels buckling in face of jihadis

Hassakeh residents fear ISIS rally in east Syria – Al-Monitor

Joining ISIS: My Meeting With Aseel Muthana

ISIL Crucifies One of its Own in Syria for Corruption — Naharnet

As ISIS Looks Deeper into Deir Ezzor, Nusra Remains Formidable Opponent | Syria Deeply

Road to the Caliphate: June 17-23

Primary Sources:

Islamic State of Iraq and al-Shām: “There Is No Life Without Jihad”

Islamic State of Iraq and al-Shām’s magazine: “Islamic State Report #4″

Muslim shops were damaged by the Nusayri regime’s bombing of Raqqa Province

Media coverage of the Turkish government cutting off water from the al-Sham provinces – Wilayat al-Raqqah

Today, the punishment of banditry was imposed on the apostate Mahmoud al-Sawas on charges of espionage and attempting to kill an Islamic State soldier in exchange for 50,000 Syrian pounds

The Islamic State helps the city of al-Khayr (formerly Dayr al-Zur)

Distributing aid to orphans and poor Muslims

Gaza- photos of the pro-ISIS celebrations following ISIS’ advances in Iraq

Jordan Ma’an / Fallujah Jordan – Friday to support the Islamic State

Destruction of quantities of smoke and hookahs at the al-Humaima checkpoint in the Homs desert

New statement from ISIS consumer protection office in Raqqa

From the blessings of Sharia law and the application of punishments – al-Bab region

The Public Services Center in the Deir Hafer area has completed some vital service projects that care about the affairs of Muslims and facilitate their living

The fifth tribal forum, which was held at the invitation of the Bobtoush clan and sponsored by the tribal affairs official in Aleppo Province

The Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham, Damascus Province – Statement of imposing punishment on a corruptor on earth

Restaurant in ISIS-controlled Raqqa will no longer accept female customers without ‘Shari’a hijab'(i.e. niqab)

Collecting zakat in the Homs desert and distributing it to needy families

Emirs from the Jabhat al-Nusrah pledged allegiance to the Islamic State in the southern Damascus sector

A march roaming the streets of the southern region in Damascus as part of the One Billion Muslims campaign to support the Islamic State

Establishing God’s hadd and applying His law in the south of Damascus

Secondary Sources:

ISIS Fighters and Their Friends Are Total Social Media Pros | VICE News

Someone Is Spilling ISIS’s Secrets on Twitter – The Daily Beast

Road to the Caliphate: June 10-16

Primary Sources:

Islamic State of Iraq and al-Shām’s newsletter: “Islamic State News #3″

Shaykh Abū Muḥammad al ‘Adnānī al-Shāmī: “The Good That Has Happened To You Is From God”

Islamic State of Iraq and al-Shām: “Charter of the City”

Shaykh Abu Basir happily follows the news of our brothers in the state of Ninawa

The Islamic Police seized a diesel truck equipped to smuggle smoke and cigarettes at one of the checkpoints spread around Aleppo Province

A Da’wah lesson that teaches Muslims about their religion is held daily after the Maghrib prayer at al-Iman Mosque in the city of al-Bab

The brothers in Manbij are distributing sweets to Muslims, rejoicing in the divine conquests in Iraq

The brothers in al-Sham are happy with the conquests of Iraq

Coverage of Muslims’ joy over the victories of the mujahidin – Wilayat al-Raqqah

Breaking the Sykes-Picot Border -Wilayat al-Barakah

Gifts from the brothers in the state to their Muslim brothers in the city of al-Bab on the occasion of the brothers’ conquests in Iraq

A soldier of the Islamic State in Iraq and Sham treats a child who was injured as a result of the Awakening’s bombing on the Hazwan area in the al-Bab sector

Shows of joy and celebration of the victories achieved by our brothers in Iraq – Maskanah area

Shows of joy and celebration of the victories achieved by our brothers in Iraq – Manbij area

After the bombing of schools by the Nusayri regime, Qur’an teaching sessions were held in mosques in the Deir Hafer area

Border patrol car once belonging to Iraq government in ISIS hands in Hasakah province border point; ISIS signpost

Report expressing the joy of Muslims in the Deir Hafer region over the conquest that God granted to their brothers in Iraq

The brothers in the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant in al-Bab region hold a celebration on the occasion of the conquests achieved by our brothers in Iraq

Raqqa Province – A picture showing the decrease in the water level of the Euphrates Dam Lake as a result of Türkiye reducing the flow of the river

Training camps in Aleppo Province provide the fronts with dozens of new recruits to the ranks of the Islamic State of Iraq and Sham

The court of the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham in the city of al-Bab issued a ruling punishing apostasy and death against an apostate who cursed God

Implementing a sentence of ta’azir for drug users in the province of Raqqa

The Hisbah Department in the Manbij sector arrested a drug smuggler and confiscated 20 kg of the drug in his possession

The tribal meeting called for by the Islamic State in Iraq and al-Sham in Halab Province

Secondary Sources:

With Mideast in Crisis, Militant Force Gains Strength – NYTimes

The Islamic State of Iraq and Greater Syria: Gone but not forgotten | The Economist

وكالة فلسطين برس للأنباء | شرطة حماس تفرق وقفة احتفالية بسيطرة “داعش” على مدن عراقية | الخبر الرئيسي

Code Of Conduct Issued By ISIS In Nineveh Province Attempts To Reassure Locals While Enacting Shari’a Law, Including Ban On Gatherings, Selling Of Alcohol And Cigarettes, Immodest Dress; Promises Amnesty To Enemies Who Repent And Death To Those

The Islamic State of Iraq and the Sham’s quiet war minister – The Long War Journal

ISIS Uses Mafia Tactics To Fund Its Own Operations Without Help From Persian Gulf Donors

Road to the Caliphate: June 3-9

Primary Sources:

Islamic State of Iraq and al-Shām’s magazine: “Islamic State Report #1”

Islamic State of Iraq and al-Shām: “Mujatweets Episode #2″

Anṣār al-Sharī’ah in Tunisia’s Shaykh Kamāl Zarūq: “Appeal To Support the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Shām”

Aḥlām al-Naṣr: “Educational Aspects in the Construction of the Islamic State”

Shaykh Abū Muḥammad al-Maqdisī: “Message To al-Jawlānī: Urging the Prevention Of the Transfer Of Women In the Southern Sector Across the Syrian-Jordanian Border”

Islamic State of Iraq and al-Shām’s newsletter: “Islamic State News #2″

Islamic State of Iraq and al-Shām’s magazine: “Islamic State Report #2″

Distribution of relief aid to eligible people in the city of Al-Bab

Decorating the streets of the city of Manbij with banners “There is no god but God”

Friday sermon in one of the mosques in the Deir Hafer area about the importance of monotheism and the danger of the polytheism of obedience due to its spread among people, and warning worshipers against democracy, elections, and their violation of the Islamic doctrine. After the sermon, some of the worshipers announced their pledge of allegiance to the Commander of the Faithful

Maintenance work carried out by the Islamic Administration in the city of al-Bab

Coverage of the Islamic Police in Raqqa Province

Harvest and agricultural zakat in Wilayat al-Barakah

A quantity of spoiled food was destroyed by the Consumer Protection Office in Raqqa Province

Imposing a limit on drinking alcohol on 4 Muslims – Manbij district

Distributing messages explaining the state’s approach in the areas controlled by the Awakening in the northern Homs countryside

Report on the al-Faruq Dam (formerly Tishrin)

A report on the seizure of a factory producing counterfeit medical cosmetics – Wilayat al-Raqqah

The Public Services Administration Center in the Manbij region removes trees that hinder the movement of Muslims in the city’s streets

The Islamic Court in the Manbij region sentences two thieves to apply God’s punishment to them and the punishment was applied by specialized doctors in Martyrs’ Square in the center of the city of Manbij in front of the general Muslims

Presentation of the fourth edition of Salil al-Sawarim issued by al-Furqan Foundation in the city of al-Bab

The punishment for apostasy was carried out on a Shabih apostate who was killed in the 17th Division and another Sahwaji apostate in al-Bab

The Islamic Court in al-Bab yesterday, sentenced two to death for apostasy and one for banditry

Checkpoint in Raqqa Province

A preaching tour in eastern Raqqa Province

Tour of some of the checkpoints for the frontline with the Nusayri regime – Wilayat al-Barakah

The women of al-Sham in Haritan come out in a stance to support the Islamic State, and raise the banner of al-‘Uqab

The Sharia administration holds preaching lessons after the imposed prayers in the mosques of the Manbij area

Da’wah forum for young people was held throughout the Jarabulus region, including various competitions and events

Secondary Sources:

Syrian jihadists using Twitter to recruit foreign fighters – CNN

ISIS dedicates song to Lebanon’s Roumieh inmates

Road to the Caliphate: May 27-June 2

Primary Sources:

Jabhat al-Nuṣrah: “But This Is Their Manhaj #2″

Islamic State of Iraq and al-Shām’s newsletter: “Islamic State News #1”

Islamic State of Iraq and al-Shām: “Mujatweets Episode #1”

Abū Ṣafīyyah al-Yamanī: “The Explosion In the Detection and Exposing the Secrets: Who Are the Security Officials in Islamic State of Iraq and al-Shām”

Islamic State of Iraq and al-Shām: “Oh Soldiers of Truth Go Forth”

Islamic State of Iraq and al-Shām: “The Best Ummah”

Top Jabhat al-Nusrah shari’i Abu Mariyah al-Qahtani says the Abbottabad documents (Adam Gadahn’s letter) helped turn him from ISIS

ISIS leader in Badiya- ‘Takfir has a sweetness which only a true believer knows!!’

ISIS broadcasts Salil al-Sawarim in its prison in Manbij area

ISIS members have fun in a pool in Hasakah province

Coverage of the Consumer Protection Office of the Islamic Services Authority – Wilayat al-Raqqah

Wilayat al-Raqqah – Sheikh Mujahid Abu Mus’ab al-Zarqawi Mosque

The Salil al-Sawarim #4 show continues in Aleppo showing in the mosques of al-Bab region

A session to teach the Holy Qur’an to young people in one of the mosques in the city of Bza’a / al-Bab region

The Public Services Administration Center in the Manbij region begins a campaign to clean and beautify the streets and sidewalks

A presentation of the fourth edition of Salil al-Sawarim at the media sit-in point/Manbij sector

Muslims in Didier Hafer help the men of the Islamic State in demolishing idols And polytheistic shrines

On the publication and distribution of the video Salil al-Suwarim #4 – Wilayat al-Raqqah

Cub scouts camp building run by ISIS in Tabqa, Raqqa province

Wilayat Raqqah – The Islamic State stands on the lookout for Christianization attempts in al-Sham

Wilayat Halab – Holding a preaching forum in the city of al-Ra’i

Zakat Office in the Jarabulus region – Wilayat Halab

The Dawa office in the Jarabulus region distributes the Islamic hijab for free to Muslim women – Wilayat Halab

The relief office in the Jarabulus region toured the camps for displaced people in the region – Wilayat Halab

Planting trees in the streets of the city of al-Bab – Wilayat Halab

Coverage of the Imams and Preachers Graduation Course in Raqqa Province

One of the preaching lessons held in the mosques of Manbij district

Educational program by ISIS for first level students in Raqqa province

Obliterating false expressions and false slogans from the alleys and walls of the state – Wilayat al-Raqqah

A tour of the markets of Manbij

Road to the Caliphate: May 20-26

Primary Sources:

Abū Muḥammad al-Maqdisī: “The Case of the ‘Islamic State of Iraq and al-Shām’ and the Position of the Duty Toward It”

ISIS teaching schedule for Qur’an and Arabic in Mother of Believers Aisha school, Hasakah province

Part of the work of the Muslim Service Authority in Wilayat al-Raqqah

Opening a slaughterhouse for shari’ah slaughter in the city of Tabqa, western Wilayat al-Raqqah

A military checkpoint to secure Muslims in the city of Hnaida, western Wilayat al-Raqqah

Implementing the punishment of banditry against apostates in the Deir Hafer region

Inmates in Hisbah Prison learn matters of their religion, such as prayer, reading the Qur’an, etc.

Inmates of the correctional prison in the Jarabulus region watch publications of the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham

New batches of young Muslims arriving at affiliation offices to join the Islamic State in Iraq and Sham and then the new recruits head to training camps to prepare them shari’ah-wise and militarily

Pictures from Raqqa Province on the banks of the Euphrates River

A preaching forum for young people in the Manbij region. Its most prominent activities are competitions, games, preaching sermons, and anashid

Wilayat al-Raqqah – Confiscating and destroying a quantity of cigarettes in the village of al-Kasrat

The Arab clans in the areas of Maskanah, Waddirrharfar, and Hararariyya pledge allegiance to the Islamic State In Iraq and al-Sham

Secondary Sources:

Lokalizatziya: Dagestani Jamaat In ISIS To Open Russian Store in Raqqa | From Chechnya To Syria

Road to the Caliphate: May 6-19

Primary Sources:

The Islamic State in the hospitality of the clans of Maskanah area

Islamic State in Iraq and Sham: Symposium on Advice and Support for the Islamic State Project in the Manbij Region

“Muslims’ Service Committee” run by ISIS in Raqqa province

Islamic State in Iraq and Sham: Destroying the house of an apostate who denounced God and His Messenger and fought Muslims in the Manbij area

Islamic State in Iraq and Sham: Removal of graves and polytheistic manifestations in villages surrounding the Manbij area

The Islamic Services Administration is establishing a new automated bakery in the Maskanah area

Islamic State in Iraq and Sham: Distributing food aid in the countryside of Wilayat Halab

ISIS billboard: “They want an American Islam opining on nullifiers for wudu, not on nullifiers for Islam”

Da’wah material distributed by ISIS in Tabni, defined by ISIS as part of eastern Raqqa province

ISIS destroying ancient statue in al-Rashid garden, Raqqa

ISIS checkpoint: “We are here for your security and protection: so be cooperative with us”

“Girl of Islam” meeting in Tabqa, Raqqa province

Muslim Money House Office in Wilayat al-Barakah to collect alms and distribute them to the needy

ISIS redistributing statement in Raqqa province reminding women of obligation for hijab according to Shari’a

The Islamic Services Administration extends and repairs electrical network faults in the Manbij area

Implementing the theft penalty on four thieves in the Manbij area

Women’s Shari’a institute run by ISIS in Manbij area

ISIS official media al-Itisam shop-stand

ISIS’ Islamic police force closed this shop in Raqqa city for selling bad goods

“My Muslim brother, reduce your speed”

In Raqqa, ISIS opened a new food kitchen to feed poor families

Some people are eager to get the latest DVDs from the ISIS al-Itisam media shop stand

Marriage contract between ISIS commander Abu ‘Abd al-Rahman al-Tunisi and a woman from Tel Rafa’at

After distributing a statement calling for general mobilization and affiliation with the state, there was a large turnout at the affiliation offices in Wilayat Halab

The Islamic State in Iraq and Sham called on the people, including tribal notables, doctors, engineers, and pharmacists, in the Deir Hafir area

Quran memorization sessions in Wilayat al-Raqqah/Northern Sector, Suluk City

Islam Girl Forum in Raqqa Province/Western Sector, Tabqa City

Graffiti as part of the anti-ISIS “Raqqa is being slaughtered silently” movement

We fight in Iraq and al-Sham, while our eyes are on Bayt al-Maqdis

Operating buses to transport the general public of Muslims between the provinces and regions of the Islamic_State in Iraq and Sham at reduced fares

Form for orphans in the ISIS office for orphans in Raqqa

Islamic Traffic Police Raqqa Province / City District

Orphan Office, Raqqa Province / City District

Distribution of dawa brochures about the hijab and the creed – Raqqa Province, al-Kasra City

Islamic State in Iraq and Sham: The Islamic Services Administration is repairing and beautifying the roads in al-Bab region

ISIS burning cigarettes en masse in their Hasakah province stronghold of al-Shaddadi

The Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham – Raqqa Province – Demolition of the shrine of ‘Uways al-Qarni

Islamic State in Iraq and Sham: The Public Services Authority in Wilayat Halab repairs 230 KV lines in Tal al-Subayha-al-Harriya

A preaching tent in the city of Tabqa – Western Sector / Wilayat al-Raqqah

Islamic State in Iraq and Sham: Mother of the Faithful Aisha Institute

Bread-making in the ISIS stronghold of al-Shaddadi, Hasakah province

Multiple battalions issue statement rejecting fight against ISIS in Deir az-Zor; insist on the ‘Nusayri enemy’

ISIS whips a man 60 times because…he insulted his neighbour

Coverage of Friday prayers / Abu Hurairah Mosque in the city district of Raqqa Province

A Da’wah lesson delivered by one of the brothers in the mosque of the village of “Haymar Labda” in the Manbij District Wilayat Halab

Form for female education in Shari’a sciences in al-Bab, Aleppo province

The General Sharia Committee in Raqqa Province – City District

Raqqa Province Post Office – City District

Noon prayer at al-Na’im roundabout in the middle of Raqqa province – city district

Islamic State in Iraq and Sham Workers of the General Services Authority clean the streets of the city of Manbij at night

An Islamic court run by ISIS in the Homs desert area

Secondary Sources:

Reports: Umar Shishani Gives Ultimatum To Jabhat al-Nusra In Deir Ezzor – From Chechnya To Syria

New Pro-Islamic State Of Iraq And Syria (ISIS) ‘News’ App For Android, Available At Google Play Store

Tyumen Jamaat In ISIS Writes About Sharia Cops, Burning Cigarettes | From Chechnya To Syria

Syria: ISIS tightens grip, Nusra takes losses – Al-Monitor

Terrorist Designations of Groups Operating in Syria

Treasury Designates Al-Qa’ida Leaders In Syria

Syria’s jihadist groups fight for control of eastern oilfields – FT

The Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham and the “Cleansing” of Deir ez-Zour

Syria jihadists ban mannequins in shops: watchdog

ISIS Destroys 3000 Year-old Assyrian Artifacts in Syria

The Last Days of Abu Mariyah al-Qahtani

On April 4, Maysar ‘Ali Musa ‘Abd Allah al-Juburi (better known as Abu Mariyah al-Qahtani) and described by those that supported and admired him as the “beloved uncle” was killed in a suicide attack at his guest house in Sarmada, Syria while receiving guests during Ramadan. This comes on the heels of him being released from prison by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham on March 7 after he had been jailed in the infamous espionage “security cell” case in mid-August 2023. He had allegedly been in contact with Western intelligence, but was then exonerated, alongside many other members of HTS who had been swept up in the “security cell” case based on poor interrogation tactics (ie. torture). Though many counter this narrative that HTS pushed when releasing him and that it was really due to internal pressures from the tribes and clans within HTS territory that have grown clout in recent years and backed al-Qahtani due to his ties to the al-Juburi tribe. While I could write an entire post about the latter “security cell” issue, I’m more interested right now in highlighting how Abu Mariyah spent the last month of his life. Below you will find a visual timeline of what we know Abu Mariyah was up to in his last month. Primarily hosting supporters from tribes and clans in the “liberated areas” congratulating him for being released from prison. Based on the fact that he had been hosting so many people in the lead up to his assassination, it is not surprising that the assassin and those behind it made a plan to exploit this openness in Abu Mariyah’s guesthouse meetings to kill him. This ends the long chapter of Abu Mariyah’s jihad in Iraq and Syria against global, regional, and lower powers.

March 7: First Photo of Abu Mariyah After His Release

March 8: The Juburi Tribe Statement Hoping HTS Holds Those Accountable For the False Accusations Against Abu Mariyah

The Qays Tribe, al-Sadah Nu’im Tribe, and Revolutionaries From Hama Congratulating Abu Mariyah On His Release From Prison

People of the East at the Reception Ceremony for Abu Mariyah

March 9: Abu Mariyah and Some of the “Vrothers” Who Were Arrested in the Security cell Case

Abu Mariyah With Men of HTS’s General Security Service

March 11: Abu Mariyah, Shaykh Abu Yusuf Halfaya, and One of the “Sistinguished Brothers

March 12: Abu Hasan al-Hamwi and HTS’s Military Wing Meets with Abu Mariyah

The Shaykhs and Notables of the Hashemite al-Jamlan Tribe, Hosted by Abu Mariyah, Congratulate Him on His Safety and Dress Him in the Robe of the Arab Shaykhdom

The Visit of the Shaykhs of the Mawali Tribe in the Liberated Areas to Abu Mariyah

The Bani Khalid Tribe Extends Its Congratulations On the Safety and Innocence of Abu Mariyah

March 13: Speech by Shaykh Ayman al-Rashid al-Hashimi in Welcoming the Abu Mariyah

Part of the Reception of Delegations from Notables and Tribes in the Liberated Areas in the Reception Tent of Abu Mariyah

March 14: Six Consecutive Days of Visits By Delegations From the Tribes and Notables of the Liberated Northern Syria to Abu Mariyah Congratulating Him on His Acquittal and Release From Prison

A Group of “Mujahidin Brothers” In the Military Wing Visited Abu Mariyah and Congratulated Him on His Acquittal

Shamal al-Ghazi Is Hosted By Abu Mariyah Congratulating Him On His Safety and Dressing Him in the Fida’i Shemagh

The Revolutionary Munashid Abu Shahid Dariya and a “Group of Mujahidin” in the Liberated North of Syria Congratulate Abu Mariyah On His Safety and Innocence

March 15: Dignitaries and Clans Continue to Arrive at the Reception Tent for Abu Mariyah To Congratulate Him On His Acquittal

March 16: Visit of the Notables and Mujahidin of the People of the Town of Talhadiya to Abu Mariyah to Congratulate Him on His Acquittal

March 17: The Visit of Shaykh Abu Safiyah al-Kurdi to Abu Mariyah to Congratulate Him On His Acquittal

March 18: The visit of Jamil al-Salih, Commander of Jaysh al-‘Izzah, and Shaykh Abu Yusuf al-Hamwi to Abu Mariyah to Congratulate Him on His Innocence and Safety

Visit of the Notables and Shaykhs of the al-Bu Sha’aban Tribe, the al-Na’im Tribe, and the Bani Makhzoum Clan to Abu Mariyah to Congratulate Him On His Acquittal

The Visit of the Notables and Mujahidin From Saraqib City to Abu Mariyah to Congratulate Him On His Innocence and Safety

Poetic Verses From Mukhtar and One of the Notables of the Town of Harbanush to Abu Mariyah to Congratulate Him On His Acquittal

March 21: The Visit of the Shaykhs of the al-Jahish Tribe to Abu Mariyah to Congratulate Him on His Innocence and Safety

The Visit of the Notables and Shaykhs of the al-Ubayd al-Zubaydiyah Tribe to Abu Mariyah to Congratulate Him On His Innocence and Safety

March 22: Delegations From All the Liberated Cities and Towns Continue to Come to Congratulate Abu Mariyah

March 23: Delegations From All Liberated Cities and Towns Continue to Come to Congratulate Abu Mariyah on His Safety and Innocence

March 27: The Shaykhs and Notables of the al-Bu Sha’aban Tribe, al-Zubaydiyah al-Qahtaniyah Clan, From the Southern Countryside of Aleppo, Hosted by Abu Mariyah Congratulating Him on His Safety, and They Dress Him in the Cloak of the Arab Shaykhdom and Present Him With the Sword of the Tribes and Clans in the Liberated Areas

The Visit of the Notables of the al-Jabur Tribe, the al-Majadmah Clan From the Orontes Countryside, to Congratulate Abu Mariyah On His Safety and Innocence

March 28: Delegations From All Liberated Cities and Towns Continue to Come to Congratulate Abu Mariyah On His Escape From the Plot That Was Set Against Him

March 29: Delegations From All Liberated Cities and Towns Continue to Come to Congratulate Abu Mariyah On His Innocence and Safety

March 31: The Shaykhs and Notables of the al-Mawali Tribe, the al-Jamammah Clan, Are Hosted By Abu Mariyah Congratulating Him On His Safety and Presenting Him With the Sword of the Tribes and Clans in the Liberated Areas

April 2: The Visit of Aal Salim In the City of Sarmada to Abu Mariyah to Congratulate Him on His Innocence and Safety

A Good Word From One of the Shaykhs of the Syrian Clans and Tribes in the Liberated Areas to Abu Mariyah

April 4: Statement from Hay’at Taḥrīr al-Shām’s Shaykh ‘Abd al-Raḥīm ‘Aṭūn: “Condolences On the Martyrdom of the Brother Shaykh Maysar Bin ‘Alī al-Jabūrī (Abū Māriyah al-Qaḥṭānī)

The Hand of Treachery Assassinates Shaykh Abu Mariyah al-Qahtani In the City of Sarmada

The Minister of Interior, Mr. Muhammad ‘Abd al-Rahman, Clarifies the Circumstances of the Case of the Martyrdom of a leader in Hayat Tahrir al-Sham

April 5: Video message from Hay’at Taḥrīr al-Shām: “Testimony of One of the Victims of the Treacherous Bombing That Targeted the Leader Abū Māriyah al-Qaḥṭānī”

Hay’at Taḥrīr al-Shām: “The Military Wing: For the Martyred Shaykh Abū Māriyah al-Qaḥṭānī”

Hay’at Taḥrīr al-Shām: “On the Martyrdom of Shaykh Abū Māriyyah al-Qaḥṭānī”

The Site of the Suicide Bombing That Caused the Martyrdom of Shaykh Abu Mariyah al-Qahtani In His Guesthouse In the City of Sarmada

The Remains of the Suicide Bomber Who Detonated His Explosive Belt In the Guest House of the Martyred Brother Abu Mariyah al-Qahtani in the Sarmada Area in the Northern Idlib Countryside

The Sword Presented By the Suicide Bomber and the Remains of His Explosive Belt That He Detonated On Shaykh Abu Mariyah al-Qahtani

The Martyr Shaykh Abu Mariyah al-Qahtani

Commander Abu Muhammad al-Jawlani Bids Farewell to the Martyr Shaykh Abu Mariyah al-Qahtani

Funeral Prayers For the Martyr Shaykh Mujahid al-Muhajir, Abu Mariyah al-Qahtani, At Zayd Bin Harithah Mosque In the City of Idlib

The Funeral and Burial of Shaykh Abu Mariyah al-Qahtani

April 6: Dr. Yusuf al-Hajar Abu al-Bara”s Condolences For Shaykh Abu Mariyah al-Qahtani

Aal Tayfur Aal Harhuba In Sarmada — Condolence Statement to Shaykh Mujahid Abu Mariyah al-Qahtani

Relatives of the Mujahid Shaykh Abu Mariyah al-Qahtani from al-Sham — A Statement On the Martyrdom of Shaykh Abu Mariyah al-Qahtani

A Statement of Condolence From the People of the Hawran in the Liberated North of Syria To the Family and Friends of Shaykh Abu Mariyah al-Qahtani

Majlis Aal al-Sayyid Issa’ — A Statement of Condolence On the Martyrdom of Shaykh Abu Mariyah al-Qahtani

Condolences From the ‘Ubayd Tribe On the Martyrdom of Shaykh Abu Mariyah al-Qahtani

April 7: A Statement of Condolence From the Qays Aylan Tribe – Aal Rahal in Ma’r Shmarin For the Martyred Shaykh Abu Mariyah al-Qahtani

April 8: Statement of Condolence By the Majlis al-Shura of the Hashemite Zu’abi Tribe

April 9: The al-Bu Sha’aban Tribe in the Liberated Areas Extends Its Deepest Condolences and Sincere Sympathy to the al-Jabur al-Qahtaniyah Tribe on the Martyrdom of One of the Symbols of the Fields of Jihad

April 12: A Tribute From One of Shaykh Abu Mariyah al-Qahtani’s Companions