Gazans show off portable missile launcher

The fighter’s statement in the video “is a confirmation that the Majlis Shura al-Mujahideen is again operating, at one level or other, inside Gaza."

By ARIEL BEN SOLOMON
Majlis Shura Al-Mujahideen released a short video featuring one of its fighters carrying a man-portable air-defense system (MANPAD). (photo credit: MEMRI)
Majlis Shura Al-Mujahideen released a short video featuring one of its fighters carrying a man-portable air-defense system (MANPAD).
(photo credit: MEMRI)
The Gaza-based jihadi group Majlis Shura al-Mujahideen released a short video showing its fighters carrying a man-portable air-defense system (MANPAD) in order to attack Israeli aircraft.
The Jihad and Terrorism Threat Monitor of MEMRI (the Middle East Media Research Institute) exclusively provided The Jerusalem Post with a report on Tuesday based on the video, in which a jihadi fighter confirmed that Majlis Shura al-Mujahideen is participating in the battle against Israel during the war in Gaza, despite the group’s limited capabilities.
Combating the proliferation of MANPADs “is a top US national security priority,” the US State Department’s Bureau of Political-Military Affairs said in 2011 on the department website.
“In the hands of terrorists, criminals or other non-state actors, MANPADS – also known as shoulder-fired anti-aircraft missiles – pose a serious threat to passenger air travel, the commercial aviation industry, and military aircraft around the world,” it said.
Standing next to a MANPAD, the man in the video, which was released on Monday, said that by the grace of God the group was able to acquire the weapon system.
He goes on to pledge support to the people of the Gaza Strip: “[We swear] by Allah... that we [Majlis Shura al-Mujahideen] have not forgotten you... or left you.”
In 2012, Hamas cracked down on Majlis Shura al-Mujahideen, and as a result it moved its operations to Sinai.
The fighter’s statement in the video “is a confirmation that the MSM is again operating, at one level or other, inside Gaza,” the MEMRI report stated.
The video refers to the jihadi group’s current unreported operations in Gaza and how they focus on the “safety of our heroic mujahideen [jihadis].”
The man concludes the video by calling on Muslim men, especially in the Strip, to “support their religion” against the Israeli enemy.