Tag

Al-Shabaab

Browsing

By William Tucker

Militants belonging to al-Shabaab struck the UN compound in Mogadishu today killing 15 people. The attackers used a suicide bomber to take out the compounds gate which then allowed several gunman to enter the facility. Somali government and African Union forces engaged the attackers and brought the assault to an end after an hour. The attack comes after the UN has managed to expand its operations on the African country following the combined military offensive against al-Shabaab. The al-Qaeda affiliated group lost much of its territory in the campaign and has resorted to using guerilla attacks against government and international targets. As the government in Mogadishu continues to solidify its hold on power – with some international help – al-Shabaab will continue to employ terrorism as its weapon of choice. The terrorist movement may attempt to regroup and reorganize to improve its effectiveness, but time is not a friend. Al-Shabaab may not go away, but the likelihood of its return to prominence is in doubt.

By William Tucker

Somali residents of Kismayo have reported to several media outlets that al-Shabaab militants are leaving the southern port city. Kismayo is known as the last al-Shabaab stronghold in Somalia. In response to the reports, the Somali military has made public statements about an impending assault on the city, while al-Shabaab is denying that they have left. Residents in the city have said that some militants remain, however.

By William Tucker

A spokesman for the Kenyan military stated that the navy had struck al-Shabaab positions in the Somali port city of Kismayo yesterday in anticipation of a wider assault. Kenya, along with Eithiopia and the African Union, have been engaged in an offensive against the al-Qaeda affiliated militant group for some time. While the loose coalition has made gains it has been slow going due to weather.

By William Tucker

Last week the U.S. Treasury Department designated six individuals for supporting the Somali terrorist group al-Shabaab. Among the six are two Eritrean intelligence officials who have a long track record of supporting terrorist movements in the horn of Africa. In the past, Asmara has steadfastly denied any accusation of supporting terrorism in general and al-Shabaab in particular.

By William Tucker

On May 28th, an explosion destroyed part of a shopping center in Nairobi, Kenya. Initially, local police believed the explosion was the result of an electrical fault, however later analysis showed that the explosion was a result of a deliberate attack. Kenyan police honed in on four suspects after the bombing and began circulating photos of the individual suspects. Today, police in Tanzania stated that they had a suspect in custody.

By William Tucker

In an interesting and underreported development, troops under the command of the African Union have moved to the outskirts of Afgoye. The city of Afgoye is just a few miles outside of the capital Mogadishu and has been under al-Shabaab control for years. If al-Shabaab loses control of Afgoye the militant group will likely lose access to much of south Somalia.

By William Tucker

The counterinsurgency efforts run by the African Union and the Somali TFG have finally begun to have an impact on al-Shabaab’s ability to operate in Somalia. Al-Shabaab has been forced to rely on terrorist attacks against targets in Mogadishu as forces operating under the AU, or independently such as Kenya and Ethiopia, have forced the group from several of its strongholds in southern and central Somalia.

By William Tucker

The Somali militant group al-Shabaab claimed responsibility for a car bombing at the Hotel Muna in Mogadishu on Wednesday. Local officials told the media that 15 people were killed in the blast and further 20 were wounded. Hotel Muna is popular with Somali politicians and was the target of another attack in 2010.

By William Tucker

When Kenyan forces invaded southern Somalia several months ago, the stated goal was to create a buffer to prevent al-Shabaab’s forces from launching attacks against Nairobi. Al-Shabaab, however, continues to threaten Kenya. In one statement an al-Shabaab spokesman threatened to knock down skyscrapers in Nairobi. Al-Shabaab does have the capability to carry out attacks beyond Somalia, but the scale would be much smaller than toppling large buildings.

By William Tucker

Two months ago, Kenyan forces invaded southern Somalia with the ostensive purpose of creating a buffer region between al-Shabaab and the Kenyan border. The Kenyan military has thus far not stated how far into Somalia they will go, but it is widely expected that they are intent on attacking the port city of Kismayo.