Author Archives
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Al-Shabaab Deploys “Hit Squads” in Mogadishu
Al-Shabaab has deployed “hit squads” in all 16 districts of Mogadishu, Somalia, according to an article at Warqaad.com. Sheikh Mohamed Abdi Rahman, al-Shabaab’s regional administrator of Banadir region, stated on a pro-al-Shabaab radio station that the group’s special forces will… Read More ›
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Al-Shabaab Reportedly Forcing Kismayo Residents into its Ranks
Dhacdo.com is reporting (in Somali) that al-Shabaab is forcing each clan in Kismayo to contribute 150 youth to its forces. TFG lawmaker Ali Maxamed Geddi spoke out against al-Shabaab’s forced recruitment, pointing out that residents do not want to fight… Read More ›
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Bomb Blast Reported in Beledweyne, Hiiraan, Somalia (June 28, 2012)
Shabelle News is reporting (in Somali) that on June 28, 2012 a powerful blast from a roadside improvised explosive device (IED) was set off in Beledweyne, Hiiraan region of Somalia . The IED most likely was targeting Somali and Ethiopian… Read More ›
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Somali Government and AMISOM Troops Move Into Balcad in Middle Shabelle Region
Dayniile Online is reporting* that on June 26, 2012, troops from Somalia’s Transitional Federal Government (TFG) and AMISOM have moved into the town of Balcad, about 30 km north of Mogadishu in the Middle Shabelle region. Sources cited in the… Read More ›
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Evidence against Defection of Aweys
The previous blog post lays out the initial reports that allege al-Shabaab’s spiritual leader Sheikh Hassan Dahir Aweys had defected to the Transitional Federal Government (TFG) in Afgoye. New reports make this claim… Read More ›
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Has al-Shabaab’s Sheikh Hassan Dahir Aweys defected?
See part 2 for updated information about evidence that alleges these rumors are false. Unverified rumors on June 4, 2012 allege that al-Shabaab’s spiritual leader Sheikh Hassan Dahir Aweys has defected from the terrorist group to the Transitional Federal Government… Read More ›
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Evidence Against Defection of Aweys
The previous blog post lays out the initial reports that allege al-Shabaab’s spiritual leader Sheikh Hassan Dahir Aweys had defected to the Transitional Federal Government (TFG) in Afgoye. New reports make this claim more unlikely. Al-Shabaab’s media rep on Twitter… Read More ›
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UN Roadmap Paved in Foreign Currency
Several editorials have been published in recent weeks about the contentious process to ratify the draft version of the Somali constitution–the best of which may be found by Abdullahi Jamaa (Somalia Report) or Abdulwahid Sheikh Osman Qalinle (Pambazuka). Criticisms of… Read More ›
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Aweys preaches his “peace”
In a recent speech from a mosque in Lower Shabelle, al-Shabaab spiritual leader Sheikh Hassan Dahir Aweys continued his rogue status as an alternative voice in the group. Aweys stated that the Somali people “have rights” and should work toward… Read More ›
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Al-Shabaab and the Politics of Mogadishu: Part 2
After al-Shabaab’s suicide bomber penetrated security and detonated herself at the National Theater, the Transitional Federal Government (TFG) began an investigation to address suspicions that members of the Prime Minister’s (PM) security team worked in cahoots with al-Shabaab to target… Read More ›
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A “Who Said What” about al-Amriki’s Death (or Life)
**UPDATED APRIL 20, 2012** Interestingly, the number of separate unconfirmed reports alleging al-Amriki is alive currently outnumber those indicating his death. But since all these reports are unconfirmed, they are all equally speculative until audio or video evidence–or at least… Read More ›
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Al-Shabaab and the Politics of Mogadishu: Part 1
Al-Shabaab has decreased its public presence in Mogadishu in recent months, but still operates just outside the city. Nevertheless, many commentators see al-Shabaab’s capacity to carry out attacks in the capital as a result of inside help in the Transitional… Read More ›
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Reports still unclear about al-Amriki’s fate
On March 16, 2012, Abu Mansur al-Amriki (aka Omar Hammami) released a video expressing fear for his life within al-Shabaab due to ideological and strategic differences–an event that caused a stir among Somalia news followers. Adding more drama, Gedo Online… Read More ›
