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Small group of Somali al Shabaab swear allegiance to Islamic State
A senior al Shabaab commander and about 20 of his followers have pledged allegiance to Islamic State, the first move of its kind to emerge in the Somali militant group.
There was no immediate reaction from al Shabaab’s overall leadership, which aligned itself in 2012 to al Qaeda, a group that has declared Islamic State’s leader illegitimate.
Experts have been watching to see if the rise of Islamic State in Syria, Iraq and other battlefields, would draw al Shabaab’s public support, but said the impact of any such alliance would be largely symbolic given geographical distance would hinder an exchange of material supplies.
“We, the mujahideen of Somalia, declare allegiance to the caliph as Ibrahim ibn Awad ibn Ibrahim al-Awad al-Qurashi,” Abdiqadir Mumin, an al Shabaab commander in the Puntland region of Somalia, said in an audio tape published on YouTube.
Nigerian militants Boko Haram also pledged allegiance to Islamic State this year, a move seen as highlighting a desire by African jihadists to link up with others in the Middle East and elsewhere.
Islamic State has accepted pledges of allegiance from groups in the Middle East, Afghanistan, Pakistan and North Africa.
A follower of al Shabaab’s Mumin confirmed the veracity of the recording declaring allegiance to al-Qurashi, better known as Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, the leader of Islamic State and self-proclaimed caliph of the Muslim world.
“Senior leader Abdiqadir Mumin and his 20 fighters, including me, joined ISIS,” one of Mumin’s supporters told Reuters by telephone, using one acronym for Islamic State.
Mumin had been based in the Galgala hills in Somalia’s semi-autonomous Puntland region, said the supporter, who asked not to be identified. The 20 came from a group of 300 in Galgala, he said, adding that his group had now moved to another area.
“The other fighters rejected us and remained in the Galgala hills,” he said.
There are no clear figures for the strength of al Shabaab, but diplomats put it at several thousand fighters. One expert said the announcement suggested a small split in the ranks.
Al Shabaab, which ruled much of Somalia for several years until 2011, was driven out of most urban centers by an offensive launched by African Union forces and Somali troops last year. Some were driven north to Puntland, experts say.
Puntland’s security minister dismissed Mumin’s declaration. “Puntland forces are ready and determined to eliminate ISIS,” Abdi Hirsi Ali said.
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SNA kills over 20 Al-Shabaab militants killed in Awdhegle district
The Somali National Army on Sunday, killed more than 20 fighters in a fierce clash that took place in the Awdhegle district of the Lower Shabelle region.
The operation, carried out with precision and determination, not only resulted in the eradication of a considerable number of militants but also led to the recovery of a substantial cache of weapons.
Deputy Minister of Information, Abdirahman Yusuf Al-adala, hailed the l military campaign, highlighting the magnitude of the triumph. He stated, “Our forces have slain over 20 Khawarij fighters, including senior commanders, and have forced them to flee, leaving their fallen comrades behind. We remain steadfast in our commitment to dismantling the terrorist network in this region and throughout our entire country.”
Horrific photographs from the battlefield, depicting the aftermath of the operation near Afgoye district in the same region, have emerged online.
The images vividly portray the grim consequences suffered by the defeated militants, emphasizing the overwhelming superiority of the Somali National Army in combat.
Al-Shabaab has long posed a significant threat to Somalia’s security and stability, constantly striving to undermine the progress made by the government and perpetuate a reign of fear.
The Somali National Army, supported by international partners, has intensified efforts to neutralize Al-Shabaab’s capabilities.
The upcoming second phase of the total war on Al-Shabaab is poised to further weaken the group, targeting its operational infrastructure and leadership.
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Security officials launch investigation as inter-clan conflicts plague Galkayo
A young and highly regarded doctor was killed inside his health center in Galkacyo town on Saturday evening.
The assailant, dressed in a security uniform, entered the facility accompanied by two unarmed individuals before opening fire on Dr. Sakariye Abdi Jama, resulting in his immediate demise.
The incident, captured on CCTV footage, has sent shockwaves through the community and has raised concerns about the escalating tribal revenge killings that have plagued the northern part of Galkacyo town.
According to security officials, the gunmen swiftly fled the scene following the murder, leaving behind a sense of fear and vulnerability among the residents.
Local reports indicate that this targeted killing is connected to ongoing inter-clan conflicts that have marred the region.
The Puntland administration, responsible for maintaining law and order, now faces increased scrutiny for its perceived inability to effectively combat the rising tide of violence, particularly when it puts innocent civilians at risk.
Dr. Sakariye Abdi Jama, a prominent figure in the medical community, was widely respected for his dedication to providing quality healthcare services to the people of Galkacyo.
His death has left a void in the medical profession, and the community mourns the loss of a compassionate and talented doctor.
The incident has sparked outrage and concern among local residents, who fear that the persistent tribal revenge killings will further destabilize the region and hinder efforts to establish peace and security.
In response to the incident, security officials have launched a thorough investigation to apprehend the perpetrators and bring them to justice. Authorities have vowed to enhance security measures in Galkacyo town, deploying additional resources to prevent further bloodshed and protect innocent lives.
The recent surge in tribal revenge killings has raised questions about the effectiveness of existing security strategies and initiatives.
Critics argue that the Puntland administration must urgently reassess its approach to combating violence, focusing on comprehensive measures that address the root causes of inter-clan conflicts and promote reconciliation among warring factions.
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President Mohamud Participates in Flag Raising Ceremony for 63rd Anniversary of Independence
The President of the Federal Government of Somalia, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, participated in the flag raising ceremony to mark the 63rd anniversary of the independence of the southern regions from the Italian colonies and the unity of the North and South regions of Somalia.
The ceremony, held at the Somali National Presidency, was attended by other top officials of the federal government, state governments, and other dignitaries.
The flag raising ceremony took place at around midnight, which coincided with the same time the flag was raised in Mogadishu on July 1, 1960, when the southern regions gained independence from the Italian colonial government. The president extended his congratulations to all Somalis for their hard work and resilience in the face of challenges.
The celebrations of the independence day are not limited to the capital city of Mogadishu, as many towns across Somalia are also commemorating the 63rd anniversary of the independence of the Southern regions from the Italian colonies and the unity of the North and South regions.
The feeling of joy and jubilation is evident in the capital city with people dressed in clothes made from the flag of the Republic of Somalia. The week-long celebrations of independence began on June 26, 2023, when the northern regions of Somalia gained independence from the British colony.
The unity of the North and South regions of Somalia was a significant milestone in the country’s history, as it brought together two separate territories with different colonial legacies. The union was seen as a symbol of hope and unity for the Somali people, who had suffered years of colonial rule and fragmentation.
However, the country has faced numerous challenges in the years since independence, including political instability, armed conflict, and humanitarian crises. The Somali government, with the support of its partners, has been working to address these challenges and promote peace, stability, and development in the country.
The celebrations of the Independence Day serve as a reminder of the resilience and determination of the Somali people in the face of adversity. As the country continues on its path towards progress and development, it is important to reflect on the achievements of the past and work towards a better future for all Somalis.
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