Al Shabaab's Executive Council and Their Clans

This was originally published 5 May 2001, and lays out key figures in al Shabaab leadership. Most names are well known, some are not, some are now dead.

- Shimron Issachar

*************************************

MOGADISHU (Sunatimes) The executive council of Al-Shabaab militant group in southern Somalia are 85 members of Somalis and foreigners. 42 of that figure are Somalis while the rest are Al-Qaeda operatives from different outside countries as indicated in a year long investigation made by reporters from Waagacusub Media and Radio Mogadishu.

The leader of the Al-Qaeda members fighting along side Al-Shabaab insurgent group in Somalia is Fazul Abdullah Mohamed of Comorous Islands as his deputy is Mohamed Faadil of Saudi Arabia while the head of the network's military operations was Khalid Al-Muhajir Al-Mustafa who was killed in the current ongoing fighting in Mogadishu between Al-Shabaab and the government troops backed by the African Union peacekeepers on 3 September 2010.

Foriegner Al-Qaeda fighters who escaped from thier origin countries and are still at large have a big influence in Al-Shabaab administration in Somalia and this may certainly create bigger security concern in the East Africa region.

The names, ranks and clans of the Somali executive members in Al-Shabaab are as here below:-

1. Ahmed Abdi Godane (Abu-Zubeyr), the leader of Al-Shabaab from Isaq clan of Arab sub-clan.

2. (Abu-Zalma)Ibrahim Haji Jama Meecaad Afkhani , the first deputy leader of Al-Shabaab and in charge of finance, from Isaq clan of Sacad Muse sub-clan.

3. Mukhtar Robow Ali (Abu-Mansor), the second deputy leader of Al-Shabaab, from Rahanweyn clan of Leesaan sub-clan.

4. Fuad Mohamed Khalaf (Ina-Shangole), the head of public awareness of Al-Shabaab, from Darod clan of Awrtabe sub-clan.

5. Mukhtar Abu-Muslim, the head of Fatwas, from Darod clan of Ogaden sub-clan.

6. Khalif Mohamud Warsame (Khalif Cadale) the head of tracking down the NGO's, from Hawiye clan of Habar-Gidir, Ayr.

7. Madey Mamad Karatay, the head of destroying the graves, from Tuni clan.

8. Omar Mohamud Jimale (Matan), the head of security guards of Godane, from Hawiye clan of Duduble sub-clan.

9. Ali Muhumad Rage (Ali Dhere), the spokesman for Al-Shabaab, from Hawiye clan of Murursade sub-clan.

10. Abdulahi Timo Jilic, the head of technician for the weapons and salesman, from Hawiye clan of Murursade.

11. Hassan Afgooye, the especial servant for Godane, from Dir clan of Biyo-Maal.

12. Abdulahi Nadir, the interpretor for Godane, from Isaq clan of Toljecel sub-clan.

13. Hussein Ali Fidow (Hussein Daynile), the head of regions, from Hawiye clan of Murursade sub-clan.

14. Hassan Dhere, the head of the roped property, from Hawiye clan of Habar Gidir, Ayr sub-clan.

15. Hassan Afrah, the head of relationship with pirates, from Hawiye clan of Saleban sub-clan.

16. Mohamed Omar, the head of services and caring for the foreign fighters, from Darod clan of Ogaden sub-clan.

17. Bashir Qoorgaab, the commander of mortar brigade, from Hawiye clan of Habar gidir, Saleban sub-clan.

18. Ahmed Osoble, the police commander, from Hawiye clan of Hawadle sub-clan.

19. Mahad Karatey but known as (Sheik Burhan), the head of trainings, from Hawiye clan of Ayr sub-clan.

20. Ahmed Fifle, the head of finance, from Hawiye clan of Habargidir,Eyr sub-clan.

21. Hassan Turki, the father of Mujahideens and leader of Raskamboni brigades, from Darod clan of Ogaden sub-clan.

22. Mohamed Dulyaden, the contector of Raskamboni and Al-Shabaab, from Darod clan of Ogaden sub-clan.

23. Farhan Moahmed Kahiye, the head of defence, from Hawiye clan of Saleban sub-clan.

24. Abdulahi Hirane, the head of lower Shabelle region, from Dir clan of Biyo-maal sub-clan.

25. Dahir Gamaey but uses the name (Abdi Al-Haq), the judge of Al-Shabaab, from Hawiye clan of Duduble sub-clan.

26. Ali Muse, the treasure, from Hawiye clan of Habargidir, Faqashini sub-clan.

27. ali Mohamed Hussein, the head of Banadir province, from Hawiye clan of Abgal sub-clan.

28. Abdulahi Haji (Daud), the head of assasinations, from Hawiye clan of Murursade sub-clan.

29. Omar Faruk, the head of police in Banadir province, from Darod clan of Majerteen sub-clan.

30. Mohamed Balli, the head of the propogandas (the man who described Hawiye as infedals) from Darod clan of Majerten sub-clan.

31. Aden Oonbe, the head of social affairs, not known yet for his clan.

32. Farah Ali Hussein, the head of Dacwa in middle Shabelle region, from Hawiye clan of Abgal sub-clan.

33. Yusuf Kaba Kudukade, the head of Galgadud region, from Hawiye clan of Abgal sub-clan.

34. Abdiqani Kaba Jecel, the deputy mayor of lower Shabelle region, from Darod clan of Ogaden sub-clan.

35. Abdirahim Ali Mudey, the head of taxes for coil production, from Hawiye clan of Galjecel sub-clan.

36. Hassan Qodax, the head of militias in Gedo, from Darod clan of Marehan sub-clan.

37. Hussein Daqare, the head of Gedo region, from Darod clan of Marehan sub-clan.

38. Ali Roti, the man in charge of burying the children killed in the war, from Darod clan of Majerten sub-clan.

39. Abshir Ali Bukhari, the head of middle Shabelle region, from Darod clan of Ogaden sub-clan.

40. Yusuf Moalim Abdukadir, deputy leader, not known yet for his clan.

41. Mohamud Mohamed Nor (MMNOR), the deputy commander in chief for the invasions, from Isaq clan of Habarjeclo sub-clan.

42. Sahal Isku Dhuuq, the head of kidnappings of aid workers for ransom, from Dir clan of Biyomaal sub-clan.


The Rest @ Sunatimes

Robow challenges Godane (Zubeyr)

Islamists in control of South and Central Somalia are fighting internally as they try and recover from battle losses. Shabaab fought and took Burhakaba town, formerly held by Hizbul Islam.

-Shimron
****************
A months-long dispute among senior members of Somali insurgent group Al Shabaab took a worse turn Saturday when a senior commander condemned the group’s top chief, Radio Garowe reports.

Sheikh Fuad

Sheikh Fuad Mohamed Khalaf “Shongole” gave a publicly address at a mosque in Mogadishu’s Bakara Market, saying that Al Shabaab chief Ahmed Abdi Godane alias Sheikh Muktar Abdirahman Abu-Zubeyr has “hidden agendas.”

“A leader is he who addresses his people and leads his people towards all good things, but fighting everyone is not part of the solution,” Shongole said.

Local sources report that the dispute among Al Shabaab’s top leaders intensified earlier this month when Al Shabaab insurgents attacked and seized Burhakaba town, located in Bay region northwest of Mogadishu.

Upwards of 30 people were killed in the clashes between Al Shabaab and Hizbul Islam insurgent factions. Burhakaba had previously been under the control of Hizbul Islam, a group led by Islamist hardliner Sheikh Hassan Dahir Aweys.

“The fighting in Burhakaba was not jihad, because its haram [prohibited] for a Muslim person to kill another Muslim person and then brag about it,” Shongole said publicly at the mosque.

• Insiders say Shongole is allied to Al Shabaab’s deputy commander, Sheikh Muktar Robow “Abu Mansur,” a native of Bay region. Godane, Al Shabaab’s top chief, is a native in northwestern Somalia separatist region of Somaliland and has no population base in southern Somalia.

This is the first time that a senior member of Al Shabaab has publicly condemned Godane, thereby publicly revealing the fractures that occurred within the group since September fighting when upwards of 800 Al Shabaab fighters were killed in Mogadishu clashes with African Union-backed Somali government forces.

Abu Mansur [Robow] was reportedly angered by the massive losses suffered by Al Shabaab, but his dispute with Godane briefly disappeared from the public until Shongole’s public comments.

The U.S. government designated Al Shabaab as a terrorist organization in early 2008, subsequently followed by other Western powers including Australia.

The Rest @GAROWE ONLINE

Cabdi Godane Picture and Press Release

Shabab leaders from the Northern Somalia are mainly to blame for destroying Southern Somalia.Godane sets Islam ultimatumMogadishu - A founder and top leader of Somalia's insurgent Shebab group Shabaab al-Mujahideen: on Wednesday vowed to continue his armed struggle until Islamic law spreads across the world and Jerusalem is "liberated".
-(picture from terror free somalia, names on pictures not cofirmed by Shimron letters)

Ahmed Abdi Godane, best known in Somalia by his nom de guerre "Abu Zubayr", spoke in a recorded message that was distributed to local media in Mogadishu.

...."We will fight and the wars will not end until Islamic Sharia is implemented in all continents in the world and until Muslims liberate Jerusyalem," ....

the senior Shabaab leader said. His message was carried by radios, televisions and websites as sporadic fighting continued in Mogadishu following clashes that have left dozens dead since last week.

The fighting has pitted forces loyal to President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed - a moderate Islamist - against radical insurgents led by the Shebab and opposed to the transitional federal government.

Foreign support

"The fighting in Mogadishu is between the forces of Allah and elements whose intention is to introduce democracy and Jewish theories," Godane said. "So we ask the population in the capital to choose the right path."

The Shabaab, which controls most of southern Somalia, has admitted to receiving the support of foreign fighters. According to Somali security officials and foreign intelligence sources in the region, extremist foreign fighters have flocked to Somalia since the start of the year and currently number around 500. Observers have warned that since Ethiopia's military withdrawal in January, Somalia risked becoming a haven for al-Qaeda-affiliated jihadists.

Godane also issued a warning to the Somali media.

"Journalists should work professionally," he said in his audio message.

"It is your duty to take part in the current jihad (holy war). Don't misrepresent the facts, don't mislead the people,"

Godane added, addressing the country's press corps. Somalia is one of the world's most dangerous places for journalists, who have been routinely arrested by the authorities or kidnapped and killed by various armed groups

The Rest @ Terror Free Somalia

Zubayer

TBDA Suggests the poster of this citation is of interest

Sheikh Moktar Ali Zubeyr (Somali: Mukhtaar Cali Zuubeyr, Arabic: مختار علي الزبير‎) also known as Muktar Abdirahman "Godane", Ahmad Abdi Godane, Ahmad Abdi Aw Muhammad, Mukhtar Abu Zubeyr and Muqtar Abdurahman Abu Zubeyr, is the Amir (leader) of Harakat Al-Shabab Mujahideen, which is the most important insurgent group in Somalia. He succeeded Sheikh Mukhtar Robow who held the position for several months after Sheikh Adan Eyrow's death.[1][not in citation given]

The Rest @ Wikipedia

Al-Shabab leader threatens more Uganda attacks By MOHAMED OLAD HASSAN Associated Press Writer

The leader of the al-Qaida-linked Somali militant group that claimed responsibility for twin bombings in Uganda during the World Cup final threatened further attacks in a new audio message released Thursday. The leader of al-Shabab _ Sheik Muktar Abu Zubayr _ also thanked the militants who carried out Sunday's twin bombings in Uganda that killed 76 people. It was the first time al-Shabab had struck outside Somalia's borders. In the audio message played on Mogadishu radio stations, Abu Zubayr told Uganda's president that more attacks would be carried out. "I say to the Ugandan president what has happened in Kampala was only the beginning. We will keep revenging what your soldiers remorselessly did to our people. Your tanks destroyed the remains of our buildings in Mogadishu and we will also revenge that," Abu Zubayr said. The bombings on Sunday ripped through a restaurant and rugby club as crowds watched the World Cup final between Spain and the Netherlands on television. Al-Shabab said the bombings were revenge for Uganda's deployment of peacekeepers in Mogadishu with the African Union force, known as AMISOM. Al-Shabab battles African Union and Somali forces in the streets of Mogadishu daily, in an effort to topple Somalia's weak, U.N.-backed administration. Those attacks often miss their military targets and the crossfire kills scores of civilians, "What is called AMISOM has committed a nasty massacre in Mogadishu, worse than the ones committed before by the Ethiopians and Americans: constant shelling at poor civilian populations, tanks leveling what remained of Mogadishu buildings and machine-guns shot at public vehicles. All those were the habits of AMISOM," Abu Zubayr said. Abu Zubayr also thanked the militant team that carried out the attacks. He said they were members of the Saleh Ali Saleh Nabhan contingent, named after the militant killed in a U.S. commando raid in rural southern Somalia last September. Nabhan was wanted for the 2002 car bombing of a beach resort in Kenya and an attempt to shoot down an Israeli airliner. Meanwhile, Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni said at a news conference that his country is committed to sending 2,000 more troops to Somalia if the East African regional bloc known as IGAD agrees. He also called for African Union members to send up to 20,000 troops to Somalia "as soon as possible." There are currently more than 5,000 AU troops in Mogadishu from Uganda and Burundi. After the twin bombings in Kampala, al-Shabab also threatened to attack Burundi. U.S. State Department spokesman P.J. Crowley on Thursday praised Uganda and Burundi's commitment to the peacekeeping mission in Somalia. "We commend the critical role that Uganda and Burundi continue to play to bring regional security to the unstable areas in east and central Africa, particularly through their leadership of the A.U. mission in Somalia," he said. Crowley added that more than 60 FBI agents arrived Wednesday in Uganda to help investigate Sunday's bombing. "They are fully engaged in the investigation in support of Uganda authorities, will be there for several days, as we continue to determine who is responsible and what happened in that tragedy on Sunday," he said. Uganda hosts an African Union summit later this month where Somalia force levels will be discussed. Museveni told Ugandans not to blame the Somali community in Kampala for Sunday's attacks amid reports of rising tensions between Ugandans and Somalis. "Not all the Somali people are dangerous," the Ugandan president said. "There could be some elements who are dangerous but the majority are good." Museveni vowed to find the terrorists who carried out the attacks and "eliminate them." Over the last two years, foreign fighters numbering in the low hundreds with experience in Afghanistan, Pakistan and Iraq have joined al-Shabab, according to international officials, raising the group's level of militant expertise. Somali-Americans have been recruited and taken part in suicide bombings. The U.S. branded al-Shabab a terrorist organization in 2008, more than a year after Ethiopia sent troops into Somalia and touched off an Islamist and nationalist insurgency that still rages.

The Rest @ the AP

TFG and Shabaab temporary halt in fighting about to End

MOGADISHU (HOL) - Today is the last day of the five-day ultimatum the leader of Al-Shabaab movement Sheik Mukhtar Abdirahman Abuu Zubeyr has given Somalia’s Transitional Government (TFG) troops to surrender to Al-Shabaab forces.

Sheik Mukthar called on government soldiers to surrender to his forces adding that they will not accept government troops to keep their weapons. “We will not accept that they keep their arms and we ask them to surrender their arms to the Mujahidiin forces and continue on with their lives” said Sheik Mukhtar.

The leader of Al-Shabaab added that the leaders of the TFG who have renounced the authentic teachings of Islam will be brought to an Islamic court and will be prosecuted for crimes they have committed against Somalia and the Somali people and for inviting foreign troops to the country” said Sheik Mukhtar.

In response to the remarks of Al-Shabaab leader, the TFG’s Parliament Secretary for National Defence Sheik Yuusuf Mohamed Siyaad Indha-ade said that the Al-Shabaab leader is misguided to suggest that TFG troops should surrender in five days and Sheik Mukhtar is someone who is hiding.

Sheik Indha-ade added that TFG is willing to talk to any opposition group on the basis of the teaching the Quran and Sunnah. “If it is proven that we are wrong, we are prepared to repent but let Ahmed Godane accept talks and accept his mistakes if it is proven he is wrong” added the Parliamentary Secretary for National Defence.

These exchanges of accusations and counter-accusations and claims of victory by each side come at a time when in the last two months the two sides have been engaged in deadly fighting where hundreds of civilians were killed and injured and thousands were displaced.

The Rest @ Hiiran.com

Abu Zubayr wounded, Possibly Dead

The leader of Al Shabaab is reported to have been wounded and possibly killed in what appears to be an accidental explosion at a safe house outside Mogadishu.

Ahmed Abdi Aw Mohamed, the reclusive spiritual leader of the radical al Qaeda-linked terror group, was seriously wounded in the explosion on May 17. He is reportedly being treated at a hospital in northern Mogadishu, according to Garowe Online. Another source, Waaga Cusub, a Toronto-based Somali website aligned with the Hawiye clan in Mogadishu, speculated that Mohamed may have been killed, although the report has not been confirmed.

• Eleven Shabaab fighters and three or four "foreign fighters" were killed in the incident.
• One report indicated that three Pakistanis were among those killed.
• After the incident, Shabaab fighters immediately cordoned the home and prevented witnesses from getting near the site, making confirmation difficult.
• Mohamed, who is also known as Sheikh Mukhtar Abu Zubayr and Godane, is reported to have been hosting a meeting of senior Shabaab commanders when the explosion occurred. No other senior leaders have been reported killed or wounded.
• The cause of the explosion is unknown.
• One witness told Waaga Cusub that "missiles" struck the safe house.
• No US airstrike has been reported in the region.
• US officials contacted by The Long War Journal would not comment on the reports of a potential strike.
• The US has carried out several strikes against al Qaeda and Shabaab leaders since early 2007.

But the cause of the explosion appears to be a premature detonation of one or more bombs on site. A source close to Shabaab told Garowe Online that one or more car bombs detonated due to faulty wiring.

• Another witness told Waaga Cusub that one of the Pakistanis was training for a suicide attack against African peacekeepers and crossed the wrong wires.
• After the explosion on Sunday, a Shabaab spokesman stated that three car bombs built for use against African peacekeepers had accidentally detonated.
  

Shabaab has carried out numerous suicide attacks inside Somalia and the semi-autonomous regions of Puntland and Somaliland. The terror group is estimated to have between 280 and 300 foreign fighters in its ranks.

Shabaab has openly lobbied to join al Qaeda, and the offer has been warmly received by Osama bin Laden and Ayman al Zawahiri, al Qaeda's second in command.

• Mohamed is one of the original founders of Shabaab, or the Young Mujahideen Movement in Somalia.


• In November 2008, Mohamed and two other senior Shabaab leaders were designated as terrorists by the US.


• He has taken on a more visible role since the death of Shabaab's chief military commander Aden Hashi Ayro in a May 1, 2008, airstrike.


• Mohamed rarely appears in the media, but just six days ago released an audio recording in which he denounced the Somali government, led by President Sheikh Sharif Ahmed, a former ally during the rule of the Islamic Courts.


• Ahmed and the parliament had attempted to appease the radical Islamist groups by passing a bill imposing sharia, or Islamic law, throughout the country.

Shabaab and the allied Hizbul Islam are battling for control of central and southern Somalia with Islamic Courts factions that reconciled with the weak Transitional Federal Government. Despite the alliance and support from several thousand African Union troops, the Ahmed government controls only small areas of the capital of Mogadishu; nearly all of the southern and central provinces are under Shabaab and Hizbul Islam control.

.....Shabaab recently took control of the town of Jowhar in the central province of Hiran from the Islamic Courts.

• The move sparked an incursion from the Ethiopian Army, which invaded Somalia in December 2006, ousted the Islamic Courts, and occupied the country until its withdrawal in January 2009.
• Ethiopian forces have been spotted moving into Hiran. The incursion has placed the Ahmed government in an awkward position.

The Ethiopians are disliked, but the Islamic Courts and the Somali government are incapable of defeating Shabaab and Hizbul Islam without outside help.

The Rest @ The Long War Journal

Muktar Abdirahman Godane Wounded 17 May

According to this 18 May report from Garowe Online, a media group with al Shabaab links, There was a mysterious explosion at a house was located in Daynile district, in the outskirts of Mogadishu on Sunday. Neighbors were forced to stay inside their homes and onlookers were prevented from coming anywhere close to the house by Al Shabaab gunmen.

It turns out that Godane was there when the explosion occured and was wounded. 17 others were killed, including 4 "foreign fighters"

See the following Report published on 20 May

-Shimron Issachar

MOGADISHU, Somalia May 20 (Garowe Online) - The leader of Somalia's Al Shabaab guerrilla group was wounded during a recent accidental explosion, inside sources tell Garowe Online.

Sheikh Muktar Abdirahman "Godane," one of the founders of Al Shabaab and the group's current leader, was wounded when an explosive device "went off accidentally," the sources said.

"The explosive device was being used for training [purpose] but it went off accidentally," said a source close the secretive guerrilla group, adding that Godane was being treated at a private hospital in the northern outskirts of the capital Mogadishu.

On Sunday, an accidental explosion at a house where Al Shabaab fighters were lacing vehicles with explosives killed 17 people. READ: Mysterious explosion kills 17, including 'foreign fighters'

Godane recently issued an audio tape where he spoke about the anti-government insurgency being spearheaded by Al Shabaab fighters in Mogadishu and other parts of south-central Somalia. READ: Al Shabaab leader speaks, more fighting in Mogadishu


The Rest @ Garowe Online

The Head of Shabaab Abu Zubayr - a Profile

This is an unverified profile pulled from Free Somaliland. I have found the source to be accurate on BDA, and an apparent supporter of Somliland separatism.

I have never contacted them directly.

Shimron Issachar

Axmed Cabdi Godane (Abu Zubayr), aka ahmad abdi (godane ) aka Mukhtaar C/raxmaan, Ahmed Abdi Ow Mohamud Godane was born in Hargeisa, the capital of Somaliland SOMALIA: 10 July 1977.

• He is from Arab sub-clan in Isaq clan, one of the dominant clan in northern Somalia.
• He had received a scholarship in Pakistan funded by Saudi blind millionaires.
• He used to visit in Afghanistan during holidays
• In 2001, physically t[h]in, Godane returned to Hargeisa, Somaliland .
• He began preaching in Abu-Bashir mosque in central Hargeisa between 2002 and 2003.
• During that time, Mr. Godane organized some terror attacks against Somaliland security.
• September 19 2002, a group loyal to Godane kidnapped a car owned by WFP.The terror mission led by Jama Kutiye who late caught Dhoqoshley by the Terrorism in Pseudo-State Somaliland security forces.
• December 30, 2000, Godane’s men assassinated Martin in front of his Hotel in Hargeisa.
• Also May 10, 2003, he was responsible for the killing against Analena Tonelli who was an Italian aid worker operating in Borame hospital.
• November 8, 2003, Godane was the master minder of the killing on British couple who were teachers in a school located in Sheekh.
• He was working for El-Barakat Telesom, Somaliland
• Later Godane escaped from Somaliland follwing a row with some of his group over a large amount of money they roped from an Ethiopian businessman.
• They then fled southern Somalia after committing several criminal acts.

His escape was facilitated by his brother who was police officer. Godane was doing the terror operations along with a Somalilander man who was holding a US citizenship and called Ibrahim Hajji Jama known as ‘Ibrahim Afkhani’Godane and Afkhani both had trainings in Afghanistan and made friends in southern Somalia where they diverted their mission and doubled it.

• April 27, 2006, the security forces foiled a terror attack by Godane’s men aimed to kill foreign observers who were monitoring the election in Somaliland . The forces found explosives after the raid. When the Islamic Courts Union came to power in southern Somalia in 2006 Mr. Godane who gave himself the name ‘Abu-Zubeyr became the general secretary for ICU.
• During the start of the war with Ethiopia late 2006, Godane got wounded and flown to Sudan for medical treatment.
• He was brought back in southern Somalia February 20 07 where he continued his terror mission .

Terrorist Ahmed abdi Godane (Abu Zubayr)aka Mukhtaar C/raxmaan , closest friends, includ[e]:

• Abubakar Al-Zaylici,
• lahi Cali Xaashi aka abdulahi ali hashi,
• Xasan Mahdi aka hassan mahdi ,
• qaadir Komaandos aka abdulkadir kumanos
• Maxamud Mire aka mahamud mire,
• samad
• lahi aka abdi samad abdulahi
• Ibraahim Afgaani aka ibrahim afgani
• Fu'aad Shongole aka fuad sangole
• Maxamed Aden Koofi aka mahamad adan kofi.

The Rest @ Terror Free Somalia

Shabbab Command Network Diagram

Check this out, for a graphic network from Manyeyes


Sheikh Hasan Dahir Aweys
ARS ASMARA
1
ARS ASMARA
Sheikh Omar Iman Abubakar
2
ARS ASMARA
Yusuf Mohammed Siad "Inda'ade"
3
Sheikh Hasan Dahir Aweys
Sheikh Omar Iman Abubakar
4
Sheikh Hasan Dahir Aweys
Yusuf Mohammed Siad "Inda'ade"
5
Sheikh Hasan Dahir Aweys
AL SHABAAB
6
Sheikh Omar Iman Abubakar
HISBI ISLAM
7
Sheikh Mohamed Mukhtar Abdirahman "Abu Zubeyr"
AL SHABAAB
8
Sheikh Mohamed Mukhtar Abdirahman "Abu Zubeyr"
BAY BAKOOL COMMAND
9
Sheikh Mohamed Mukhtar Abdirahman "Abu Zubeyr"
SOUTH CENTRAL SOMALIA AND MOGADISHU COMMAND
10
Sheikh Mohamed Mukhtar Abdirahman "Abu Zubeyr"
JUBA COMMAND
11
Sheikh Mohamed Mukhtar Abdirahman "Abu Zubeyr"
PUNTLAND COMMAND
12
Sheikh Mohamed Mukhtar Abdirahman "Abu Zubeyr"
SOMALILAND COMMAND
13
BAY BAKOOL COMMAND
Mukhtar Robow Mansur
14
Mukhtar Robow Mansur
Ali Saleh Nabhan "Abu Yusuf"

Abu Zubayr,Abu Zubaydah

Morocco Detainee Linked to Qaeda

Published: June 19, 2002
A senior agent for Al Qaeda with links to the group's former operations chief has been arrested in Morocco, goverment officials said today.

The man, Abu Zubayr, was taken into custody last week, the officials said. He is believed to have been associated with Abu Zubaydah, Al Qaeda's former operations chief, who is being held by the United States. American officials said they were uncertain whether Abu Zubayr was involved in the planning of the Sept. 11 attacks in the United States.

The officials added that while he was not as high-ranking in Al Qaeda's hierarchy as Abu Zubaydah, Abu Zubayr was still one of the most important members of Al Qaeda to be captured, ''maybe one of the top three or four,'' as one official put it.

Officials declined to say whether Abu Zubayr would be turned over to the United States. His nationality could not be determined.

Morocco said last week that it had broken up a plot by Al Qaeda to attack American and British ships in the Strait of Gibraltar.

Three Saudis, said to be members of Al Qaeda, were charged in Morocco on Monday in the plot, in which they were reportedly planning to sail small boats loaded with explosives into the shipping lanes.

Abu Zubayr has been under interrogation by the C.I.A. and F.B.I. for several months and has provided some valuable information, the agencies say. But he has not been cooperative, and his interrogators have had to manipulate him in order to get him to talk, they add. American officials say he is not being tortured.

• Officials said Abu Zubayr had helped to run Qaeda training camps in Afghanistan before Sept. 11. In that role, they said, he worked closely with
• Abu Zubaydah, who screened individuals who wanted to enter the camps and later gave them assignments.
  Abu Zubayr's nickname is the Bear, which is not a play on his name but is said to come from the fact that he weighs more than 300 pounds.
  

The Rest @ NY Times