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As Somalia continues to suffer through the worst drought in decades, Arab nations have clearly failed to act quickly to assist drought-displaced people in the country, a high ranking Al Shabaab official charged Friday.
In a fleeting visit to internal refugee camps in Mogadishu, Sheikh Hassan Dahir Aweys accused Arab states of neglecting and abandoning their Somali brothers and sisters as a severe drought claims many Somalis and their domestic animals.
Aweys, the former leader of the dismantled Hizbul Islam organization, made the comments as thousands of drought-displaced Somalis flood into the capital, Mogadishu, seeking food and water.
He said that Arab nations stopped sending humanitarian aid to Somalia after having a serious misunderstanding with the extremist group, although he didn’t provide any details about the nature of the misunderstanding.
“Everyone who intends to deliver humanitarian assistance is very welcome in the areas we control,” the official said to emphasize the group’s previous statement lifting the ban of aid agencies.
On Tuesday, Sheikh Ali Mohamoud Rage, the spokesman of the militant group, said anyone "whether Muslim or non-Muslim" can provide urgent assistance in the areas they control as long as they have “no hidden plan.”
The United Nations welcomed the move by Al Shabaab, but said it would need security guarantees for its staff.
"I welcome all efforts to ensure the people of Somalia can access the assistance which they have a right to," the UN humanitarian coordinator for Somalia, Mark Bowden, told the BBC.
Nonetheless, Aweys reiterated his call for Arab nations to extend charitable and humanitarian aid.
On Jan. 12, Aweys called for Somalia’s poor and needy not to seek assistance from humanitarian aid agencies.
The United States has accused Aweys of having links to al Qaeda. In April, the U.S. froze the assets of Aweys and others accused of being terrorists.
The Rest @ AllNesHeadlines
Showing posts with label Hizbul Islam. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Hizbul Islam. Show all posts
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Islamist Unity in Somalia
There is a big show of unity between Awayes and leaders and some Junior leaders of al Shabaab. Actually, it looks like al Shabaab defeated Hizbul Islam, and offered the survivors death or enlistment. Aweys cares not, as long as he becomes the head of an Islamist state in Somalia. Conspicuous in his absence is Adbi Godane, or Mukhtar Abdirahman Abuu Zubeyr). Where is he?
Shimron Issachar
************************
At least 17 people were killed in the Somali capital Mogadishu during Tuesday clashes, as Islamist leader Sheikh Hassan Dahir Aweys publicly declared his support for the merger of Al Shabaab and Hizbul Islam insurgent factions, Radio Garowe reports.
The fighting started overnight Monday and continued into Tuesday, with Somali government forces and allied African peacekeepers (AMISOM) repelling attacks by Al Shabaab insurgents.
Most of the violence was concentrated around Mogadishu's Hodan, Bondhere and Abdiaziz districts. Medical workers reported more than 32 wounded persons were admitted to local hospitals.
Witnesses said 8 civilians were killed in two separate incidents when an artillery shell hit residential areas in Kaaraan and Howlwadaag, which are districts outside of Tuesday's fighting zone.
A businessman in Bakara Market, a notorious insurgent stronghold since early 2007, confidentially told Garowe Online that AMISOM peacekeepers had moved "too close" to the market.
"There is plenty of fear that the fighting will spread into Bakara Market," said the business source who declined to be named for security reasons.
Al Shabaab-Hizbul Islam merger
Mogadishu has been wracked by insurgent violence since early 2007, when Islamist fighters went underground and spearheaded a bloody insurgency to overthrow the country's internationally recognized but weak Transitional Federal Government (TFG).
In Feb. 2009, a new Islamist faction was established under the leadership of Sheikh Hassan Dahir Aweys, who formed the Hizbul Islam insurgent group with the goal of toppling the TFG and installing an Islamist regime in Mogadishu.
On Tuesday, Sheikh Aweys appeared at a public rally with Al Shabaab leaders including Sheikh Fuad Shongole and Sheikh Ali Dheere, Al Shabaab's propaganda chief and spokesman, respectively.
The event was held in Afgoye, a small farming town 30km south of Mogadishu and formerly a major base for Hizbul Islam faction.
Sheikh Aweys said: "I am pleased to witness the unity of Al Shabaab and Hizbul Islam. I urge all Islamist fighters and all Muslims to join the war."
He called on AMISOM troop-contributing countries, namely Uganda and Burundi, to "pull out your troops or they will return to you dead."
Sheikh Shongole, who is Al Shabaab's third-in-command and chief of propaganda, bragged that he survived a mosque last May to "witness to the unity of the Mujahideen [holy warrior] in Somalia."
Aweys' failure
It is a major change of fortune for Sheikh Aweys, who led all Somali Islamists under the Islamic Courts Union (ICU) umbrella in 2006. The ICU militia seized Mogadishu in June 2006, but were ousted by the Ethiopian army's invasion six months later.
The ICU splintered into three factions: Al Shabaab; Hizbul Islam, led by Sheikh Aweys; and the Alliance for the Re-liberation of Somalia (ARS), led by Sheikh Sharif Ahmed, who became TFG President in Jan. 2009.
Insiders say Sheikh Aweys, who was the leader of all ICU splinter groups in 2006, has now surrendered his seniority and leadership over to junior officers within the former ICU group, but who are now top leaders in Al Shabaab group.
Those who know Sheikh Aweys describe him as a man obssessed with becoming the President of Somalia one day, but his aspiration faces many obstacles not the least of which is that he is on the U.S. terrorism watch-list.
Somali insurgents have remained unable to over-power the 8,000-strong AMISOM peacekeeping force, which guards the port, airport and presidential compound.
Upwards of 21,000 have been killed in the Somali insurgency since early 2007, with more than 1million people displaced.
The Rest @ Garowe Online
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
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
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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.
-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.
Thursday, December 16, 2010
The displaced people on the southern outskirts of Mogadishu are living in an increasingly insecure situation due to in-fighting and tension between radical Islamist groups
Al-Shabaab and Hizbu Islam have both exhibited the desire to expand their territories.
Most of the war displaced peoples from Mogadishu live on a strip of land between the city and Afgoye town, 30km south of the Somali capital. Indeed, the thousands of families are facing an increasingly uncertain situation as al-Shabaab fighters keep targeting more positions held by Hizbu Islam.
According to sources, which requested to remain anonymous due to fear of victimisation, the anxiety among the displaced is forcing them to prepare themselves for self defence.
Militias’ movements around the camps make the mobilisation more critical.
The same sources indicate that on Tuesday night, Hizbu Islam’s top brass that included the movement’s leader, Sheikh Hassan Dahir Aweys, militia commander Abdulkadir Komandos, political strategist Mussa Abdi Arale, and other members of the Shura (consultative council) and Fulinta (executive body), held a meeting at undisclosed site. The group is said to have rejected the motion of counter-attacking al-Shabaab.
Any resistance
However, the Hizbu Islam leaders are said to have adopted a self-defence strategy against the advancing al-Shabaab fighters.
Hizbu Islam is apparently reacting to series of advances made by al-Shabaab fighters against their loyalists in southern Somalia recently.
- Source unsited
Al-Shabaab and Hizbu Islam have both exhibited the desire to expand their territories.
Most of the war displaced peoples from Mogadishu live on a strip of land between the city and Afgoye town, 30km south of the Somali capital. Indeed, the thousands of families are facing an increasingly uncertain situation as al-Shabaab fighters keep targeting more positions held by Hizbu Islam.
According to sources, which requested to remain anonymous due to fear of victimisation, the anxiety among the displaced is forcing them to prepare themselves for self defence.
Militias’ movements around the camps make the mobilisation more critical.
The same sources indicate that on Tuesday night, Hizbu Islam’s top brass that included the movement’s leader, Sheikh Hassan Dahir Aweys, militia commander Abdulkadir Komandos, political strategist Mussa Abdi Arale, and other members of the Shura (consultative council) and Fulinta (executive body), held a meeting at undisclosed site. The group is said to have rejected the motion of counter-attacking al-Shabaab.
Any resistance
However, the Hizbu Islam leaders are said to have adopted a self-defence strategy against the advancing al-Shabaab fighters.
Hizbu Islam is apparently reacting to series of advances made by al-Shabaab fighters against their loyalists in southern Somalia recently.
- Source unsited
Monday, April 19, 2010
Hizbul Islam Charging "tax' of Khat Trucks
Mogadishu (Alshahid) – The drivers of the vehicles that transport Khat (a stimulant leaves chewed by most Somalis) from Afgoye town to the capital Mogadishu complained about the money that Hizbul Islam militias take from them.
The drivers said that Hizbul Islam militias have several check points on the highway that connects Afgoye to Mogadishu and every militia group in those check points ask for money to allow the vehicles pass.
The Hizbul Islam police chief in Afgoye Mohamed Hassan Omar who talked to the reporters in Mogadishu denied the complains saying that only Somali Shilling 300 are taken from each vehicle and that amount goes to the road maintenance.
Mr. Omar said that any vehicle which doesn’t comply with the rules of Hizbul Islam will not use the road.
The drivers said that Hizbul Islam militias have several check points on the highway that connects Afgoye to Mogadishu and every militia group in those check points ask for money to allow the vehicles pass.
The Hizbul Islam police chief in Afgoye Mohamed Hassan Omar who talked to the reporters in Mogadishu denied the complains saying that only Somali Shilling 300 are taken from each vehicle and that amount goes to the road maintenance.
Mr. Omar said that any vehicle which doesn’t comply with the rules of Hizbul Islam will not use the road.
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Hizbul Islam and al Shabaab Fight Again in Kismayo
Kismayo (Alshahid)- Fresh fighting erupted in the border town of Dhoobley early on Tuesday as forces loyal to the insurgent group of Hizbul Islam attacke the town which is controlled by Alshabab forces.
The residents of the town said that the fighting broke out when Hizbul Islam forces led by Sheikh Ahmed Madobe attacked the town from the direction of the Kenyan border.
The Alshabab forces in the town fought back and were able to drive back the attackers.
The actual figure of the casualties is not yet clear as both fighting groups declined to comment about the fight.
Alshabab and Hizbul Islam both fight the TFG and AMISOM but at the same time battle over the control of Jubba regions.
Source Al Sahid
The residents of the town said that the fighting broke out when Hizbul Islam forces led by Sheikh Ahmed Madobe attacked the town from the direction of the Kenyan border.
The Alshabab forces in the town fought back and were able to drive back the attackers.
The actual figure of the casualties is not yet clear as both fighting groups declined to comment about the fight.
Alshabab and Hizbul Islam both fight the TFG and AMISOM but at the same time battle over the control of Jubba regions.
Source Al Sahid
Monday, April 12, 2010
Long War Update in The Horn and Yemen
Gulf of Aden Security Review - April 12, 2010
Yemen:
Yemen says it has not received U.S. intelligence on al Awlaki’s location; four al Houthi rebels on trial in Yemen for spying for Iran; Yemeni tribe warns U.S. against killing al Awlaki; Yemeni Foreign Minister says al Awlaki is not a terrorist; father offers deal for al Awlaki’s removal from list; protests continue in Dhale
Horn of Africa:
Bush official: President Obama’s policy towards Somalia remains the same as predecessor; Dahabshiil guards reject disarmament attempts by Hizb al Islam; BBC responds to al Shabaab censoring; hundreds of Somali refugees reach Somali-Kenyan border town; civilians arrested in Galga'o for breaking curfew
Yemen Security Brief
Yemeni authorities say they are looking for the radical cleric Anwar al Awlaki, but have received no American intelligence about his whereabouts or role within al Qaeda. The Yemeni Foreign Minister Abu Bakr al Qirbi did not elaborate on the steps taken to apprehend al Awlaki, but mentioned an air strike in December on an al Qaeda meeting where the cleric was reportedly in attendance.[i]
Four men associated with the al Houthi movement in northern Yemen are being tried on suspicions of spying for Iran. The men are charged with passing “photographs of security installations, military camps, ports, islands and maritime installations” to Iran. The four were also accused of “receiving funds, supplies and arms from different parties and delivering them to the Houthis.”[ii]
Anwar al Awlaki’s tribe in Yemen threatened violence against anyone who harms him. The threat by the al Awaliq tribe is ostensibly aimed at the United States, which recently placed al Awlaki on its capture or kill list. The tribe is located mainly in Abyan and Shabwah governorates in southern Yemen.[iii]
Yemeni Foreign Minister Abu Bakr al Qirbi said in a statement Saturday that Yemen does not consider Anwar al Awlaki a terrorist. He also said that Yemeni authorities have no contact with the cleric.[iv]
Anwar al Awlaki’s father has promised the cleric will cease activity against the United States if he is taken off the capture or kill list. It is unclear whether Nasser al Awlaki, the former president of the University of Sana’a, made the statement with his son’s consent.[v]
Protests against the government continued on Monday in Dhale as a general strike shut down all economic activity in the city. Two explosions were heard near schools with no reported casualties. Gunfire was also heard sporadically throughout the city. Additional protests were held on Sunday in Dhale, Lahij, Abyan, and Aden.[vi]
Horn of Africa Brief
Jendayi E. Frazer, former US Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs under the Bush Administration, stated President Obama is applying the same policies towards Somalia as President Bush. Frazer also commented on the upcoming TFG offensive in Mogadishu stating she does not anticipate any significant changes to occur.[vii]
Security guards at the Dahabshiil Bureau in Mogadishu's Bakara market have resisted disarmament attempts by Hizb al Islam forces. Dahabshiil officials stated fighters from Hizb al Islam “stormed” the bureau on Saturday in attempt to disarm the guards; however, the Islamist forces were met with such strong resistance, business were forced to close for an hour.[viii]
In response to al Shabaab’s BBC ban, BBC Africa head, Jerry Timmins, stated BBC always addresses all sides in the conflict, including al Shabaab, and adheres “to strict standards of impartiality and editorial independence” and rejects anything which suggests otherwise. Timmins also stated, “It is essential for the people of Somalia that the BBC is allowed to continue to report accurately and impartially on the situation in the country without undue interference from anyone.”[ix]
Hundreds of Somali families who fled the fighting in Mogadishu and southern Somalia have reached the Somali-Kenyan border town of Dhobley, which is controlled by the Somali Islamist group al Shabaab.[x]
Four civilians from the Hormar neighborhood, in the town of Galga'o in the Mudug region, have been arrested by Mudug police forces for violating the imposed night curfew, which was put in place to assure the “security of the towns, districts and villages under the control of Galmudug State.” Mudug police forces stated the detained civilians will be brought before a court and sentenced.[xi]
The Rest @ Critical Threats
Shimron Issachar
On Twitter
Yemen:
Yemen says it has not received U.S. intelligence on al Awlaki’s location; four al Houthi rebels on trial in Yemen for spying for Iran; Yemeni tribe warns U.S. against killing al Awlaki; Yemeni Foreign Minister says al Awlaki is not a terrorist; father offers deal for al Awlaki’s removal from list; protests continue in Dhale
Horn of Africa:
Bush official: President Obama’s policy towards Somalia remains the same as predecessor; Dahabshiil guards reject disarmament attempts by Hizb al Islam; BBC responds to al Shabaab censoring; hundreds of Somali refugees reach Somali-Kenyan border town; civilians arrested in Galga'o for breaking curfew
Yemen Security Brief
Yemeni authorities say they are looking for the radical cleric Anwar al Awlaki, but have received no American intelligence about his whereabouts or role within al Qaeda. The Yemeni Foreign Minister Abu Bakr al Qirbi did not elaborate on the steps taken to apprehend al Awlaki, but mentioned an air strike in December on an al Qaeda meeting where the cleric was reportedly in attendance.[i]
Four men associated with the al Houthi movement in northern Yemen are being tried on suspicions of spying for Iran. The men are charged with passing “photographs of security installations, military camps, ports, islands and maritime installations” to Iran. The four were also accused of “receiving funds, supplies and arms from different parties and delivering them to the Houthis.”[ii]
Anwar al Awlaki’s tribe in Yemen threatened violence against anyone who harms him. The threat by the al Awaliq tribe is ostensibly aimed at the United States, which recently placed al Awlaki on its capture or kill list. The tribe is located mainly in Abyan and Shabwah governorates in southern Yemen.[iii]
Yemeni Foreign Minister Abu Bakr al Qirbi said in a statement Saturday that Yemen does not consider Anwar al Awlaki a terrorist. He also said that Yemeni authorities have no contact with the cleric.[iv]
Anwar al Awlaki’s father has promised the cleric will cease activity against the United States if he is taken off the capture or kill list. It is unclear whether Nasser al Awlaki, the former president of the University of Sana’a, made the statement with his son’s consent.[v]
Protests against the government continued on Monday in Dhale as a general strike shut down all economic activity in the city. Two explosions were heard near schools with no reported casualties. Gunfire was also heard sporadically throughout the city. Additional protests were held on Sunday in Dhale, Lahij, Abyan, and Aden.[vi]
Horn of Africa Brief
Jendayi E. Frazer, former US Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs under the Bush Administration, stated President Obama is applying the same policies towards Somalia as President Bush. Frazer also commented on the upcoming TFG offensive in Mogadishu stating she does not anticipate any significant changes to occur.[vii]
Security guards at the Dahabshiil Bureau in Mogadishu's Bakara market have resisted disarmament attempts by Hizb al Islam forces. Dahabshiil officials stated fighters from Hizb al Islam “stormed” the bureau on Saturday in attempt to disarm the guards; however, the Islamist forces were met with such strong resistance, business were forced to close for an hour.[viii]
In response to al Shabaab’s BBC ban, BBC Africa head, Jerry Timmins, stated BBC always addresses all sides in the conflict, including al Shabaab, and adheres “to strict standards of impartiality and editorial independence” and rejects anything which suggests otherwise. Timmins also stated, “It is essential for the people of Somalia that the BBC is allowed to continue to report accurately and impartially on the situation in the country without undue interference from anyone.”[ix]
Hundreds of Somali families who fled the fighting in Mogadishu and southern Somalia have reached the Somali-Kenyan border town of Dhobley, which is controlled by the Somali Islamist group al Shabaab.[x]
Four civilians from the Hormar neighborhood, in the town of Galga'o in the Mudug region, have been arrested by Mudug police forces for violating the imposed night curfew, which was put in place to assure the “security of the towns, districts and villages under the control of Galmudug State.” Mudug police forces stated the detained civilians will be brought before a court and sentenced.[xi]
The Rest @ Critical Threats
Shimron Issachar
On Twitter
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
al Shabaab arrest Hizbul Islam -Wadana Street Fighting
MOGADISHU (Mareeg)—Al Shabaab militants have arrested three Hizbul Islam officials in Mogadishu on Monday accusing of being behind roadside bomb that targeted al Shabaab officials. Fu’aad Mohamed Qalaf and other foreign al Shabaab official survived a landmine that exploded a car they were traveling Bar Ubah neighborhood near Bakaro market in Mogadishu on Sunday evening. Residents say al Shabaab captured the officials from Bakaro market in Mogadishu saying they will bring before a court.
Sporadic fighting between the two groups started in Wadnaha Street in Mogadishu after the incident. Residents in Mogadishu have expressed concern about the new tension between the two allied groups who have been jointly fighting against the Somali government since May last year. If heavy between al Shabaab and Hizbul Islam starts in Mogadishu it will be a chance to Somali fragile government which is preparing a big offensive against the rebel groups.
The Rest @ Maraeerg Online
Shimron Letters
On Twitter
Sporadic fighting between the two groups started in Wadnaha Street in Mogadishu after the incident. Residents in Mogadishu have expressed concern about the new tension between the two allied groups who have been jointly fighting against the Somali government since May last year. If heavy between al Shabaab and Hizbul Islam starts in Mogadishu it will be a chance to Somali fragile government which is preparing a big offensive against the rebel groups.
The Rest @ Maraeerg Online
Shimron Letters
On Twitter
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Somalia Islamist Update
Well-informed analysts estimate that al-Shabaab has somewhere between 4,000 and 7,000 fighters in and around Mogadishu, at least one-third of whom have had advanced training from its foreign jihadist allies, who apparently exercise a great deal of control over them. In addition, al-Shabaab has up to 6,000 fighters scattered around the country.
The group also has anywhere between 500 and 1,500 foreign jihadists who have flocked to its banner from as far away as Nigeria and Pakistan as well as several hundred Somalis from the diaspora.
Hisbul Islam’s organization is more clan-based, with perhaps as up to 5,000 fighters around the capital, the majority of whom hail from the Hawiye clan of Habar Gidir, and perhaps as many as 3,000 elsewhere in the southern and central Somalia. Although only about 10 percent of Hisbul Islam’s forces have had advanced training, most of those more skilled fighters are deployed in or close to Mogadishu, thus increasing their impact.
The Ahlu Sunna wal-Jama’a (roughly, “[Followers of] the Traditions and Consensus [of the Prophet Muhammad]”) militias opposing al-Shabaab in the central regions have maybe several thousand members, but most of these are clansmen mustered on an ad hoc basis, rather than a standing force, notwithstanding Ethiopian efforts to train and assist them. In contrast, the TFG claims to have 5,000 troops, although that figure is inflated with clan militiamen it manages to hire from time to time and over whom it has no effective control.
The Rest from Dr. Peter Pham @ FamilySecurity Matters
Shimron Issachar
The group also has anywhere between 500 and 1,500 foreign jihadists who have flocked to its banner from as far away as Nigeria and Pakistan as well as several hundred Somalis from the diaspora.
Hisbul Islam’s organization is more clan-based, with perhaps as up to 5,000 fighters around the capital, the majority of whom hail from the Hawiye clan of Habar Gidir, and perhaps as many as 3,000 elsewhere in the southern and central Somalia. Although only about 10 percent of Hisbul Islam’s forces have had advanced training, most of those more skilled fighters are deployed in or close to Mogadishu, thus increasing their impact.
The Ahlu Sunna wal-Jama’a (roughly, “[Followers of] the Traditions and Consensus [of the Prophet Muhammad]”) militias opposing al-Shabaab in the central regions have maybe several thousand members, but most of these are clansmen mustered on an ad hoc basis, rather than a standing force, notwithstanding Ethiopian efforts to train and assist them. In contrast, the TFG claims to have 5,000 troops, although that figure is inflated with clan militiamen it manages to hire from time to time and over whom it has no effective control.
The Rest from Dr. Peter Pham @ FamilySecurity Matters
Shimron Issachar
Monday, November 16, 2009
Al Shabaab Losing Support of Muslims in Hiiraan
I found the following note in Walta info, a Private Media Group focused on Ethiopian News. Among other news, it reports the defection of al Shabaab Commander Mohamed Sheikh Abdullahi “Pakistan” to the Government, and the defection of the elders of the town of Belet Weyne in Hiiraan to Ahlu Sunna wal Jama'a, a Sufi militia group succesfully fighting al Shabaab.
Keeping in mind that this media group is a Pro-Ethiopan group inclined to be anti -Islamist, it still suggests that Al Sabaab has been unsuccessful at winning the support of the local population to their Islamist Dawa when it comes to practical life. Note the 11 new rules imposed by al Sabaab, including the $40,000 pwe year "protection" bribe demanded for aid agencies for the priveledge of feeding the People overwhich al Shabaab Rules.
Monday, 16 November 2009
In it’s “A Week in the Horn” report, Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) raised issues on the hopeful sign in Somalia, the joint commission meeting of Ethio-Djibouti, Eritrea’s greatest fear of the peace, democracy and unity of Ethiopia and US Policy in Somalia.
The Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General of the United Nations for Somalia, Mr. Charles Petrie visited Mogadishu this week.
Keeping in mind that this media group is a Pro-Ethiopan group inclined to be anti -Islamist, it still suggests that Al Sabaab has been unsuccessful at winning the support of the local population to their Islamist Dawa when it comes to practical life. Note the 11 new rules imposed by al Sabaab, including the $40,000 pwe year "protection" bribe demanded for aid agencies for the priveledge of feeding the People overwhich al Shabaab Rules.
Monday, 16 November 2009
In it’s “A Week in the Horn” report, Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) raised issues on the hopeful sign in Somalia, the joint commission meeting of Ethio-Djibouti, Eritrea’s greatest fear of the peace, democracy and unity of Ethiopia and US Policy in Somalia.
The Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General of the United Nations for Somalia, Mr. Charles Petrie visited Mogadishu this week.
- The UN representative met with Prime Minister Omar Sharma'arke and other TFG ministers, pledging to open the UN Office in Mogadishu as soon as possible.
- He said the international contact group for Somalia and the UN Security Council would be meeting soon to discuss how to disburse the funds pledged by the international community at the Brussels Conference in April, quickly.
- This can only be characterized as a positive development, but the need for urgent and concrete action remains.
Recent events have underlined the point.
- In central Somalia, in the Hiiraan region, the town of Belet Weyne has again changed hands with one of the extremist opposition groups, Hizbul Islam, retaking control.
- Hizbul Islam's presence has, however, not been welcomed by the local population with elders and a local MP, Hussein Haji Mohamed "Gagale" speaking out publicly against the presence of Hizbul Islam in Belet Weyne.
- There have been reports that the previous governor of Hiiraan region, Sheikh Abdirahman Ma'ow, who had been linked to Hizbul Islam has now joined Ahlu Sunna wal Jama'a which has been fighting successfully against Hizbul Islam and Al-Shabaab terrorists in neighbouring regions.
- The government in Mogadishu this week reported the defection of a prominent Al-Shabaab commander, Sheikh Mohamed Sheikh Abdullahi “Pakistan” to the government.
- At a welcoming ceremony in the Prime Minister's office, Sheikh Mohamed said he had left Al-Shabaab because the organization had committed anti-Islamic activities, including the beheading of innocent people.
Al-Shabaab this week distributed a document demanding any aid organization operating in the areas of Bat and Bakool regions should follow a list of eleven strict rules. These include
- a ban on promoting democracy
- a requirement to fire all women and replace them with men within three months
- a refusal to allow Sunday as a day off
- a ban on celebrating Christmas
- a ban on alcohol and movies,
- the removal of all logos from vehicles
- The agencies will also have to pay fees of $40,000 a year.
The events in Hiiraan clearly demonstrate the need for the international community to make good on its promises to the TFG, in terms of economic and security assistance, so that the TFG can reinvigorate its fight against those 'spoilers' driven by a jihadist ideology and bent on causing havoc.
The UN Security Council needs to act with the greatest sense of urgency to curb the activities of these 'spoilers' intent on destabilizing Mogadishu and other parts of Somalia by imposing sanctions against Al-Shabaab and Hizbul Islam, and their backers.
Meanwhile it is just over a year since five terrorist bombs hit Hargeisa in Somaliland, and Bosasso in Puntland. Among the targets, which included the Ethiopian Trade Office and the presidential Palace, was a UN facility in Hargeisa where the explosion of car bombs caused the death of two UN staff members and the injury of six others.
On 29 October 2009, the UN held a commemoration ceremony in Hargeisa. The attacks serve as a stark reminder of the need to remain constantly vigilant about activities of extremists.
Although Somaliland has been, by and large, peaceful and stable, the threats persist from groups such as Al Shabaab, whose agenda as part of the global jihadist movement, goes far beyond Somalia.
- A number of Al-Shabaab come from Somaliland, including its leaders. A number of recent terrorist operations, including assassinations in Puntland this week, emphasize the problem.
It underlines once again the need for urgent action by the international community without further delay and the necessity for active support for governance wherever it is effective, through the TFG, in Somaliland and Puntland or through local committees and civil society structures.
It is this which will provide for the political and administrative reconstruction necessary, provide the resources for reconciliation and for incentives to help local communities counter the threats posed by terrorist organizations.
The Rest @ Walta Info, a Private Media Group focused on Ethiopean News
Monday, August 24, 2009
Somali Islamists and TGF: Nil to Nil
The Somali War Seems to be back at Nil to Nil. The Islamists were thrown back, and now AMISOM has been thrown back; as both settle into Ramadan.
I think it likely that New AMISON commanders are doing exporitory patrols to see how the Isalmists respond and to harden their troops for offensive action to come.
The Islamists continue to resupply.
You can read the details below from Hiiraan
-Shimron Issachar
Islamist militants in the Somali capital, Mogadishu, launched a pre-dawn raid on African Union peacekeepers Friday, triggering fierce fighting that killed more than 20 people. Meanwhile, government-led military efforts to take control of insurgent-held towns in the country's central and southwestern regions have reportedly suffered setbacks.
As Somalis prepare to observe the start of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, al-Shabab and Hisbul Islam rebels appeared to have made good on their vow to mark the start of Ramadan with intensified attacks against the government and the African Union mission in Mogadishu known as AMISOM.
Residents in Mogadishu say hundreds of Islamist insurgents, led by al-Shabab, fired weapons and mortars at an African Union base in the south of the city. AU peacekeepers and government troops fought back with tank fire and mortars, sending residents diving for cover in their homes and in the streets.
The fighting quickly spread to several districts in south Mogadishu.
It is on the U.S. list of terrorist organizations, and on Friday, Australia put the group on its terrorism list following the discovery of a suicide attack plot linked to the group.
For nearly two years, al-Shabab spearheaded efforts to expel Ethiopian troops from Somalia. Since Ethiopia's withdrawal in January, al-Shabab began cooperating with another Islamist group called Hisbul Islam to topple the U.N.-backed, but weak transitional federal government, and to force more than 5,000 AU peacekeepers from Uganda and Burundi to abandon their mission. Hundreds of foreign extremists are also believed to be taking part in the fighting.
Recently, AMISOM has begun taking a more active role in the conflict, patrolling far beyond their bases, and at one point, fighting alongside government forces. On Thursday, Hisbul Islam spokesman Muse Abdi Arale said militants had repelled an alleged AMISOM incursion deep into a rebel-held area.
Arale says AMISOM troops turned around and returned to their bases. AMISOM denied the claim, saying it had a routine patrol.Meanwhile, more clashes have been reported in the central Hiran region, where government forces are reported to have suffered setbacks in recent days.
At least 15 people were killed and 19 wounded Thursday during heavy fighting that began after government troops attempted to seize the town of Bula Burte from al-Shabab. Witnesses there say al-Shabab fought off the offensive, but Bula Burte remains tense.
Separately, Islamist rebels re-took control of the western part of the strategic town of Beledweyne from government troops. Hisbul Islam left western Beledweyne, near Somalia's border with Ethiopia, late last month without a fight. But the group said it had only made a tactical retreat and had vowed to take it back.
The government was embarrassed recently when Somali soldiers in Beledweyne held a violent demonstration demanding to be paid. It is not clear if the incident is in any way related to the government losing control of Beledweyne. But residents say hundreds of Ethiopian troops have poured into the eastern part of town to set up military bases.
There has been no comment from the Somali government about the alleged arrival of Ethiopian troops. Ethiopia has denied persistent reports that Ethiopian troops are actively engaged in Somalia's civil war.
On Thursday, government and pro-government forces suffered similar losses in Somalia's southwestern Gedo region. Hisbul Islam re-took the town of Luq from government troops, and al-Shabab re-captured a town it lost to an armed pro-government religious group called Ahlu-Sunna Wal-Jama'a two days ago.
Ahlu-Sunna Wal-Jama'a is a Sufi Muslim group that took up arms against al-Shabab last year. But Somalis say some of its members are believed to be Somali factional leaders with close ties to
Ethiopia
The Rest @ Hiiraan.com
I think it likely that New AMISON commanders are doing exporitory patrols to see how the Isalmists respond and to harden their troops for offensive action to come.
The Islamists continue to resupply.
You can read the details below from Hiiraan
-Shimron Issachar
Islamist militants in the Somali capital, Mogadishu, launched a pre-dawn raid on African Union peacekeepers Friday, triggering fierce fighting that killed more than 20 people. Meanwhile, government-led military efforts to take control of insurgent-held towns in the country's central and southwestern regions have reportedly suffered setbacks.
As Somalis prepare to observe the start of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, al-Shabab and Hisbul Islam rebels appeared to have made good on their vow to mark the start of Ramadan with intensified attacks against the government and the African Union mission in Mogadishu known as AMISOM.
Residents in Mogadishu say hundreds of Islamist insurgents, led by al-Shabab, fired weapons and mortars at an African Union base in the south of the city. AU peacekeepers and government troops fought back with tank fire and mortars, sending residents diving for cover in their homes and in the streets.
The fighting quickly spread to several districts in south Mogadishu.
It is on the U.S. list of terrorist organizations, and on Friday, Australia put the group on its terrorism list following the discovery of a suicide attack plot linked to the group.
For nearly two years, al-Shabab spearheaded efforts to expel Ethiopian troops from Somalia. Since Ethiopia's withdrawal in January, al-Shabab began cooperating with another Islamist group called Hisbul Islam to topple the U.N.-backed, but weak transitional federal government, and to force more than 5,000 AU peacekeepers from Uganda and Burundi to abandon their mission. Hundreds of foreign extremists are also believed to be taking part in the fighting.
Recently, AMISOM has begun taking a more active role in the conflict, patrolling far beyond their bases, and at one point, fighting alongside government forces. On Thursday, Hisbul Islam spokesman Muse Abdi Arale said militants had repelled an alleged AMISOM incursion deep into a rebel-held area.
Arale says AMISOM troops turned around and returned to their bases. AMISOM denied the claim, saying it had a routine patrol.Meanwhile, more clashes have been reported in the central Hiran region, where government forces are reported to have suffered setbacks in recent days.
At least 15 people were killed and 19 wounded Thursday during heavy fighting that began after government troops attempted to seize the town of Bula Burte from al-Shabab. Witnesses there say al-Shabab fought off the offensive, but Bula Burte remains tense.
Separately, Islamist rebels re-took control of the western part of the strategic town of Beledweyne from government troops. Hisbul Islam left western Beledweyne, near Somalia's border with Ethiopia, late last month without a fight. But the group said it had only made a tactical retreat and had vowed to take it back.
The government was embarrassed recently when Somali soldiers in Beledweyne held a violent demonstration demanding to be paid. It is not clear if the incident is in any way related to the government losing control of Beledweyne. But residents say hundreds of Ethiopian troops have poured into the eastern part of town to set up military bases.
There has been no comment from the Somali government about the alleged arrival of Ethiopian troops. Ethiopia has denied persistent reports that Ethiopian troops are actively engaged in Somalia's civil war.
On Thursday, government and pro-government forces suffered similar losses in Somalia's southwestern Gedo region. Hisbul Islam re-took the town of Luq from government troops, and al-Shabab re-captured a town it lost to an armed pro-government religious group called Ahlu-Sunna Wal-Jama'a two days ago.
Ahlu-Sunna Wal-Jama'a is a Sufi Muslim group that took up arms against al-Shabab last year. But Somalis say some of its members are believed to be Somali factional leaders with close ties to
Ethiopia
The Rest @ Hiiraan.com
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Lord Malloch-Brown Warns us About Somalia's Role for al Qaeda
While Lord Malloch-Brown's change of stance on the adequacy of helicopters in Afghanistan is widely reported (Report, 23 July), his opinion that Somalia poses a greater threat to the UK than Afghanistan receives little analysis.
Almost the whole of Somalia falls under the control of one or other jihadist-inspired faction, and extremist sharia punishments have been carried out.
Secondly, the space is being created in the Horn of Africa for a Wahabist-inspired quasi-state, imposing by force its radical ideology on the Somali people. It is not only in close proximity to Europe, but it threatens to destabilise neighbouring states as the groups lay claims to parts of Kenya, Ethiopia and Djibouti, seek allies in coastal Tanzania and have threatened to blow up "the tall buildings of Nairobi" should Kenya intervene.
Concurrent to this, there is a vast outflow of Somali refugees.
Latest articles
Lord Malloch-Brown warns UK on Somalia
Should foreign troops leave Somalia?
Somalia has become synonymous with the term “failed state.” Even now, after nearly two decades of civ...
Somalia tops "failed states" 2nd year in a row
It is a sobering time for the world’s most fragile countries—virulent economic crisis, countless natu...
The UN approaches, financed by the EC Somalia unit at Nairobi, are ineffectual. Since both the transitional federal government and al-Shabaab advocate a regime of sharia, Muslim states such as Turkey, Indonesia and Algeria should be given roles in peacemaking. Saudi Arabia should also be invited to contribute.
Radical, innovative action is required to prevent a conflict that could have repercussions on our lives, potentially on a greater scale than Iraq and Afghanistan, but with a great deal more powerlessness to influence the outcomes. Malloch-Brown ought to be listened to.
The Rest @ guardian.co.uk
Almost the whole of Somalia falls under the control of one or other jihadist-inspired faction, and extremist sharia punishments have been carried out.
- Vast land areas, airports and seaports are available to armed groups to carry out training, marine piracy and disruption of shipping lanes can be pursued with impunity. Increasingly, IEDs and suicide bombers are beings used as battleground strategies.
Secondly, the space is being created in the Horn of Africa for a Wahabist-inspired quasi-state, imposing by force its radical ideology on the Somali people. It is not only in close proximity to Europe, but it threatens to destabilise neighbouring states as the groups lay claims to parts of Kenya, Ethiopia and Djibouti, seek allies in coastal Tanzania and have threatened to blow up "the tall buildings of Nairobi" should Kenya intervene.
Concurrent to this, there is a vast outflow of Somali refugees.
Latest articles
Lord Malloch-Brown warns UK on Somalia
Should foreign troops leave Somalia?
Somalia has become synonymous with the term “failed state.” Even now, after nearly two decades of civ...
Somalia tops "failed states" 2nd year in a row
It is a sobering time for the world’s most fragile countries—virulent economic crisis, countless natu...
The UN approaches, financed by the EC Somalia unit at Nairobi, are ineffectual. Since both the transitional federal government and al-Shabaab advocate a regime of sharia, Muslim states such as Turkey, Indonesia and Algeria should be given roles in peacemaking. Saudi Arabia should also be invited to contribute.
Radical, innovative action is required to prevent a conflict that could have repercussions on our lives, potentially on a greater scale than Iraq and Afghanistan, but with a great deal more powerlessness to influence the outcomes. Malloch-Brown ought to be listened to.
The Rest @ guardian.co.uk
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Body of Foreign Fighter Shown in Somalia
MOGADISHU(Mareeg)—Somali government has displayed the body of “a foreign fighter” in Villa Somalia, the presidential palace on Saturday.
A spokesman for the military of the Somali government, Farhan Asanyo, showed reporters the body of a white man which he described as a fighter from Afghanistan.
The body of the foreigner that the governmnet displayed on 11 July 2009. Farhan said the fighter was killed in fierce fighting between the Islamist forces and the government soldiers which took place in Abdi Azizi district in Mogadishu early on Saturday.
Somali government has been repeating that foreign fighters were fighting alongside Al Shabaab and Hzbul Islam Islamist groups.
Separately, foreign fighters addressed hundreds of people in Mogadishu’s Heliwa district in the north of the capital on Friday afternoon where al Shabaab has a main base and said they came to Somalia to help the Somali Islamists to form an Islamic government through out Somalia.
Witnesses said the foreign Islamist fighters spoke to the people in English and Arabic and some of them claimed they were from Britain and the United States of America.
By Ahmednor Mohamed Farah
The Rest @ Mareeg
A spokesman for the military of the Somali government, Farhan Asanyo, showed reporters the body of a white man which he described as a fighter from Afghanistan.
The body of the foreigner that the governmnet displayed on 11 July 2009. Farhan said the fighter was killed in fierce fighting between the Islamist forces and the government soldiers which took place in Abdi Azizi district in Mogadishu early on Saturday.
Somali government has been repeating that foreign fighters were fighting alongside Al Shabaab and Hzbul Islam Islamist groups.
Separately, foreign fighters addressed hundreds of people in Mogadishu’s Heliwa district in the north of the capital on Friday afternoon where al Shabaab has a main base and said they came to Somalia to help the Somali Islamists to form an Islamic government through out Somalia.
Witnesses said the foreign Islamist fighters spoke to the people in English and Arabic and some of them claimed they were from Britain and the United States of America.
By Ahmednor Mohamed Farah
The Rest @ Mareeg
Wednesday, July 08, 2009
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Is Bakool Region Washaga the next Battle in Somalia?
People living in the southwestern Somali region of Bakool, which is controlled by hardline Islamist rebel group al Shabaab, said Ethiopian troops moved into a village called Washaga on Friday and residents were fleeing.
"I'm now packed up to leave the village, al Shabaab and the Ethiopians are close to each other and on the verge of fighting," said resident Fatima Isaq Madey.
By Abdi Guled MOGADISHU, June 12 (Reuters)
Heavily-armed Ethiopian soldiers crossed into central Somalia on Friday and entered a town controlled by a pro-government militia nearly 30 kms (19 miles) from the border, residents said."They came with battle wagons and trucks all full of soldiers and guns," said Hassan Abdi, a resident in the town of Balanbale in Galgadud region.
"Everybody is very worried."Residents said the Ethiopian troops were setting up positions in the centre of the town. Central Somalia has been the scene of heavy fighting between hardline Islamist insurgents and the moderate Islamist group Ahlu Sunna Waljamaca."
We are ready to fight the Ethiopians if they come close to our forces, we will give them a lesson," Hassan Maalin Takow, an al Shabaab commander told Reuters.
Al Shabaab and allied group Hizbul Islam is trying to oust the government of President Sheikh Sharif Ahmed, a former Islamist rebel who was elected in January, and impose a strict version of Islamic law throughout the Horn of Africa nation.
The insurgents control large swathes of the south and parts of the capital Mogadishu. They have been battling pro-government forces this month in a bid to stamp more authority on the centre of the Horn of Africa nation.
NO INTENTION OF GOING INTO SOMALIA
Ethiopia sent thousands of troops into Somalia in 2006 to help topple an Islamist movement holding Mogadishu and most of the south. That drew protests from some in the Muslim world and enraged the Islamists, who regrouped to launch an insurgency.
"I'm now packed up to leave the village, al Shabaab and the Ethiopians are close to each other and on the verge of fighting," said resident Fatima Isaq Madey.
By Abdi Guled MOGADISHU, June 12 (Reuters)
Heavily-armed Ethiopian soldiers crossed into central Somalia on Friday and entered a town controlled by a pro-government militia nearly 30 kms (19 miles) from the border, residents said."They came with battle wagons and trucks all full of soldiers and guns," said Hassan Abdi, a resident in the town of Balanbale in Galgadud region.
"Everybody is very worried."Residents said the Ethiopian troops were setting up positions in the centre of the town. Central Somalia has been the scene of heavy fighting between hardline Islamist insurgents and the moderate Islamist group Ahlu Sunna Waljamaca."
We are ready to fight the Ethiopians if they come close to our forces, we will give them a lesson," Hassan Maalin Takow, an al Shabaab commander told Reuters.
Al Shabaab and allied group Hizbul Islam is trying to oust the government of President Sheikh Sharif Ahmed, a former Islamist rebel who was elected in January, and impose a strict version of Islamic law throughout the Horn of Africa nation.
The insurgents control large swathes of the south and parts of the capital Mogadishu. They have been battling pro-government forces this month in a bid to stamp more authority on the centre of the Horn of Africa nation.
NO INTENTION OF GOING INTO SOMALIA
Ethiopia sent thousands of troops into Somalia in 2006 to help topple an Islamist movement holding Mogadishu and most of the south. That drew protests from some in the Muslim world and enraged the Islamists, who regrouped to launch an insurgency.
- The Ethiopian soldiers withdrew in January but residents, insurgents and humanitarian organisations have reported several incursions in the past few months.
- Addis Ababa initially denied any soldiers had crossed into Somalia but said earlier this month military personnel had been carrying out "reconnaissance" missions into its neighbour."Ethiopia has no intention to go back into Somalia.
- That is the standing position of our government," the Ethiopian government's head of information, Bereket Simon, told Reuters on Friday when asked about reports of new incursions. He will be holding a regular news conference on Saturday.
- The Ethiopian troops were deeply unpopular in Somalia and their two-year presence helped rally support for the insurgents.
Since withdrawing, Ethiopia has left a heavy military presence along its border with Somalia and has been keeping a close watch on the ebb and flow of fighting between the rebels and pro-government forces. It is wary of having a hardline Islamist state next door and Western nations fear al Shabaab, which has links to al Qaeda, could use southern Somalia as a base to destabilise neighbours such as Kenya and Ethiopia.
People living in the southwestern Somali region of Bakool, which is controlled by hardline Islamist rebel group al Shabaab, said Ethiopian troops moved into a village called Washaga on Friday and residents were fleeing."I'm now packed up to leave the village, al Shabaab and the Ethiopians are close to each other and on the verge of fighting," said resident Fatima Isaq Madey. (Additional reporting by Mohamed Ahmed and Ibrahim Mohamed in Mogadishu, Barry Malone in Addis Ababa, Writing by David Clarke)
The Rest @ ReutersTuesday, June 09, 2009
Sheikh Hassan Dahir Aweys Still alive
Somalia's hard-line Islamist opposition leader, Hassan Dahir Aweys, appeared before the media in the Somali capital to dispel rumors that he was gravely wounded last week during a battle in central Somalia. The Islamist cleric showed no visible signs of injury as he walked into a room full of journalists, opposition supporters, and curious residents.
Flanked by several armed bodyguards with their faces hidden behind scarves, Hassan Dahir Aweys told reporters he was "healthy and fit," mocking claims by a rival religious, pro-government group called Ahlu-Sunna Wal-Jama'a that Aweys was shot and possibly killed during last Friday's battle for control of Wabho town in the central Galgadud region.
Aweys says the fighting will continue in Somalia until Islamic law is implemented throughout the country and the African Union withdraws its 4,300 peacekeeping troops from Mogadishu.
Aweys made the same statement in April, when he returned to Mogadishu from exile and vowed to lead a bloody campaign against Somalia's weak, five month-old government of his former ally, moderate Islamist leader Sheik Sharif Sheik Ahmed.Aweys, who is on the U.S. and U.N. lists of suspected terrorists, was recently named the new leader of a coalition of militant anti-government groups called Hisbul Islam.
Hisbul Islam is in an uneasy alliance with Somalia's al-Qaida-linked al-Shabab group to drive out A.U. peacekeepers and to oust President Sharif's U.N.-supported government from power.The government has ruled out ordering peacekeepers to leave Somalia.
But the Somali parliament recently agreed to install Islamic law in the country. The insurgents have not been appeased, insisting the law passed by parliament is not the version they want implemented.
Early last month, Hisbul Islam and al-Shabab attempted to take control of key areas in Mogadishu under the control of the government. But they failed, largely because of the presence of African Union troops. Since then, near daily fighting and violence in the capital has forced almost 100,000 people to flee their homes.
The separate fighting in central Somalia pits Ahlu-Sunna Wal-Jama'a against al-Shabab and Hisbul Islam. Ahlu-Sunna Wal-Jama'a is an established religious brotherhood of Sufi Muslims, which took up arms several months ago to defend against religious attacks by al-Shabab.
Al-Shabab members adhere to the Salafist-Wahabbist version of Islam and consider Sufism to be heretical.Ahlu-Sunna Wal-Jama'a and al-Shabab have clashed numerous times in central Somalia in recent months.
But sectarian tensions boiled over late last month when al-Shabab officials in the Bardhere district in Gedo region destroyed the graves of several revered Sufi religious leaders buried there. On Sunday, a human-rights group in Mogadishu reported that more than 120 people, mostly combatants, may have been killed in Friday's battle in central Somalia.
The Rest @ Garowe Online
Flanked by several armed bodyguards with their faces hidden behind scarves, Hassan Dahir Aweys told reporters he was "healthy and fit," mocking claims by a rival religious, pro-government group called Ahlu-Sunna Wal-Jama'a that Aweys was shot and possibly killed during last Friday's battle for control of Wabho town in the central Galgadud region.
Aweys says the fighting will continue in Somalia until Islamic law is implemented throughout the country and the African Union withdraws its 4,300 peacekeeping troops from Mogadishu.
Aweys made the same statement in April, when he returned to Mogadishu from exile and vowed to lead a bloody campaign against Somalia's weak, five month-old government of his former ally, moderate Islamist leader Sheik Sharif Sheik Ahmed.Aweys, who is on the U.S. and U.N. lists of suspected terrorists, was recently named the new leader of a coalition of militant anti-government groups called Hisbul Islam.
Hisbul Islam is in an uneasy alliance with Somalia's al-Qaida-linked al-Shabab group to drive out A.U. peacekeepers and to oust President Sharif's U.N.-supported government from power.The government has ruled out ordering peacekeepers to leave Somalia.
But the Somali parliament recently agreed to install Islamic law in the country. The insurgents have not been appeased, insisting the law passed by parliament is not the version they want implemented.
Early last month, Hisbul Islam and al-Shabab attempted to take control of key areas in Mogadishu under the control of the government. But they failed, largely because of the presence of African Union troops. Since then, near daily fighting and violence in the capital has forced almost 100,000 people to flee their homes.
The separate fighting in central Somalia pits Ahlu-Sunna Wal-Jama'a against al-Shabab and Hisbul Islam. Ahlu-Sunna Wal-Jama'a is an established religious brotherhood of Sufi Muslims, which took up arms several months ago to defend against religious attacks by al-Shabab.
Al-Shabab members adhere to the Salafist-Wahabbist version of Islam and consider Sufism to be heretical.Ahlu-Sunna Wal-Jama'a and al-Shabab have clashed numerous times in central Somalia in recent months.
But sectarian tensions boiled over late last month when al-Shabab officials in the Bardhere district in Gedo region destroyed the graves of several revered Sufi religious leaders buried there. On Sunday, a human-rights group in Mogadishu reported that more than 120 people, mostly combatants, may have been killed in Friday's battle in central Somalia.
The Rest @ Garowe Online
Monday, June 08, 2009
Aweys and Turki Reported Dead in Mogadishu Fighting
MOGADISHU: A Somali Islamist rebel leader on US and UN terrorism lists is seriously injured from fighting between rival Islamist groups and may be dead, a family member and a militia opposed to him said yesterday.
Sheikh Hassan Dahir Aweys’ own insurgent movement, Hizbul Islam, denied the reports of his death as “propaganda”.
If true, Aweys’ death would be a major blow to the Islamist rebels and a boost for President Sheikh Sharif Ahmed’s Western-backed government, which had tried unsuccessfully to broker peace talks with the 62-year-old cleric.
Aweys, whom western security services say is close to Al Qaeda, is a father figure to the insurgents in Somalia, where he has headed various Islamist groups since the 1990s. “We understand that Sheikh Hassan Dahir Aweys was brought yesterday to his brother’s house,” a family member, speaking on condition of anonymity, said.
“We were denied access but confirmed there were doctors in the area ... The mood looks like he is dead.
Sheikh Hassan Dahir Aweys’ own insurgent movement, Hizbul Islam, denied the reports of his death as “propaganda”.
If true, Aweys’ death would be a major blow to the Islamist rebels and a boost for President Sheikh Sharif Ahmed’s Western-backed government, which had tried unsuccessfully to broker peace talks with the 62-year-old cleric.
Aweys, whom western security services say is close to Al Qaeda, is a father figure to the insurgents in Somalia, where he has headed various Islamist groups since the 1990s. “We understand that Sheikh Hassan Dahir Aweys was brought yesterday to his brother’s house,” a family member, speaking on condition of anonymity, said.
“We were denied access but confirmed there were doctors in the area ... The mood looks like he is dead.
- The whole area is surrounded by gunmen and there is no access,” he added, of the house close to Mogadishu’s football stadium.
- The government-allied moderate Islamist militia Ahla Sunna Waljama’a said its fighters shot Aweys during battles in Wabho town on Friday, and that he died of wounds later.
- There were also rumours among militia fighters that another rebel leader, Sheikh Hassan Abdullah Hersi Al Turki, was among the 123 combatants who died in the fighting around Wabho.
An Islamist insurgency since early 2007, the latest cycle in 19 years of conflict in the Horn of Africa nation, has killed around 18,000 civilians and thousands more fighters. It has also drawn foreign jihadists into Somalia, enabled piracy to flourish offshore and unsettled the whole of East Africa, with neighbours Kenya and Ethiopia on high alert.
journalist killed
In Mogadishu, where hardline insurgents Al Shabaab have been battling the government’s security forces, three people died yesterday when a remote control mine meant for a police car struck another vehicle.
“The police car was driving at high speed and the bomb missed it and struck a civilian car which was behind the police car,” witness Abdullahi Farah Nour said..
Gunmen in the capital also shot and killed Mukhtar Mohamed Hirabe, a director of privately-owned radio station Shabelle, and injured a collegue. “They shot the director in the head and he died on the spot,” a witness said.
Hirabe, 48, was the fifth journalist murdered this year in Somalia, one of the most dangerous places in the world for reporters to operate. Colleagues suspected that a broadcast on Aweys’ battle injuries may have prompted the attack. “God knows who attacked us, but we suspect the news we aired this morning,” said Ahmed Omar Tajir, a reporter who suffered a gunshot wound to the stomach when Hirabe was killed.
Somali president Ahmed, in an interview published yesterday in Italy’s Il Sole 24 Ore newspaper, said Al Qaeda was targeting Somalia as a strategic base for operations.
“Today there are Al Qaeda cells in the country. So this isn’t Somalia’s problem but the world’s,” he said.
“Al Qaeda is looking at Somalia as a strategic post, different from Afghanistan, to create its network. Somalia has become their priority. We have a very long coast.”
The president said his government needed another six to eight months to build a security force capable of beating rebel groups al Shabaab and Hizbul Islam.
“We want dialogue but they oppose it,” he added, saying Eritrea was backing Hizbul Islam, while al Shabaab was linked to al Qaeda. Underlining the consequences at sea of the lawlessness onshore, the French navy handed four injured pirates over to authorities in the north Somali region of Puntland for trial. The four were originally captured by an Indian warship.
The Rest @ The Peninsula (Qatar)
Saturday, June 06, 2009
Hizbul Islam and Shabaab kill Each Other 123 Dead
MOGADISHU, June 6 (Reuters) - Battles between rival Islamist groups in central Somalia have killed 123 people, a rights group said on Saturday, and a pro-government militia said militant rebel leader Sheikh Hassan Dahir Aweys had died in the fighting.
Aweys' militia denied that as propaganda.Witnesses said scores of bodies lay in the streets of Wabho town after fighters from the hardline al Shabaab and Hizbul Islam groups battled moderate Islamist group Ahla Sunna Waljamaca for control.
Most of the deaths were on Friday.The local Elman Peace and Human Rights Organisation said it had confirmed 123 fighters killed in one of the worst flare-ups of the year in the conflict-riven Horn of Africa nation.
Among the dead in Wabho, according to pro-government Alha Sunna, was Hizbul Islam leader Aweys, a 62-year-old cleric and hardliner whom the United States and United Nations have accused of links to al Qaeda.
The group said he died of gunshot wounds."Hassan Dahir died in El Bur," Alha Sunna spokesman Sheikh Abdullahi Sheikh Abu Yusuf told Reuters, referring to a nearby town with a hospital. "We seriously injured him yesterday. This is good news.
"If confirmed, Aweys' death would be a major blow to the rebels and a boost for Ahmed's government, which had tried unsuccessfully to broker peace talks with the cleric.But Hizbul Islam spokesman Sheikh Musa Arale denied the report of Aweys' death."Sheikh Hassan is alive and unharmed," he told Reuters.
"That is the propaganda of our enemies whose commanders and leaders we killed yesterday."Some residents of Wabho and a Hizbul Islam fighter said Aweys was injured and taken to hospital in El Bur.
"I understand Sheikh Hassan was hit by bullets in the back and thighs," the fighter, who asked not to be named, told Reuters. "He may be serious but I have not heard of his death."
Neither side controlled Wabho on Saturday, locals said, but the battles had halted for them to collect and bury corpses.
The Rest @ Reuters Africa
Aweys' militia denied that as propaganda.Witnesses said scores of bodies lay in the streets of Wabho town after fighters from the hardline al Shabaab and Hizbul Islam groups battled moderate Islamist group Ahla Sunna Waljamaca for control.
Most of the deaths were on Friday.The local Elman Peace and Human Rights Organisation said it had confirmed 123 fighters killed in one of the worst flare-ups of the year in the conflict-riven Horn of Africa nation.
Among the dead in Wabho, according to pro-government Alha Sunna, was Hizbul Islam leader Aweys, a 62-year-old cleric and hardliner whom the United States and United Nations have accused of links to al Qaeda.
The group said he died of gunshot wounds."Hassan Dahir died in El Bur," Alha Sunna spokesman Sheikh Abdullahi Sheikh Abu Yusuf told Reuters, referring to a nearby town with a hospital. "We seriously injured him yesterday. This is good news.
"If confirmed, Aweys' death would be a major blow to the rebels and a boost for Ahmed's government, which had tried unsuccessfully to broker peace talks with the cleric.But Hizbul Islam spokesman Sheikh Musa Arale denied the report of Aweys' death."Sheikh Hassan is alive and unharmed," he told Reuters.
"That is the propaganda of our enemies whose commanders and leaders we killed yesterday."Some residents of Wabho and a Hizbul Islam fighter said Aweys was injured and taken to hospital in El Bur.
"I understand Sheikh Hassan was hit by bullets in the back and thighs," the fighter, who asked not to be named, told Reuters. "He may be serious but I have not heard of his death."
Neither side controlled Wabho on Saturday, locals said, but the battles had halted for them to collect and bury corpses.
The Rest @ Reuters Africa
Saturday, May 23, 2009
al Qaeda Takes Direct Charge of Insurgency in Somalia
The following report from The Times suggests that Foreign Commanders have taken charge of the Islamist offensive in Somalia.
This is remarkeable development, suggests that Transitional Government Forces, who has recently counter attacked, has stripped the combined Shabaab and Hizbul Islam Units of thier local Leadership.
Key questions are:
There may have been up to 500 foriegn fighters at the begining of the offensive, and unless plane loads of new foreign fighters have arrived in last few weeks that is a more likely number.
-Shimron Issachar
Up to a thousand foreign fighters, including Britons, have answered the call to jihad in Somalia and are leading street-fighting Islamist extremists in the war-torn capital Mogadishu, The Times has learnt.
Early yesterday the Western-backed Government launched a counter-offensive after almost a fortnight of attacks by insurents that have killed at least 200 civilians.
At least 45 people were killed yesterday in battles across the city, the highest daily death toll for months.
The insurgents’ attacks have threatened to topple the shaky Government of Sheikh Sharif Ahmed only weeks after the international community pledged £135 million to support him.
Senior security officials in the region say that the foreign fighters are behind the recent success of the extremists. More than 290 fighters from Britain, the US, Canada, Pakistan, Afghanistan and Saudi Arabia entered Mogadishu in the past two weeks.
An intelligence report seen by The Times, which is due to be presented to the US Congress next week, states: “An estimated ten foreigners have taken the lead to command both Somali and foreign fighters in Mogadishu and other parts of Somalia.”
“I have no doubt that some of the foreign fighters are British as well as North American and Scandinavian,” said Ahmedou Ould-Abdallah, the top Somali diplomat for the United Nations. One Western diplomat with experience in Somalia said: “These foreigners are the ones with al-Qaeda links. I would be surprised if Britons were not the leading foreign members of al-Shabaab.” [...]
“Al-Shabaab welcomes and calls foreign fighters for jihad,” said Jason Mosley, an Africa analyst at Oxford Analytica. In most cases foreign fighters bring religious fervour helping to radicalise the bulk of disparate al-Shabaab militants, who fight mostly for money or under duress.
Of course, if there were not broad acceptance of Sharia in letter and in principle across Somalia, the jihadists -- styling themselves as bearers of "law and order" -- would not have gotten as far as they have.
A smaller number have military skills, financing and weaponry. “We understand that these fighters are providing training to the extremist insurgents and are helping to mobilise funding and source weapons, the level of which we have never seen before,” Nicolas Bwakira, the head of the African Union (AU) Somalia mission, said.
Intelligence sources said that foreign jihadis from Britain and elsewhere had joined an alliance of al-Shabaab factions and Hizb al-Islam extremists that have coalesced around Sheikh Hassan Dahir Aweys. The Sheikh, who is wanted as a terrorist by the US, returned from exile in April to take on the fragile Administration of Mr Ahmed.
The Rest @ Jihad Watch
This is remarkeable development, suggests that Transitional Government Forces, who has recently counter attacked, has stripped the combined Shabaab and Hizbul Islam Units of thier local Leadership.
Key questions are:
- Where are Sheikh Hassan Dahir Aweys and Muktar Abdirahman Godane?
- Has there been a falling out breaking their recent re-uniting?
- Have the forces so fractured that only Seasoned al Qaeda leaders can hold them together?
There may have been up to 500 foriegn fighters at the begining of the offensive, and unless plane loads of new foreign fighters have arrived in last few weeks that is a more likely number.
-Shimron Issachar
Up to a thousand foreign fighters, including Britons, have answered the call to jihad in Somalia and are leading street-fighting Islamist extremists in the war-torn capital Mogadishu, The Times has learnt.
Early yesterday the Western-backed Government launched a counter-offensive after almost a fortnight of attacks by insurents that have killed at least 200 civilians.
At least 45 people were killed yesterday in battles across the city, the highest daily death toll for months.
The insurgents’ attacks have threatened to topple the shaky Government of Sheikh Sharif Ahmed only weeks after the international community pledged £135 million to support him.
Senior security officials in the region say that the foreign fighters are behind the recent success of the extremists. More than 290 fighters from Britain, the US, Canada, Pakistan, Afghanistan and Saudi Arabia entered Mogadishu in the past two weeks.
An intelligence report seen by The Times, which is due to be presented to the US Congress next week, states: “An estimated ten foreigners have taken the lead to command both Somali and foreign fighters in Mogadishu and other parts of Somalia.”
“I have no doubt that some of the foreign fighters are British as well as North American and Scandinavian,” said Ahmedou Ould-Abdallah, the top Somali diplomat for the United Nations. One Western diplomat with experience in Somalia said: “These foreigners are the ones with al-Qaeda links. I would be surprised if Britons were not the leading foreign members of al-Shabaab.” [...]
“Al-Shabaab welcomes and calls foreign fighters for jihad,” said Jason Mosley, an Africa analyst at Oxford Analytica. In most cases foreign fighters bring religious fervour helping to radicalise the bulk of disparate al-Shabaab militants, who fight mostly for money or under duress.
Of course, if there were not broad acceptance of Sharia in letter and in principle across Somalia, the jihadists -- styling themselves as bearers of "law and order" -- would not have gotten as far as they have.
A smaller number have military skills, financing and weaponry. “We understand that these fighters are providing training to the extremist insurgents and are helping to mobilise funding and source weapons, the level of which we have never seen before,” Nicolas Bwakira, the head of the African Union (AU) Somalia mission, said.
Intelligence sources said that foreign jihadis from Britain and elsewhere had joined an alliance of al-Shabaab factions and Hizb al-Islam extremists that have coalesced around Sheikh Hassan Dahir Aweys. The Sheikh, who is wanted as a terrorist by the US, returned from exile in April to take on the fragile Administration of Mr Ahmed.
The Rest @ Jihad Watch
Friday, May 22, 2009
Somalia TGS Strikes Back
MOGADISHU - Somali government forces attacked rebel strongholds in Mogadishu on Friday, triggering battles across the capital that killed at least 15 people.
- Witnesses said four insurgents from the hardline Islamist al Shabaab group died and a journalist from local independent Shabelle Radio was also killed.
- "I saw masked men running away carrying the bodies of four of their friends," said a mother-of-three who lives in the city's sprawling Bakara Market, told Reuters.
- "We were surprised to see men in government uniforms fighting in Bakara. They have recaptured four police stations between here and the palace, and they are advancing further."
- Sources at two Mogadishu hospitals said they received 85 wounded civilians on Friday, and that four of them later died.
- Residents in the city's Hodon district said the bodies of six dead insurgents were lying at a police station there.
Residents said Friday's pre-dawn assaults looked to be a concerted effort by pro-government forces to seize back control of strategic sites in the capital held by the rebels.
- "They have surrounded Bakara Market, al Shabaab's biggest stronghold in the city. We hope for the sake of peace that the government forces do not retreat later," one local man said.
Hassan Mahdi, a spokesman for Hizbul Islam, another Islamist guerrilla group battling the government, told Reuters by telephone that troops had struck at their positions too.
- "Al Shabaab and Hizbul Islam are counter-attacking ... we have pushed them back in some places. There are casualties, but I can't say how many. We are in the middle of fighting," Mahdi said as heavy gunfire thundered in the background.
Local journalist Abdirizak Warsame was killed in the crossfire as he walked to work at his radio station."A stray bullet hit him in the head and he died on the spot," Shabelle Radio boss Mukhtar Mohamed Hirabe told Reuters.
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