ISIS enlists international combatants in Somalia to strengthen its position against Al-Shabaab.
Islamic State Ramps Up Recruitment in Somalia, Targets Al-Shabaab
NAIROBI, Kenya – The aggressive recruitment of foreign soldiers by the Islamic State in Somalia is highlighted in a recent United Nations report, spotlighting a growing threat across the Horn of Africa and setting off alarm bells about potential regional turmoil.
Previously, IS-Somalia was cash-strapped, struggling to recruit combatants, yet now boasts an expansionist zeal surpassing Al-Shabaab, who are currently under siege by the Somali National Army and allies, especially in the south.
This freshly published UN monitoring study highlights that these foreign recruits are not only bolstering IS-Somalia but also sharpening their operations against Al-Shabaab, long the dominant insurgent group.
The report, now accessible to the public, notes this foreign influx aligns with a resurgent Al-Karrar office, a pivotal global finance and administration node for ISIS, fine-tuning recruitment strategies worldwide.
Operating from the Bari region in Northeastern State, IS-Somalia is led by former al-Shabaab militants, the UN reveals. Northeastern State, seen as Somalia’s most stable state, hosts limited Al-Shabaab influence, providing IS a strategic advantage.
Abdirahman Fahiye Isse Mohamud, identified as IS-Somalia’s leader, orchestrates operations within the region, the report confirms. Financial matters fall under Abdiwali Waran-Walac, also from Northeastern State, ensuring funds flow smoothly.
The UN contradicts earlier claims about Abdul Qadir Mumin’s role, noting no evidence he oversees all of ISIS. Currently, he heads the directorate of regions, guiding ISIS affiliates across Africa.
A more potent yet decentralized al-Karrar office in Somalia, per the report, complicates disruption efforts, further noting a Syrian now aiding in its oversight efforts.
Crucially, this group has notably advanced in Northeastern State, with substantial gains noted from late 2023 to mid-2024. This seems driven by an influx of foreign strategists handling operations and planning.
IS-Somalia’s strongholds in Balidhidin, Hunbays, Iskushuban, and Qandal within Northeastern State have swelled, doubling in combatant numbers due to the new arrivals, as recent intelligence suggests.
With approximately 600-700 active fighters, IS-Somalia’s financial prospects appear to be on the rise, exacerbating tensions with Al-Shabaab and foreshadowing potential destabilization amid Somalia’s socio-political transitions.
“Despite its relatively modest size, IS-Somalia is self-sustaining and poised to funnel resources to other ISIS branches through the Al-Karrar channel,” the report mentions.
Somalia is currently transitioning from ATMIS to the more streamlined AUSSOM mission, amid ongoing diplomatic and political challenges with neighbor Ethiopia.
AXADLETM