Ties that Bind: The Evolution and Links of Al-Shabab

Abstract

This article explores the evolution and links of the Somali-based Islamist terrorist group, Harakat al-Shabab al-Mujahedeen (more popularly known as al-Shabab—’the youth’). It argues that al-Shabab’s attack on the Westgate shopping mall in Kenya should be understood in the light of the group’s deepening ties with al-Qaeda and its espousal of the latter’s global jihad campaign. In addition, the article argues that the Westgate attack and other atrocities fundamentally demonstrate al-Shabab’s willingness and increased capability to hurt targets outside its traditional Somalian base. It also suggests that the group is moving away from insurgent activity in Somalia itself and has mutated as a transnational terrorist movement, with grave consequences for regional and international security.

Key Words:

• al-Shabab
• Westgate attack
• al-Qaeda
• global jihad
• Kenya
• Somalia

Notes

1. ‘The seven individuals named are key leaders of the al-Shabaab terrorist organisation. Aw-Mohamed, born 10 July 1977 in Hargeysa, is the operational commander of al-Shabaab in Somalia. Jama is a key leader from Somaliland who helped form the Harakat Shabaab al-Mujahidin movement and reportedly trained and fought in Afghanistan. Khalaf, a dual Somali and Swedish national, has raised funds for the organisation and helped direct attacks in Somalia. Mahamoud, believed to have been born between 1979 and 1982, is an al-Shabaab military commander and coordinator for al-Qaida operations in Somalia. Robow, born in 1969, has served as an al-Shabaab spokesperson and has also served as the group’s spiritual leader. Hersi acts as al-Shabaab’s head of intelligence. Yare is the head of al-Shabaab’s media operations, and is also deputy to Aw-Mohamed’ (US Department of State, 2012c).