ASSESSMENTS

A Rumored Split Within Somalia's Al Shabaab

Oct 8, 2010 | 19:44 GMT

MUSTAFA ABDI/AFP/Getty Images

Summary

Somali media and STRATFOR sources have described a possible split within the Somali jihadist group al Shabaab between its nationalist and internationalist elements. While nothing conclusive has occurred, and top commander Muktar Robow (aka Abu Mansur) denied the reports Oct. 8, it is clear that there are moves afoot in the group. A split would result in the nationalist forces led by Abu Mansur leaving Mogadishu and joining up with the forces under Hizbul Islam leader Sheikh Hassan Dahir Aweys to restore a previously-active Somali militant group called al-Itihaad al-Islamiya (AIAI). The breach would weaken al Shabaab, but a new AIAI would not necessarily be welcome by the Somali government and its backers.

Somali media and STRATFOR sources are discussing a possible split between al Shabaab's nationalist and internationalist elements....

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