During testimony before the House Committee on Homeland Security on July 25, National Counterterrorism Center director Matthew Olsen provided his organization’s view of the ongoing fight against al Qaeda and its affiliates.
Shabaab claimed it killed seven Kenyan troops in an ambush in Kulbiyow, and killed four soldiers in an IED attack in Baidoa. A bomb was detonated at a police checkpoint outside of Mogadishu’s Police Academy, where Somali delegates are writing a new constitution.
Al Qaeda Insinuating Its Way Into Syria’s Conflict
Ethiopian troops arrested two senior Somali police and military officers in Baidoa. Somali forces fought amongst themselves in Mogadishu. The UN said US drone operations over Somalia pose a threat to civilian flights.
Drone operations over Somalia pose danger to air traffic, UN report says
If all goes well, Somalia soon may have a government
Shabaab executed three men for spying for the CIA and MI6. Two of the men were involved in the drone strike that killed al Qaeda leader Bilal al Berjawi. Shabaab forces and Kenyan troops clashed in Qogani and Kulbiyow.
Two of the men who were executed had allegedly “planted tracking devices” that led to the strike that killed al Qaeda leader Bilal al Berjawi and three other “Muhajireen.”
Police in Puntland captured a Yemeni who was transporting weapons and explosives. Shabaab forces abandoned the town of Burhakaba. The deputy director of the finance ministry was gunned down in Mogadishu.
NATO says it’s winning war against Somali piracy
Somali pirate kingpins enjoy impunity: U.N. experts
Security forces killed 11 Shabaab fighters during clashes in Bardhare. President Sharif has been sheltering a wanted pirate leader, according to a UN report. President Sharif accused the UN group that issued the report of being “against peace in Somalia.”
Shabaab claimed credit for yesterday’s attack that killed a former cabinet minister and member of parliament. Shabaab hit Ethiopian troops in Beledweyne with IED attacks.
Shabaab killed a member of parliament in a car bombing in Mogadishu and shot and killed two more people in a bombing in Afgoye. Kenyan aircraft struck a Shabaab training camp in Howsingo, killing 18 people.
One person was killed in an IED attack in Mogadishu. Security forces detained 89 suspected Shabaab fighters in Mogadishu.
North Mali terrorist haven threatens Africa -leaders
Somali pirates kidnap aid workers: Swedish NGO
Kenyan strike aircraft killed 20 Shabaab fighters in an attack on a training camp in the village of Birta-dheer near Garbaharey. African Union troops found looted food aid at a Shabaab training camp in Lanta-Buro.
Al-Qaeda free to tighten its grip on Africa
Three aid workers, two Kenyans and a Somali, were kidnapped in the Ba’adweyne district in Puntland. Police blamed Shabaab fighters for the kidnappings.
Kenya’s Dadaab camp: Aid agencies make appeal
African Union and Somali troops took control of Lanta‐Buro, a village west of Mogadishu that hosted a Shabaab training camp. Shabaab claimed it killed eight Kenyan troops in an ambush in Jower Jubba and three Burundi soldiers in a sniper attack in Lafoole. Somali troops looted food aid in Afgoye.
After attacks, Kenyan Muslims guard Christian churches
An al Qaeda suspect detained in the UK after visiting the site of the Olympic Games was trained by and fought with Shabaab, al Qaeda’s affiliate in Somalia. Leaked US government files show that Shabaab has sought to use its recruits in al Qaeda’s plots against the West.
Three people were killed during fighting in Beledweyne. A pro-governemnt militia took control of El Bur as Shabaab forces retreated. Shabaab arrested a group of farmers in Jowhar after they refused to pay a tax.
Kenya: Death of Muslim preacher exposes the real face of terror
Security forces rounded up more than 150 men between the ages of 15 and 25 who are suspected of being members of Shabaab. More than 1,000 families have been displaced due to fighting in Balad.
The third edition of the Turkish-language magazine Islamic World has been published. The main theme is Syria, with the cover bearing the title “Syria, the Land of Patience and Jihad.” The issue features 23 articles on topics including Syria, Yemen, Afghanistan, Somalia, Yemen, Africa, the Caucasus, and Iraq.
Africa facing sharp rise in Islamic extremism
Two Eritrean intelligence officials were designated by the US Treasury Department for supporting Shabaab, al Qaeda’s affiliate in Somalia. One of the two men is an explosives expert who has allegedly provided training to Shabaab operatives in Eritrea.