Counter-Terrorism Intelligence Brief for East Africa (2024)

The Harakat Shabaab Al Mujahideen (HSM), popularly known as Al-Shabaab, an Al-Qaeda affiliate remain active in East Africa region, persistently waging attacks both in Somalia and in Kenya. The main target remains civilians, Somali troops, and African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) troops, besides other critical infrastructures and property. The militant activities sharply continue to surge with at least one to four attacks being recorded on a daily basis especially for central regions of Somalia.

Notably, Al-Shabaab has persistently scaled up attacks in central and southern Somalia. The group preferred attack types remain the use of IEDs (Landmines and roadside bombs), armed and ambush assaults are also becoming too common; being witnessed along roads citing their poor condition. Targeted assassinations are also common on urban areas of Somalia. Challenge of poor roads and vegetation, has seen Al-Shabaab are exploit these factors to plant roadside bombs/landmines besides conducting frequent ambush/surprise attacks on military convoys in Somalia.

Al-Shabaab has claimed a high operational tempo across Somalia exploiting the drought and hunger situation. The Al-Qaeda associated group claim to have focused on Hiran, Bay, Banadir, Lower Shabelle, Lower Juba, Middle Shabelle regions and also in the capital Mogadishu.

In the first two weeks of November, at least 24 attacks have been recorded. The first week, at least 8 operations were recorded while on the second week under review surged with at least 16 attacks being recorded. Somalia recorded the highest number of operations. At least one kidnapping operation in Mandera NEP have been recorded for Kenya, another key target of Al-Shabaab.

On November 1st, Somali militants suspected of being Al-Shabaab operatives set up an ambush in the Mandera Province, near the Kenya-Somalia border, and hijacked an ambulance with two paramedics, a driver, and a patient from the Lafey hospital, about 10 km northwest of the Kenya-Somalia border.

On November 3rd, Al Shabaab claimed it launched a surprise attack on the Ma’awisley in El Hareri, Aden Yabal district, Middle Shabelle region killing several.
On November 4th, IED Hits Mogadishu Deputy Major Ali Yare’s Convoy in Daynile Mogadishu, Somalia. Al-Shabaab claimed responsibility for the attack saying it killed five soldiers and wounded three others.
On November 6th, Al-Shabaab claimed of a deadly SVIED attack on Somalia Special Military Forces ‘General Dughabdun Base’, dozens, in Wadajir District of Mogadishu, Somalia. Somali sources reported the attack killed 10 people and wounded 15 more.

On November 7th, Al-Shabaab VBIED targeting a Military Base killed more than 15 SNA troops in Qayeb village near Dhusamareb town, Galgudud region, Central Somalia.

On November 7th, Al-Shabaab militants injured two Somali government soldiers in an IED attack in Janale town, Lower Shabelle region, Southern Somalia.

On November 7th, Al-Shabaab militants attacked a Military Base operated by SNA outside, Baidoa town, Bay region, Southwestern Somalia.

On November 7th, Al-Shabaab operatives killed four SNA officers in an IED attack in Qayeb town, Galgudud region of Central Somalia.

On November 8th, Al-Shabaab killed one SNA soldier and seized a Pika in an ambush raid on a military convoy in Mahas town, Hiran region, Central Somalia.

On November 8th, Al-Shabaab fighters claimed to have killed Two Ugandan (ATMIS) Forces in an IED attack while on Patrol in Barawe town, Lower Shabelle region, Southern Somalia.

On November 9th, Al-Shabaab injured Arbaska District Commander, Ahmed Ali Kari, with one of his bodyguards in an IED attack in Afgoye town, Lower Shabelle region, Southwestern Mogadishu, Somalia.
On November 9th, Al-Shabaab claimed to have repelled two Somalian Forces attacks and killed an IED Expert while dismantling an IED in Mahas town, Hiran region, Central Somalia.

On November 9th, Al-Shabaab killed at least 10 SNA troops and injured over 20 others in two ambush gun attacks in Mahas town, Hiran region, Central Somalia.

On November 9th, Al-Shabaab claimed responsibility of killing at least two SNA soldiers in an IED attack in Qayeb town, Galgadud region, Central Somalia.
On November 10th, Al-Shabaab killed five SNA soldiers, injured four others and seized their weapons in an ambush assault in Wabho town, Galgadud region, Central Somalia.

On November 10th, Al-Shabaab ambushed a military base operated by Somali National Army (SNA) in Hawra, Mogadishu. Injuries reported.

On November 10th, Al-Shabaab claimed credit for an ambush operation on a military base operated by Somali troops in Baroli town, Kismayo City, Juba region, Southern Somalia. No details on casualties were provided.

On November 10th, Al-Shabaab assassinated a Somalian Forces Officer in Yaqshid district of Mogadishu.

On November 10th, Al-Shabaab injured a Somali officer in an IED attack in Tabilha District of Mogadishu, Somalia.

On November 11th, Al-Shabaab claimed to have killed a Somalian soldier, injured others and destroyed a vehicle in an ambush in Balad City, Middle Shabelle region of Somalia.

On November 11th, Al-Shabaab assassinated the Head of Adado Court, Osman Ahmed Gedi, and seized his weapon near Azkabr town, Azazo town, Galgadud region of southern Somalia.

On November 11th, Al-Shabaab claimed responsibility for assassination a Ministerial Official, Abdel Aziz Muhammad Harsi, in Dharkenley, Mogadishu, Somalia.

On November 11th, Al-Shabaab attacked a Somalia Special Forces Military Base killing and injuring more than 31 soldiers in Beledweyne town of Hiran region, Central Somalia.

On November 12th, Al-Shabaab and SNA troops clashed in the general vicinity of Halgan, Hiran region of Somalia. The armed gun fight that lasted for about an hour resulted in the death of 3 soldiers and a leader of the local groups fighting the AS.

Assessment/Observations & Insights

Al-Shabaab threats remain persistent in Somalia and her neighbor Kenya. Al-Shabaab sharpened skills cannot be downplayed and have been seen by the way the group has been able to successfully conduct surveillance on its target in a view to ascertain the target vulnerability and subsequent actual operation following.

Counterterrorism operators at Strategic Intelligence (S.I) have warned of Al-Shabaab morphed outfit whose intent to conduct multiple attacks in both Kenya and Somalia on short-term remains the terror group’s most yearning goal.

There is notable ability of the terrorists to move to the center of the capital, do assassinations, plant IEDs, lay ambush attacks and even detonate SVBIEDs in Military FOBs, near security checkpoints and military convoys target is worrying and can be viewed as Al-Shabaab’s new strategy to counter current security measures in the capital besides demonstrating their sharpened skills.

Somalia also announced it had deactivated hundreds of media sites it said were propagating Al-Shabaab narratives, in the latest clampdown on violent extremism. Similarly, Somali government had warned businesses and locals against financing Al-Shabaab through paying of levies.

In a new report, made public this month, U.N. experts say the terrorist group is seeking more funds to pay about $1 million per month in salaries to its fighters. The report says despite Somalia’s crackdown on al-Shabab, the militants are also able to move funds through local and Islamic banks. Cutting off al-Shabab’s funding is key to winning the war against the Islamist militants.

Apart from information delivery, it is widely believed that the jihadist group also uses the sites and accounts to attract more supporters, loyalists including youths who are lured to join the Al-Qaeda-linked movement. However, its notable despite the direction to shut these websites down and other online platforms, a number of pro-jihadist’s platforms are still-on, promoting jihadist content.

Hiran is a region in central Somalia that has seen a spike in Al-Shabaab violence after local uprising against the group has gained momentum in the region. In the first two weeks of November, Al-Shabaab has conducted several attacks targeting on military assets including FOBs and their convoys. The clashes have left several Somalian soldiers killed as well as local fighters supporting government troops in the battle against the Islamist militants.

Counter-Terrorism Intelligence Brief for East Africa (2024)

FAQs

What is the role of intelligence in counter terrorism? ›

Intelligence plays a vital role in preventing terrorist attacks from occurring and in assisting law enforcement officers in apprehending persons suspected of committing terrorist acts whether before or after an actual attack has occurred.

What are the four elements of counter-terrorism? ›

It's based on 4 themes:
  • prevent: to stop people becoming terrorists or supporting terrorism.
  • pursue: to stop terrorist attacks happening.
  • protect: to strengthen our protection against a terrorist attack.
  • prepare: to minimise the impact of a terrorist attack.
Jul 18, 2023

What is the mission of the counter terrorism? ›

The Bureau of Counterterrorism's mission is to promote U.S. national security by taking a leading role in developing coordinated strategies and approaches to defeat terrorism abroad and securing the counterterrorism cooperation of international partners.

Is al-Shabaab Sunni or Shia? ›

Al-Shabaab is a Sunni Islamic terrorist group that publicly pledged loyalty to al-Qa'ida in 2012. The group works to overthrow the Somali Federal Government, expel foreign forces from Somalia, and establish a fundamentalist Islamic state.

How is AI used in counter-terrorism? ›

AI and Counterterrorism

One of its applications is in surveillance and monitoring. AI can analyse live videos to spot suspicious behaviour or objects in public, helping authorities respond quickly to potential threats.

What are the tasks of counter intelligence? ›

CI officers detect, identify, assess, exploit, counter and neutralize damaging efforts by foreign entities. In an ever-changing, dynamic global threat environment, CI officers develop and execute strategies that defeat our adversaries' attempts to harm us.

What are the 4 P's of counter-terrorism? ›

What is CONTEST? CONTEST is the name of the UK's Counter-Terrorism Strategy. CONTEST is split into four work streams that are known within the counter-terrorism community as the "four P's": Prevent, Pursue, Protect, and Prepare.

What are the 5 strategies of terrorism? ›

Five of the leading strategies are discussed here: (1) creation of societal dislocation or chaos; (2) discrediting or destroying a particular government; (3) rendering economic and property damage; (4) 'bleeding' state security forces and doing other military damage; and (5) spreading fear for international effects.

What is counter-terrorism strategy? ›

Contest is the UK's counter-terrorism strategy. It aims to reduce the risk from terrorism so that people can go about their lives freely and with confidence. Contest has 4 strands: Pursue: investigate and disrupt terrorist attacks.

Why is counter terrorism important? ›

Terrorists, as well as those they inspire, represent a major transnational threat. Detecting and disrupting the travel of these individuals and groups, and other high-risk criminals, is a priority for the international community, including the United Nations.

What is the most elite counter terrorism unit in the world? ›

SAS Special Forces Counter Terrorism Tactics and Advanced Close Quarters Battle. Three of the world finest elite special forces, the United States Navy Seals, the British SAS and the Israeli Special Forces are represented at the National Sheriffs' Associations Global Center for Public Safety by their Best of the Best.

What major is counter terrorism? ›

With a degree in counterterrorism studies you will be prepared to use advanced counterterrorism analytic skills to utilize cutting edge and practical knowledge and analytic tools to work in government agencies, intelligence, military, law enforcement, and the private sector to help them protect the nation, people, ...

What is the Operation East Africa counter terrorism? ›

First established in 2009, the Partnership for Regional East Africa Counterterrorism (PREACT), is a U.S.-funded and implemented multi-year, multi-faceted program designed to build the capacity and cooperation of military, law enforcement, and civilian actors across East Africa to counter terrorism in a comprehensive ...

Does Somalia persecute Christians? ›

Christian Persecution in Somalia

Therefore, those who faithfully serve Christ or convert from Islam in Somali communities throughout the world face severe persecution regardless of national laws.

Is Somalia safe to visit? ›

Do not travel to Somalia due to crime, terrorism, civil unrest, health issues, kidnapping, piracy, and lack of availability of routine consular services. Country Summary: Violent crime, such as kidnapping and murder, is common throughout Somalia. Illegal roadblocks are widespread.

What is the role of the intelligence community within prosecuting the war on terror? ›

We lead and integrate the national counterterrorism (CT) effort by fusing foreign and domestic CT information, providing terrorism analysis, sharing information with partners across the CT enterprise, and driving whole-of-government action to secure our national CT objectives.

What is the role of intelligence in border security? ›

Preventing strategic border surprises and implementing effective border solutions through proper risk assessments. While physical barriers, multi-sensors, radars and Command & Control Centers are essential for border security, they are not sufficient to secure a border.

What is the role of the CIA in counterintelligence? ›

The Central Intelligence Agency Counterintelligence Center (CIC) protects CIA operations from being compromised by foreign adversaries. To do this, CIC analyzes the capabilities, intentions and activities of foreign intelligence services.

What is the role of security intelligence? ›

The goal of security intelligence is not simply to collect and store additional data and information but to generate actionable data that drives the informed and targeted implementation of security controls and countermeasures.

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