NCJ Number
237569
Date Published
2011
Length
58 pages
Annotation
This paper analyzes the behavior and intentions of key operators in Al Shabaab, the insurgent group in Somalia that is using terrorist tactics to undermine the Transitional Federal Government (TFG) of Somalia, which is backed by the United Nations and protected by AMISON (African Union Mission in Somalia).
Abstract
Al Shabaab is a dynamic organization that has adopted and seeks to spread the Islamic Caliphate model of governance wherever possible, envisioning the unification of Islamic Emirates. In using terrorist tactics Al Shabaab is concerned with surviving in an era of intense counter-terrorism activity. Diminishing financial resources in the face of international sanctions have brought Al Shabaab into a commitment to the Al Awlaki Principle of the low-cost micro-Jihad. These low-cost terrorist attacks are still designed to maximize fear and anxiety among the local and international population. As a field operator for Al Shabaab, Fazul is the model operative. His skills have been tried and tested in some of the finest of Al Qaida's operations in East Africa. By pledging loyalty to Osama bin Laden, Fazul has gained access to technical expertise and financial resources that make him the most experienced and resourceful of Al Qaida operators in the region. Al Shabaab leadership and key tacticians are dependent on a chain of safe houses to meet their operational and accommodation needs. This paper analyzes past safe house choices by Fazul. Another section of the paper outlines the capabilities and doctrine of Al Shabaab, including its funding sources, state sponsors, wealthy individuals, businesses, religious organizations, protection rackets, taxation, and piracy. Regarding the status of the conflict between Al Shabaab and the TFG, if the country is not occupied by external forces, Al Shabaab can operate independently. 60 references