President Obama declares situation in Somalia a "national security threat"

President Obama sent a letter, dated 20, 2012 to Congress declaring the situation in Somalia poses "an unusual and extraordinary national security threat to the United States."

The President cited "piracy, escalating violence, and the deterioration of the security situation in Somalia" as reasons for his actions.

“I found that that the deterioration of the security situation and the persistence of violence in Somalia, and acts of piracy and armed robbery at sea off the coast of Somalia, which have repeatedly been the subject of United Nations Security Council resolutions, and violations of the arms embargo imposed by the United Nations Security Council in Resolution 733 of January 23, 1992, and elaborated upon and amended by subsequent resolutions, constitute an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security and foreign policy of the United States. To address that threat, E.O. 13536 blocks the property and interests in property of persons listed in the Annex to E.O. 13536 or determined by the Secretary of the Treasury, in consultation with the Secretary of State, to meet criteria specified in E.O. 13536.

 

 2012 Nokia

The letter was delivered to Congress on July 23, 2012 and read into the Congressional Record and referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs.

The President has also amended order 13536 in such a ways as to give the President “designation of persons authority” to go after anyone who engages in what he calls “directly or indirectly threaten the peace, security, or stability of Somalia.”
That means people who "threaten the Transitional Federal Institutions or future Somali governing process."
Examples included: People who obstructed the delivery of humanitarian assistance, stolen from the Somali public assets and who finances or renders financial assistance relating to military activities, training, assistance to a designated terrorist organization, such as al-Shaahab.
See video: Al Shabaab http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QwCVrkpQD7s
The letter seeks to prohibit the importation into the United States, directly or indirectly, of charcoal from Somalia.
Charcoal is a “significant revenue source” for the al-Shabaab terrorist organization in Somalia, according to the President (see also video: Charcoal exports from Somalia banned - Press TV News http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y5ER-nrquo0 ).
The President also seeks authority to cut off all “non local” commerce to al-Shahaab controlled ports (see video: Al-Shabab maintains grip on Somali port city http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h7A5Ujp67lg ).
“In view of United Nations Security Council Resolution 2002 of July 29, 2011, persons who engage in non-local commerce via al- Shabaab-controlled ports that constitutes support for a person whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to E.O. 13536 may be subject to designation pursuant to E.O. 13536, as amended by the order. The order was effective at 2:00 p.m. eastern daylight time on July 20, 2012. I have delegated to the Secretary of the Treasury, in consultation with the Secretary of State, the authority to take such actions, including the promulgation of rules and regulations, and to employ all powers granted to the President by IEEPA as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of the order. All agencies of the United States Government are directed to take all appropriate measures within their authority to carry out the provisions of the order. I am enclosing a copy of the Executive Order I have issued, signed on this date, July 20, 2012 Barack Obama, The White House.”
As many people are aware President Obama has been engaged in a ongoing shadow war against al-Shabaab in Somalia for some time now.
In January, the President authorized the successful hostage rescue mission, by U.S. Special Operations soldiers of two foreign aid workers American Jessica Buchanan and Poul Thisted of Denmark, who were being held by 9 armed terrorists in Somalia.
This was thought to be the first major direct military intervention in Somalia by the United States since the 1990's (see video: US forces rescue two hostages in Somalia http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z7O2Y2n2tlg ).
Robert Tilford

Propaganda Report of Monitoring Group Somalia – Who is "Con-Artist" Lobbyist Matthew Bryden (Terror Free Somalia Foundation Fact Check )

Mogadishu (tf.sf)  Former Somali Prime Minister Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo condemned the UN Monitoring Group report .  PM  said that the  report is part of the campaign of Matthew Bryden against sovereignty of Somalia.  “We understand that Bryden’s wife hails from Isaq Clan, and possesses Somaliland passport rather than Somali passport, we know that he reflects the propaganda,..propaganda against prominent Somali  people,Somali  businessmen and Somali politicians. 

its true that Bryden’s wife is a Somalilander and he is a Somaliland secessionist enclave passport holder.

Somali-land an illegal entity being created by a particular clan (Isaaq) in order to serve personal interests, and as a proxy being used by foreign powers (mainly Ethiopia) in order to keep Somalia divided and weak.

 Scam Artists  secessionist enclave lobbyist 

WHO IS MATTHEW BRYDEN?????

Matthew Bryden aka Matt Bryden is a Canadian expert in the horn of Africa region.  He worked with high profile organizations such as the United Nations.  Bryden campaigns fro Somaliland secession.  His wife, Ubah Bryden is from Somaliland.  They have three children, two sons and a daughter.  They reside in Nairobi. He speaks fluent Somali.  He is believed to be a front runner of Somaliland’s secession in order to keep the rest of the country in chaos, and Somaliland eventually becomes sovereign state.  He wrote book about Somaliland.

Matt Bryden was born in 1967.  He is McGill University graduate in 1988.  He is well feared since he is very influential in the international community.  Many people believe that Bryden went deep into the Somali politics.  His reports criticize about Hawiye and Darod individuals, but never mention his in-laws, Isaq, except those who publicly claimed that they are members of Al Shabab.

It is highly possible that Matt Bryden might hunt the journalist who filed this story.

Pess Release: PM Abdiwali A. Gaas denies allegations of corruption

Press Release
Office of the PM
___________________________

Mogadishu-16 th July 2012, - The Office of the Prime Minister of Somalia (OPM) condemns allegations contained in news reports appearing in some of the media on a“leaked Monitoring Group's report” linking The Office of the Prime Minister to alleged corruption and misconduct.

The Office of The Prime Minister maintains that the allegations are absolutely and demonstrably false. This deliberate misinformation is intended to tarnish the good name and integrity of the Prime Minister and also constitutes defamation and libel intended to maliciously harm the hard earned reputation of the Prime Minister.

The following are some egregious statements made in these media reports that may constitute defamation and libel and that if not retracted and apologized for could result in defamation and libel law suit:

1. “Monitoring group report provided evidence how the Prime Minister regularly sends letters to custom authorities requesting tax exemptions for companies or individual that he claims provide service to TFG.”
   
   As a matter of fact SEMG report does not say so. It says as follows: “30. Both the Ministry of Finance and the OAG provide poor quality reporting of TFG expenses. Not all expenses are registered, and the Monitoring Group has obtained evidence demonstrating how the Office of the President and successive Prime Ministers send letters to custom authorities requesting import tax exemptions for individual or companies that have provided services or goods to the TFG.” Prime Minister Abdiwali Gaas categorically denies ever issuing tax exemption letters on behalf of individuals or companies under false pretenses, and cannot speak for successive prime Ministers.
   
   
2. “The report further alleges that another million from the Government of South Sudan is unaccounted and the Prime Minister’s office took its cut. The report alleges that “In early 2012, South Sudan donated, through Price Waterhouse Coopers, US$1 million to support TFG reconciliation efforts in Somalia’s newly liberated areas. A senior TFG official confirmed to the Somalia-Eretria Monitoring Report (SEMG) that the TFG did indeed receive the US$1 million from South Sudan.59 According to internal TFG documents obtained by the SEMG, the PM instructed the Finance Ministry to disburse the funds directly to individual government officials, MPs and political figures, including US$121,700 to his own office.”

The Prime Minister’s office clarifies that the said US$1 million donated to support TFG reconciliation efforts in Somalia’s newly liberated areas was in fact disbursed and spent on reconciliation efforts in newly recovered areas including Gedo, Bay/Bakool, Hiiraan and Central Somalia areas and evidence of such is available. Additional moneys were spent on political outreach to the regions as mandated under the Road Map protocols. The very fact that the SEMG acknowledges that this particular fund was channeled through Price Waterhouse Coopers demonstrates that the Prime Minister conducts government transactions in a transparent manner.

The Prime Ministers’ distinguished and outstanding contribution to Anti-corruption efforts on the national, regional and international levels is well recognized by Somalis and the following lend credit to those efforts.

1. The Prime Minister has spearheaded various reports in uncovering graft including co-operating with The Monitoring Group in the compilation of its report.
   
   
2. The Prime Minister instituted an Anti-Corruption Task Force that is currently operational.
   
   
3. The SEMG reports variously refer the Joint Management Finance Board. It is worth noting that the JMFB is the brain child of the Prime Minister. He championed it during the period he was a Cabinet Minister and helped turn it into a reality during his tenure as Prime Minster.
   
   
4. The Prime Minister has opposed the release of printed moneys in Sudan pending the institution of proper sound monetary policy, a fact corroborated in the SEMG report.

The PMO takes great exception to the careless and irresponsible publication of false reports that can create wrong impressions and perceptions thereby misleading the Somali people. The PMO further notes that the media bear responsibilities of ethical journalism and as such must refrain from acts of defamation and libel that can cause harm to people’s reputation.

We urge media houses to liaise with the Office of the Prime Minister and authenticate stories relating to His office before going to print. We question the motive behind the publication of this “leaked” report before awaiting the conclusion and distribution of the final report and we call for the upholding of professionalism and objectivity in journalism.

H.E Abdiweli Ali Gaas reassures the Somali People and development partners of his personal commitment in ensuring transparent and accountable utilization of donor funds especially at this critical time in the history of Somalia.

Diraac Salaad Fagaase
Communication Director, office of the PM
Mogadishu, Somalia

Deadly fight erupts on the outskirt of Bardera town, Gedo region

At least five people are believed to have been killed and dozen others injured when a fierce fighting between Al-Shabaab militant group and Somali troops backed by their allied Kenyan forces on Tuesday erupted on the outskirt of south-west Somali town of Bardera, Gedo region.The fighting at an area between Fafah-dun and Bardere town, some 80 kilometres from the rebel held Bardera town occurred when the allied troops launched attacks on rebel bases in the area, according to a Somali military officials, Col. Abass Ibrahim Gurey.Speaking to media Gurey claimed they seized an area approximately 40 kilometers from the militant fighters, adding that they are now close to Bardera town.Although Col. Gurey claimed they suffered no deaths, reports say the five killed during the fight are combatants from both sides of the fight.Injured militants were reportedly taken to Bardera town for treatments.Reports from the areas say today’s battle is the heaviest ever to erupt between the rebel fighters and the allied forces in the region since the onslaught against the militant group started mid last year.Kenyan military have been battling Al-Shabaab militants in Lower Juba and Gedo since crossing into Somalia border mid-last October.

Chicago terror suspect’s long road to seeking martyrdom

Al Qaeda luring American Jihadists  update

An American man's efforts to become a suicide bomber for the Somali al Qaeda affiliate will end next week with an expected guilty plea.Shaker Masri, 27, a U.S. citizen and Chicago resident, faced two counts of terror-related charges. He opted to plea in lieu of standing trial on September 13.A close reading of the indictment and other court documents reveal how Masri's plot unfolded.Masri is accused of conspiring to travel to Somalia from July to August 2010, where he intended to join Al-Shabaab and become a suicide bomber.Through audio recordings, intercepted phone calls and physical surveillance, prosecutors collected overwhelming evidence that portrayed him as an unabashed Islamic radical bent on waging jihad and seeking martyrdom.The most damning evidence was secured through a confidential source employed by the FBI since 2007 to assist in counter-terrorism investigations.Court documents show the source, referred to in the indictment as "CS," has been paid between $40,000-$45,000 for services related to terror investigations as of July 2010."CS," an Arabic-speaking male with prior military training, met Masri at a book warehouse in Addison, Illinois. The warehouse was run by the suspect's employer, a nonprofit that provides free Quran translations from Arabic into English.At the insistence of the FBI, a friendship developed between the two, and it was not long before Masri's extremist views to come to light.In July 2010, the two men were discussing temporary employment over lunch when Masri revealed he had something "serious and secret" to discuss. When they left the restaurant, Masri drove "CS" to a park where he insisted they talk outside, leaving their phones behind in the car.It was there that "CS" testified Masri first revealed his intention of committing terrorist acts. The suspect explained he needed to work for a few weeks to purchase a ticket, which would take him to either Afghanistan or Somalia to fight. Iraq was ruled out as too difficult to enter.

Travel routes were planned and scrapped a half a dozen times or so before Masri settled on Somalia, where he would train and fight with al-Muhajiroun, an outfit of Al-Shabaab that comprises foreign fighters. Djibouti was deemed a viable layover as Masri had a close friend, referred to in the indictment as "Individual A" who "knew big people" there."CS" offered to fund Masri's travels on one condition: he would be permitted to accompany him to Somalia.Insisting that "CS" would satisfy "jihad of the soul" for funding his endeavor, he soon relented and agreed to guide his friend as he sought martyrdom. The entire trip, according to Masri, would cost them $7,000-$10,000.Over the next few weeks, Masri and the "CS" met on multiple occasions, watched martyrdom videos and contemplated the safest way to travel without being detected."Individual A" accompanied them on one occasion. Wearing an earring, shaving his beard, and traveling during Ramadan when it was believed Mideast security would be slack, were all part of Masri's plan to avoid raising suspicions.At one such meeting, Masri commented he had personally known Zachary Chesser, a 20-year old man arrested in Virginia in July 2010 for providing material support to Al-Shabaab and attempting to travel to Somalia to fight alongside the al Qaeda affiliate.Intent on keeping a low-profile, Masri planned a "sudden" departure and aimed to avoid the mistakes Chesser made such as contacting Shabaab members in Somalia from the U.S.All the while, investigators were intercepting phone calls between Masri and a woman in Britain, referred to in the indictment as "Individual B," whom the suspect met online and had developed a romantic relationship with.The two discussed marriage and plans to see each other in London. Then things became complicated once "Individual B" became aware of Masri's plans.Speaking in recorded conversations in both English and Arabic, the two also spoke in code to conceal the suspect's intentions, according to government prosecutors."Are you still going to accomplish your dream? Are you still going to study?" Individual B asked.Masri affirmed to which "Individual B" replied, "Do you know, like, how much this will affect me? Do you even realize?" "Individual B" insisted Masri was only thinking of the rewards and benefits he would receive from "studying," and questioned his motives for marriage as she felt he only used her for her "contacts."Plans to travel through London to see "Individual B" on the way to Somalia were abandoned and the two exchanged final phone calls where they said their final goodbyes.Shortly after, Masri and "CS" confirmed travel plans to fly from Chicago to Los Angeles, and would drive to Mexico where they intended to make martyrdom videos in preparation for their final destiny.Posing as international businessmen in the gold trading business, for which "CS" had a license for, the two would then fly to Amman, Jordan with a layover in Dubai.It would be in Amman where Masri would say his final farewell to his brother. When asked how they planned to get from Jordan to Somalia, Masri replied he was not sure and that they would "put their faith in God."Clearly, Masri lacked the high-level contacts that would safely facilitate his journey to East Africa. But what he lacked in contacts, he made up for in enthusiasm and commitment to extremist views.When asked what to expect in Somalia, Masri predicted "CS" would be assigned to weapons training because of his past military experience.As for himself, Masri expected to play a scholarly role but explained his goal in becoming a suicide bomber."I will not stay idle. I wish to know how the explosive belt is made. I will wear one and I will not take it off," Masri said.On July 29, 2010, "CS" picked up Masri and the men returned to "CS'" house.There, they purchased two one-way flights from Chicago to Los Angeles. Masri was arrested on August 4, 2010, the same day their flight was booked.He was indicted on September 29, 2010 for attempting to provide material support to a terrorist group along with concealing the source of material intended to be used in preparation for and carrying out an attack with a weapon of mass destruction. He faces up to 15 years in prison for each count...via cnn

Ethiopia prime minister a no-show at African Union summit, raising questions about his health

ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia — Ethiopia’s longtime ruler and most powerful figure, Prime Minister Meles Zenawi, is not attending an African Union summit that opened Sunday in Ethiopia, which further fueled speculation that he might be seriously ill.About three dozen African heads of state and government gathered in Addis Ababa on Sunday, but Meles did not attend the meeting — a first since he assumed office in 1991.

Meles was expected to open the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD) meeting on Saturday. But Senegalese President Macky Sall opened the gathering instead, telling participants that Meles was unable to be present due “to health conditions.” Sall wished Meles “good health.”The most recent images of Meles aired by state-run Ethiopian Television showed him noticeably thinner. Opposition websites are claiming that Meles is being treated for a serious illness.The government declined to comment on the matter.Ethiopia’s parliament was set to hear from Meles last week when the country’s lawmakers were scheduled to approve Ethiopia’s current fiscal budget, which began July 8, but Meles did not address parliament.Meles in 2010 promised to step down by 2015. Hailemariam Desalegn was named deputy prime minister. He is also the country’s foreign minister. The Washington Post

EXCLUSIVE-Eritrea reduces support for al Shabaab-UN report

ADDIS ABABA, July 16 (Reuters) - Eritrea has reduced its support for the al Qaeda-allied al Shabaab militant group in Somalia under international pressure, but still violates U.N. Security Council resolutions and remains a destabilising influence, a U.N. report says.

The U.N. Monitoring Group on Somalia and Eritrea, which investigates violations of an arms embargo on both nations, said in a report to the Council, seen by Reuters, that it had found no evidence of direct Eritrean support for al Shabaab in the last year.

The Council imposed the embargo on the tiny east African state of Eritrea in 2009 over concerns its government was providing finance and weapons to al Shabaab - charges Asmara denied. The Monitoring Group now says that support has evaporated.

This was "a symptom of growing friction between the authorities in Asmara and al Shabaab's leadership" as well as the "result of enhanced international scrutiny, which has made direct support ... a much riskier undertaking than in the past", said the report, which is scheduled to be published this week.

"Although it is possible that the Eritrean authorities have continued to provide financial and other forms of assistance to (Somali) armed opposition groups, without their activities being detected, it is the Monitoring Group's assessment that any such assistance is negligible," the report said.

Instead, the panel presented evidence that Asmara deployed Ethiopian rebel groups via Somalia, sold weapons to smuggling rings in Sudan that do business with Palestinian arms dealers, and imported spare parts for its air force.

The report also alleged that ethnic Afar rebels responsible for the killing of five European tourists in eastern Ethiopia in January were hosted and trained in Eritrea, though there was no evidence the Red Sea state had a direct role in the killings.

It said the escape last year of Djiboutian prisoners of war held in Eritrea proved Asmara had violated a U.N. resolution calling on it to disclose information on their whereabouts after their capture following a border clash in 2008."Eritrea has failed to comply with Security Council resolutions and remains a destabilizing influence across much of the region," the report said.The Red Sea state has previously rejected these allegations and has called for the replacement of the panel's members over what it calls their bias in favour of its arch-foe Ethiopia. Eritrean envoys to the AU declined to comment specifically on the latest U.N. report.

Al Shabaab has controlled much of southern Somalia since 2007, imposing a strict version of Islamic law in areas under its control. But over the last year it has been forced out of the Somali capital Mogadishu and other parts of the south by the coordinated military operations of U.N.-backed African troops.

"TOO EARLY TO LIFT SANCTIONS"

Last year, the Monitoring Group alleged Eritrea was behind a failed plot to bomb an African Union summit in Ethiopia, had bankrolled known members of al Shabaab in Kenya and had been involved in the smuggling of weapons through Sudan and Egypt.

As a result, the Council prolonged the arms embargo and assets freeze on Eritrea, in addition to a travel ban on some officials, amid an escalation in operations against al Shabaab by AU, Kenyan and Ethiopian troops and their Somali allies.

Matthew Bryden, the Monitoring Group's coordinator, told Reuters that Eritrea was lobbying its allies at the Security Council to push for a removal of the arms embargo, but he said other Council members were reluctant to do this.

"We're trying to make the case that any improvement in Eritrea's conduct is the result of sanctions, and that it's too early to lift them because of the other violations they have committed," Bryden said.

Earlier this month, the U.S. Treasury Department issued sanctions against Colonels Tewolde Habte Negash and Teame Abraham Goitom, two senior Eritrean military officers Washington says have worked closely with al Shabaab in the past.

Diplomats at the U.N. say the U.S. move against the two officers, who have not been subject to full Security Council sanctions, suggests that Eritrea will face sustained pressure from the United States and its allies in the Council.

Eritrean officials routinely deny involvement in Somalia and say the Council embargo decision was based on "fabricated lies" made up by the U.S. government and its ally Ethiopia.

In a letter obtained by Reuters in December, Eritrean Foreign Minister Osman Saleh accused the U.N. panel of bias and urged the Council's chair to establish an "independent, impartial and credible body".

TAXES, TRAFFICKING AND GOLD REVENUES

European and North American governments have also been concerned about Eritrea's use of revenues from the taxation of Eritrean citizens in the diaspora, from human trafficking of refugees through Sudan and Egypt, and from gold mining.

The Monitoring Group reported that both the British and German governments had taken action to prevent taxes being collected from diaspora Eritreans in their territories, in which Eritrean government agents often use coercion.

"Individuals who refuse to make payment may have their inheritance rights voided, their family members may be penalized, and they may be subject to detention or denial of an exit visa if they return to Eritrea," it said.

Asmara denies coercing its citizens, but insists it has the right to encourage its diaspora to contribute to the national budget, including for defence.

The report said Eritrean officials involved in the smuggling of weapons through Sudan and Egypt were also part of a people trafficking network that delivered tens of thousands of Eritrean refugees to Israel between 2009 and 2011.

Refugees interviewed in Israel said they were smuggled through Sudan by ethnic Rashaida gangs which the Monitoring Group says work with General Tekle Kiflai, the commander of Eritrea's western military zone.

Asmara says its fleeing nationals, often escaping unlimited military conscription, were being lured to leave the country by sustained American "propaganda".

The panel also urged the U.N. Security Council to consider measures to regulate Eritrea's opaque gold mining sector, which it said has generated hundreds of millions of dollars.

The Monitoring Group recommended that the Council either ask Eritrea to publish its revenues from gold mining or demand that private gold companies publish all payments to Asmara or pay into a monitored escrow account.

Shabaab Bomb Blast Kills A former Hawiye Jihadist, Now Lawmaker in Mogadishu. MP Mohamud Abdi Garwayne Killed, 5 Wounded

A car bomb killed a Somali lawmaker in Mogadishu’s Hamarweyne district on Monday morning and wounded five others, including three of his bodyguards and two civilians, according to government and al-Shabaab officials who spoke to Jihad Sympathizer Mohamad adow . .Credible sources in the Somali Security Forces told Terror Free Somalia that the bomb was concealed and fixed inside the car and not a suicide attack as earlier reported."The death toll remains at one person: A former Hawiye Jihadist MP Mohamud Abdi Garwayne," said government official Warsame Godah.The victim was a former Islamist and member of the former Islamic Courts Union before he joined the current Transitional Federal Government (TFG) led by President Sharif Sheik Ahmed.

He served as a former minister for trade and industry and was a close friend of the president, according to TFG officials who spoke HAWIYE Jihadist Reporter Sympathizer Mohamad adow .Initial reports by witnesses suggested that the attack was carried out by suicide bomber, but a senior al-Shabaab official who declined to be named told Terror Free Somalia  they masterminded what he described as 'a high profile mission that enabled the death of the lawmaker.'"It was not a suicide attack but that should be a clear message to other TFG officials and their foreign supporters that al-Shabaab fighters are still active in Mogadishu although the enemy is claiming we were forced to flee the capital," said the al-Shabaab official.

Witnesses, however, believed it was a suicide attack.“I was here when the car went past at a high rate of speed, passing all the vehicles, but I was did not assume he was a suicide bomber. When the blast hit, I went down at once. When I raised my head, I saw everyone running around me and shouting. I saw three civilians, including a young lady, who were wounded in the attack," said eyewitness Sahra Mo’alim.

Shortly after the incident security forces reached on the scene and blocked the roads, firing gunshots in the air.The hardline al-Shabaab militant group has been carrying out number of suicide attacks in Mogadishu and other parts of Somalia’s southern regions against Somali and African Union troops.Earlier on Sunday the interior minister of the transitional government, Abdi Samad Moalim, vowed to increase security in the city.

“As we are approaching the holy month of Ramadan, security should be highly tightened all around the country to avoid of further violent attacks by the terrorist groups. We have to be a vigilant," said Abdi Samad.In the past, al-Shabaab has increased their suicide and guerrilla attacks during Ramadan.H/T Kismaayo24

89 Al-Shabaab terrorists held in Somalia

                                                                joint press conference

Mogadishu, July 15 — Somali security forces have arrested 89 people suspected to be having links with Al Qaeda-affiliated terror outfit Al-Shabaab, The men were arrested in the capital Mogadishu.The raids were part of efforts to strengthen security of the capital ahead of a crucial meeting to ratify a draft constitution for Somalia.They were carried out by a joint force comprising the police, Somali army , the national intelligence agency and the army, the information ministry said."The forces cordoned off suspected terrorist hideouts in several neighbourhoods as part of a series of night raids in the capital city of Mogadishu. A total of 89 Al-Shabaab terrorist suspects were arrested and remain in custody," a ministry statement said."The objective of the raid was to weed out the remnants of the Al Qaeda-affiliated terror group, in the wake of numerous roadmap activities being held in Mogadishu that will pave the way for the return of permanent and representative government," the government said in a statement. via nydailynews.com
 house-to-house search confiscated weapons

Arrested Al Qaeda-affiliated suspects were displayed during a joint press conference in Yaqshid district

Oil Opens Another Frontline of War in Somalia. Somalia challenges Kenya over oil blocks

Kenya has raised the ire of Somalia by awarding offshore oil and gas exploration blocks to multinational companies in contested waters, and while the mainstream Western media glosses over this as a simple irritant for Kenya, Total and ENI, the move will give new impetus to Somali piracy and threatens to open up another frontline in the Somali conflict.

Kenya is perhaps being a bit hasty in its excitement over oil, having discovered its very first commercially exploitable oil inland in the Rift Valley earlier this year. While that find is not contested, its decision to award three exploration blocks to Italy’s Eni and one to France’s Total in coastal waters claimed both by Kenya and Somalia is questionable.

Not only is it illegal to award these exploration blocks without a territorial dispute resolution, but the timing will be viewed as suspicious in Somalia, where Kenyan forces are presently attempting to establish their medium-term military credentials by fighting the terrorist group al-Shabaab alongside African Union (AMISOM) troops and the Somali transitional government (TFG).

It is plausible that Kenya was hoping that its very successful assistance in pushing al-Shabaab out of the Somali capital Mogadishu and a number of other key bases and strongholds would give it carte blanche to act on oil exploitation in contested coastal waters.  But TFG officials who are beholden to Kenya firepower are nonetheless unimpressed by Kenya’s move. Somalia’s interim deputy energy minister has gone on the record as saying that the awarding of the four blocks was illegal and that the TFG would take up the issue with the United Nations.

Of course, for the multinational oil companies, there is no contest. Kenya is East Africa’s largest economy and is relatively stable compared to its neighbors, whereas Somalia has been languishing in a state of anarchy for nearly three decades that has turned into an Islamic insurgency, as well as a hotbed of piracy on the high seas. 

While the mainstream Western media is keen to paint this as a no-contest situation for Kenya, the legal status of those coastal waters and any potential UN arbitration is only a small part of a larger matter.

Somalia needs Kenya to deal the final blow to al-Shabaab and to allow the TFG, whose mandate expires on 20 August, to proceed with organizing proper elections and giving the country its first government in over two decades. Kenyan forces descended on Somalia in part to protect Kenya’s borders from infiltration and its coastal resorts from armed rebels. Securing its foothold on the Somali coast, however, also offers the benefit of securing its claim to oil in contested waters.

“Kenya is clearly holding most of the cards, here, but this is a dangerous game whose timing is a bit off. The transitional Somali government requires as much support from the various influential clans as it can muster in order to defeat al-Shabaab and lessen the chance of any future insurgencies of a nationalist flavor. Kenya’s move to sideline Somalia over these oil exploration blocks risks skewing alliances at a pivotal point in the conflict,” Michael Bagley, president of Jellyfish Operations, which manages an intelligence network in Somalia, told Oilprice.com

Kenya would do good to remember that Somalia is not just the TFG and al-Shabaab, and it will have other forces with which to contend. While the TFG may allow Kenya to move forward with its oil exploration deals without putting up too much of a fight, a number of groups will not. via  Oilprice.com

Somalia challenges Kenya over oil blocks

Waraysi Prof. Liban Egal Muqdisho oo ay ugu danbaysay 20 sano hahor

Prof. Liibaan Egal oo todobaadkan booqday magalada Muqdisho oo uu dhowr iyo labatan sano ka maqnaa dib u booday ayaa waraysi gaar ah siiyay wariye Hanad Cali. Waraysigan ayaa waxaa uu taabanayaa dhinacyo badan haday tahay aragtidiisa la xariirta isbadalka Muqdisho, hanaanka nabada, isbadalka siyaasada iyo nolosha ijtimaacigaa. Dhagayso: 

Prof. Libaan Egal waxaa uu macalin ka yahay Jaamcada George Mason University ee magaalda Virginia dalka Mareykanka, waxaana uu dhawaan booqday magaalda Muqisho oo ah halkii u ku dhashay kuna barbaaray yaraantisi oo uusan arag muda dheer colaadaha Soomaliya ka taagan awgood.Via Gedoonline

AU troops recover stolen relief food from Al‐Shabaab Camp

The African Union force in Somalia has today revealed that it has recovered over  500  sacks  of  stolen  relief  food from  Al-Shabaab  training  camp  captured  in Lanta-Buro, some 40 kilometres  west  of  Mogadishu.

The camp was on Thursday attacked by Somali government forces backed by the African Union troops in Mogadishu.The  food,  which  was  meant  for  humanitarian  relief  to  the  Somali  people,  had  been  confiscated  by  the  Al  Qaeda‐affiliated  Al‐Shabaab militant group,  who  used  it  instead  to  feed  militants  at  the  camp  in  Lanta‐Buro,  according to a press release by the African Union Mission in Somalia.AMISOM said the recovered food has been returned to the local people.The force said it has also recovered a  cache  of  weapons,  which  included  machine  guns  and  bomb  making  equipment, adding that 11 militants were killed and four others captured.The  capture  of  Lanta‐Buro  is  the  latest  in  a  string  of  AMISOM  successes  that  have  pushed  the  extremists  out  of  much  of  central  and  south  Somalia.

AMISOM  Force  Commander,  Lieutenant  General  Andrew  Gutti,  said  that  the  continuing  operations  would  enable  aid  agencies  to  access  areas  where  they  had  been  previously  barred  by  the  extremists.“We  are  fulfilling  our  mandate  to  support  the  Somali  peace  process  and  create  a  conducive  environment  for  the  safe  delivery  of  desperately  needed  humanitarian  aid,”  he  said.

AMISOM however said Somalia  requires  increased  assistance  following the recent aid  agencies’  warning  that  the  country  faces  another  food  crisis  following  poor  rains  between  March  and  May.

Somali troops with AMISOM capture Al-Shabaab training camp

Somali troops with the support of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) this morning  capture Lanta‐Buro village, the site of a major al Shabaab training camp.Lanta‐Buro, 40km west of Mogadishu, housed political prisoners during the Siad Barre regime but has since been converted into a major terrorist training camp by the Al Qaeda‐affiliated Al‐ Shabaab.The move to take the camp comes at a critical time for the capital as it prepares to host a National Constituent Assembly which will adopt a provisional constitution and end 12 years of transitional government.AMISOM Force Commander, Lieutenant General Andrew Gutti, said the operation would enhance security in the capital by denying the terrorists a base from which to launch attacks.“AMISOM is committed to supporting the peace process in Somalia and this operation will not only bring relief to the population in that particular area, but will also help create a safer environment in the capital,” he said.“Our aim is to ensure that the people of Somalia can continue to pursue national reconciliation free of the fear of terrorist attack,” he added.Since the UN Security Council boosted AMISOM troop numbers to over 17,000, the force has been expanding outside Mogadishu and has helped the Somali government secure major strategic towns across the country including Afgooye, on the Shabelle river; Afmadow, the second largest city in the southern region of Lower Jubba; and most recently Balaad to the north of the capital. Additionally, AMISOM troops are present in Baidoa, the capital of the Bay region, and Beletweyne in the northern region of Hiiran.

Missing Person: Abdiqani Abdi Nor

Missing Person: Abdiqani Abdi Nor

Somali man arrested in London for alleged terrorism charges / Samantha Lewthwaite 'recruiting all-women terror squads'

A Somali man was on Saturday arrested in London on suspicion of involving in acts of terrorism near Olympic Games venue.The suspect who the British intelligence agency (MI5) alleged would have been a suicide bomber was found repeatedly near the Olympic Games venue.The alleged al-Qaeda militant was caught crossing through the Olympic Park five times, breaking a ban imposed by the Home Secretary, The Sunday Telegraph has learned.The 24 year-old man only named as CF has been under a control order not to enter the multimillion pound development in Stratford, East London, was arrested leading to fears he could have been carrying out a reconnaissance mission for an attack at the park.The man previously tried to get to Afghanistan, allegedly for terrorist training, and is suspected of fighting for the Somali Islamist group Al-Shabaab, which has been responsible for thousands of deaths, including those of Western aid workers. He is accused of trying to recruit other Britons to its cause.The man, who is of Somali origin and known only as CF, appeared in court last month charged with five breaches of the order after he travelled across London on a train line which passes close to the Olympic development.The Home Office says he is linked to a group of six British nationals who received terror training from Saleh Nabhan, the Al Qaeda leader killed in a raid by American Navy Seals in 2009.

Officials claim CF, who comes from a large family of Somali origin from north London, attended a terrorist training camp and fought alongside jihadis from the al-Qaeda group Al-Shabaab.

Source Agencies

Samantha Lewthwaite 'recruiting all-women terror squads'

Possible picture of Samantha Lewthwaite with unidentified man released by the Kenyan police 

Lewthwaite, the widow of Jermaine Lindsay, one of the 7/7 bombers, fled Kenya's main coast city, Mombasa, last December after police stumbled upon a plot to attack tourist hotels with chemical bombs.

Despite an international hunt by British and Kenyan police and Interpol, the 28-year-old has not been seen since.

But according to a blog entry on a website used by the Muslim Youth Centre, a radical Kenyan pro-jihadi movement, she is in Somalia and has been connected to terror attacks in East Africa.

The entry, which is anonymous but appears to be written by a female sympathiser in Tanzania, says that Lewthwaite is known in terror circles as "Dada Mzungu", which means "white sister" in Swahili."More than five times our 'Dada Mzungu' has defeated the kuffar [non-Muslims] in Kenya and Tanzania," she writes."She gave her life to Allah and she now serves Allah as His female soldier. In +252 [Somalia] she commands her 'all-female mujahid terror squad' and conducts her operations against the kuffar."Now every Muslim sister wants to be like our 'Dada Mzungu'. Inshall'allah, I will join you."The blog entry goes on to say that "the kuffar calls her 'black widow' but we call her Dada Mzungu tormentor of the kuffar." "She is one of the many female Anmiyat ordained by Allah to torment the kuffar in East Africa," it says."She came to Kenya to torment the kuffar and left the kuffar in a state of "confused" [sic] as we say. The kuffar hunt her but still can't find her for Allah protect His warriors."Kenyan police sources in Mombasa confirmed that according to their intelligence, Lewthwaite was in southern Somalia, where she is being protected by al-Shabaab, the country's militant Islamist army."We cannot say that she is connected to any terrorist attacks in Kenya, but it is consistent with our information that she is with Shabaab in Somalia," one senior anti-terror officer in Mombasa said."Even if she is there training people for jihad, she will find that we are waiting for her here and she will not succeed."The fresh revelations came as details of a diary that Lewthwaite kept before she fledKenya yesterday showed that she wanted her children to become "mujahid" or holy warriors.The Daily Telegraph first revealed the existence of Lewthwaite's diary in March.In it, she kept notes that appeared to be plans for a book about being the wife of an Islamic holy warrior and how to stay true to plans for jihad and not tell even your closest family.She said that she decided to continue with the book after seeing her husband, Habib Saleh Ghani, also wanted by Kenyan police, talking to her children."He gave a talk to my eight-year-old son and five-year-old daughter. He asked them what do you want to be when you are older? Both had many answers but both agreed to wanting to be a Mujahid," she wrote, according to The Mail on Sunday."He asked them how did they plan to achieve such a goal and what really is a Mujahid? What makes someone a Mujahid? These are answers that only those who have been living the path of Jihad would know." via  The Daily Telegraph

New Amisom spokesman takes office

 Col. Ali Adam Hamud from Djibouti national army has officially taken office from former spokesman Capt. Paddy Nkunda from UPDF on Saturday,

Mogadishu: Newly appointed spokesman for the African Union Mission in Somalia, Col. Ali Adam Hamud from Djibouti national army has officially taken office from former spokesman Capt. Paddy Nkunda from UPDF on Saturday,Terror Free Somalia reports.A joint press conference held in AMISOM compound in Mogadishu, the two officials transferred the office asthe former spokesman declared that Col. Ali Adam Hamud will be in charge for AMISOM’s information office.“I wish to welcome Col Hamud from Djibouti army who will be leading AMISOM’s information office.” Capt. Paddy Nkunda told reprters at the press conference.

He said that AMISOM’s information office, which is the most important  has undergone two previous spokesmen and that Col. Hamud was the third official ion office since the mission was launched in 2007.

The incoming spokesman Col. Hamud has undertaken that he will establish a warm relation with local media as he also commended the sacrifice made the military men and women from contributing countries including Uganda, Burundi, Djibouti and Kenya.“This is because to survive our Somali brothers from the worst condition and that security and stability should return to this country so that Somali people will be able to live in safe life.” Col. Hamud said.The new spokesman of AMISOM speaks Somali language as well as French and English as he beciomes the first person speaks Somali language in the AMISOM military officials.

 Terror Free Somalia

Africa: Political Will Critical to Fighting Terrorism - Security Experts / Somali Police Rallies Regional Support

Investigators taking part in a counterterrorism training workshop in the country, have agreed that the solution to terrorism in Africa lies in the commitment of each individual state.The investigators, who are drawn from various African countries, maintained this yesterday came to the conclusion of a week-long workshop at the National Police Academy in Musanze District.The training was organised by East African Police Chiefs Cooperation Organization (EAPCCO) through Rwandan National Police (RNP) in collaboration with South African based Institute of Security Studies (ISS) and the International Association of Bomb Technicians and Investigators (IABTI).The 35 participants from 14 countries, who trained on bomb disposal techniques, resolved to develop domestic commitment to successfully eliminate terrorism threats on the continent."There is an increase in terrorist activities, but through sharing information and experiences, we can combat it," said Anneli Botha, an expert on international crimes at ISS.She explained that particular emphasis is required to defeat terrorists from the main hot-spots citing Al shabab in Somalia and Boko Haram in Nigeria.Botha warned against religious divisions between Muslims and Christians because most terrorist activities are organised along such lines.Participants shared experiences and intelligence information about the 1998 US embassy bombings in Nairobi, Kenya and Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania and the June 2010 attacks in Kampala, Uganda."It has been an opportunity to get updated on the new trends about terrorism threats. From here, we can develop our own strategies on how to deal with terrorists," Willem Els, a bomb disposal technician at IABTI said.NPA's Commandant, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), Felix Namuhoranye, also concurred that it had been an occasion to assess how well prepared each country is as far as counter-terrorism was concerned."This professional exchange of experiences has been fruitful, it has enhanced important skills on how to counter terrorism," he said.

 By Sam Nkurunziza, 

Somali Police Rallies Regional Support

Al Qaeda suspect 'travelled past Olympic park FIVE times in a single day despite ban by Home Secretary

A terrorist suspect has been caught repeatedly near the Olympic Games venue.The 24-year-old is said to have broken a strict ban imposed by the Home Secretary which prevented him from visiting the Olympic park development in East London.He appeared in court last month charged with five breaches of the order after he travelled across London on a train line which passes close to the Olympic development.The alleged breaches raise questions as to how he was allowed to enter such a sensitive area as a known terror suspect.

The man, who is of Somali origin - and known as CF - is believed to have tried to get to Afghanistan, allegedly for terrorist training.

Police fear: The Olympic Park could be a terrorist target

He is also suspected of fighting for the Al Qaeda group al-Shabaab, responsible for thousands of deaths, including Western aid workers. Government officials claim CF attended a terrorist camp and fought alongside jihadists from al-Shabaab.The Home Office says he is linked to a group of six British nationals who received terror training from Saleh Nabhan, the Al Qaeda leader killed in a raid by American Navy Seals in 2009.CF is believed to be a potential suicide bomber and to have tried to recruit Britons to his cause.According to court documents, the Home Office warned that CF wanted to ‘re-engage in terrorism-related activities, either in the UK or Somalia’ - and is ‘determined to continue to adhere to his Islamist extremist agenda’.The alleged breaches, which took place in April and May this year, are the most serious security alert to hit the Olympic Park.The disclosure comes after a week in which 14 terror-related arrests were made in Britain, including a white Muslim convert detained over an alleged plan to carry out a major terrorist attack. massive security operation has been put in place around the Olympic Park in Stratford, East London, for the Games, which begin on July 27.

An al-Shabaab jihadist (stock picture)

CF is one of nine suspected risks to national security who are subject to Terrorism Prevention and Investigation Measures (Tpim) legal orders – which restrict movements, computer use and who they can meet.He is being prosecuted for breaking conditions of the order after he was arrested last month.The man has since been bailed and will be challenging the banning order today in the High Court. His lawyers insist he had been travelling to attend meetings at his solicitor’s office in Stratford.His presence was revealed through an electronic tag which he must wear to comply with the order.The alleged breaches were disclosed in a court case involving CF and another terror suspect, known as CC.Theresa May, the Home Secretary, has compiled a case against CF which says he attempted to travel to Afghanistan to fight as a jihadist and take part in suicide operations in 2008. He was prosecuted in Britain but absconded during his trial in June 2009 and fled to Somalia.In his absence, he was acquitted of any crime. In 2011 CF served two months in prison after absconding from an earlier court case. He was then placed on a control order and required to live in Norwich.The latest security scare comes after two Muslim converts were arrested last month on suspicion of plotting an attack on the Olympic canoeing venue in Waltham Abbey, Essex. The men, aged 18 and 32, were detained at their homes in East London after being seen acting suspiciously in a dinghy at the sporting location on the River Lea.Last week, two separate anti-terror operations resulted in 14 arrests. Seven men were being questioned last night after firearms were found in a car impounded by police after it was stopped on the M1 in South Yorkshire during a routine check.There was another scare three days ago, when a coach travelling on the M6 was surrounded by bomb disposal experts and police vehicles after a passenger rang police on his mobile to report a smoking package. It later turned out to be a false alarm.

More...

• Stroke of luck that may have stopped Olympic massacre: Seven arrested after 'guns found' in car impounded by police over claims of lack of insurance
• Fears of Olympic road chaos as main motorway from Heathrow to London is closed for at least FIVE days due to cracked viaduct
• Seventh London terror plot suspect arrested as police swoop in dawn raid  
• via dailymail  H/T Stable Hand

Al-Shabaab claims responsibility for Garissa attacks (Black Sunday:17 killed in Garissa terror attacks)

Somalia militia group Al-Shabaab has claimed responsibility for Sunday's twin attacks on two churches in Garissa County that left 17 people dead. 
The latest development came even as muslim leaders in Kenya agreed to form self-defence groups to protect churches following the deadly attacks.In a tweet on Wednesday morning, the insurgents said they carried out the attacks in retaliation for Kenya Defence Forces (KDF)'s incursion in Somalia.An Al-Shabaab loyalist Sheikh Hassan Takar said that the militia killed people who did not profess allegiance to Allah."The mujahedeen (holy warriors) punished with their hands those believing and worshipping other than Allah," he said."The militants will continue until such practice is eliminated." He addedThey urged the Kenyan government to pull its troops out of Somalia, warning that they will target major buildings in Nairobi if they continue fighting the insurgents.At the same time, Adan Wachu, head of the Supreme Council of Kenyan Muslims, told the BBC the attacks were acts of terrorism."There are people out there who are determined to make Kenya another Nigeria," Mr Wachu, who also chairs the Inter-Religious Council of Kenya, told the BBC Network Africa programme."It's not going to be allowed to have a sectarian division in this country - whoever wants to do that will of course fail."Muslim and Christian leaders in the country have moved to reassure Kenyans that the Garissa attacks had nothing to do with religion.The leaders said that Kenyans have coexisted for long regardless of their religious beliefs.
Meanwhile the government has maintained that it will not withdraw the Kenya Defense Forces from Somalia.Prime Minister Raila Odinga says doing so would be tantamount to surrendering to terrorists.
Kenya has suffered a spate of gun, grenade and bomb attacks since sending troops into southern Somalia last October to target militants fighting to overthrow the weak UN-backed government in the Horn of Africa state.  H/T KBC           
32 suspects arrested over attacks

Black Sunday:17 killed in Garissa terror attacks

 

Somalia Designations

Somalia Designations

US sanctions Eritrean military officials over links to Somali terror group

                                                           Al Shabaab terrorist

Somalia Designations

The Treasury Department on Thursday hit six people with financial sanctions for their links to a Somali Islamist group, including two Eritrean military officials.The inclusion of Col. Tewolde Habte Negash and Brig. Gen. Taeme Abraham Goitom, the head of Eritrean External Intelligence, is a warning sign that the United States will sanction anyone suspected of supporting al Shabaab, which the State Department considers a terrorist group. Both Eritrea and al Shabaab have long been in conflict with regional powerhouse Ethiopia, a U.S. ally.“Today, the United States imposed sanctions on six individuals who threaten peace in Somalia,” U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Susan Rice said in a statement. “These individuals all have links to the terrorist organization al Shabaab, which remains one of the greatest obstacles to restoring stability in Somalia. The sanctioning of two Eritrean military officials underscores the ongoing concern about Eritrea's violations of Security Council resolutions. Thwarting Somalia’s path to peace and creating regional discord will not be tolerated. The United States condemns, in the strongest terms, all acts that further destabilize Somalia and bring harm to innocent civilians.”The individuals' addition to the Office of Foreign Assets Control's list of Specially Designated Nationals blocks their assets and bars Americans from doing business with them.,,H/T The Hill

Countering al-Shabab: How the War on Terrorism Is Being Fought in East Africa

 A woman wounded during church attacks in the Kenyan city of Garissa is helped by Red Cross paramedics at Nairobi's Wilson Airport on July 1, 2012

The attack by suspected Islamist militants on two churches in eastern Kenya on Sunday, in which the assailants killed 17 people and wounded 60 more, is more bloody confirmation of the emergence of African terrorist groups. A group of seven masked men threw grenades into the Catholic Church and African Inland Church in Garissa, close to the Somali border, then opened fire with assault rifles. Though no group has claimed responsibility, it is the latest incident after a series of attacks carried out by Islamist militants across Kenya that have killed close to 60 people. The episodes began after Kenya invaded Somalia last September in pursuit of the Somali guerrilla group al-Shabab.

For years Western terrorist hunters have war-gamed a scenario whereby al-Qaeda, pressed in Afghanistan and Pakistan, tries to establish a new staging ground in the Sahara and the Sahel, the band of lawless desert and scrub running east to west across Africa. According to the theory, al-Qaeda would likely try to extend its franchise to three indigenous African groups: al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) in Algeria, Mali and Niger; Boko Haram in northern Nigeria; and al-Shabab in Somalia.
Theory is now becoming reality. After gestating for years, all three groups now present a real threat. Formerly a mostly criminal enterprise kidnapping foreigners for million-dollar ransoms, in the past year AQIM strengthened its arsenal with weapons smuggled out of the collapse of Muammar Gaddafi’s Libya, then piggybacked on a Tuareg rebellion in northern Mali so effectively that it and its fellow Islamists now control a de facto new state. (In a move similar to the Afghan Taliban’s demolition of Buddhist statues, some of the militants have now set about destroying “idolatrous” Sufi shrines in the ancient city of Timbuktu.) In Nigeria, most of Boko Haram’s attacks have a local focus — the security forces, state institutions, churches — but a faction has emerged with bigger ambitions, as it demonstrated with a suicide car-bomb attack on Aug. 26 last year on the U.N.’s headquarters in the Nigerian capital, Abuja, which killed 24 people and injured 115...via Time

Turkey starts training Somali police force

Turkey has started training the first patch of Somali police officers in its country in order to help them stabilise their war-torn country.Over sixty officers were recently flown to Turkey where they will undergo police trainings. Out of the sixty officers, five are said to be women and will undergo special trainings in guarding government installations and detectives.A colourful ceremony was yesterday held at Turkish Police Academy in Stanbul where high ranking Turkish officials and Somalia envoy to Turkey Mohamed Mursal Sheikh Abdirahman were present.Somali embassy officials in Turkey thanked the Turkish government for its continuous support to the Somali republic.Turkey pledged to train and equip Somalia’s security forces in 2010 during the first Istanbul conference. The Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu has promised to assist the African country with its security challenges along with education, infrastructure and development.Turkish military police units will train the inadequately trained and ill-equipped Somali force teaching them basic skills such as arrest procedures, traffic control and field communications.A number of African states including Nigeria and Uganda also pledged their support to train the Somali force...more pics

Kenya church attacks | News24

Kenya church attacks | News24