Despite its Smaller Size, IS-Somalia’s Financial Power and Global Reach Make It a Major Player in Terrorism

The Islamic State’s Somalia affiliate is making waves far beyond its modest size. According to a new report by the International Crisis Group (ICG), IS-Somalia is not only expanding its reach within Africa but also funneling funds to terrorist networks as far afield as Afghanistan.

While IS-Somalia’s impact within Somalia is relatively muted compared to its larger rival, al Shabaab, which dominates significant swathes of the country and is linked to al Qaeda, its role in the broader Islamic State network is far from negligible. The ICG report reveals that IS-Somalia has become a critical node in the Islamic State’s financial and operational machinery, largely due to its impressive revenue generation capabilities.

The affiliate has raised an estimated $6 million since 2022, primarily through extortion and the exploitation of natural resources. The group controls operations in Puntland’s seaport city of Bosasso and engages in small-scale gold mining in the Bari region. This financial prowess has enabled it to support various Islamic State affiliates across Africa and even contribute to operations in Afghanistan.

Despite its financial clout, IS-Somalia remains relatively small, with around 500 fighters entrenched in the rugged Cal Miskaat mountains of Puntland. Its limited territorial control and a sharp decrease in attacks—down from about 60 in 2019 to less than a dozen this year—underscore its constrained operational capacity. Nevertheless, the group’s resilience and ability to attract foreign fighters from Kenya, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Yemen, and beyond, including recent arrests of Moroccans, highlight its growing influence.

The group was founded by Abdulkadir Mumin, who defected from al Shabaab nine years ago. His leadership has expanded IS-Somalia’s regional command, as Islamic State’s central leadership has directed affiliates in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Mozambique to report to him. Mumin himself was targeted by a U.S. airstrike in May but continues to operate, thanks in part to the group’s strategic positioning and the factional politics that plague Somali governance.

The Puntland government’s struggle to combat IS-Somalia is exacerbated by longstanding interclan animosities and political disputes between Puntland and Somalia’s central government. These internal divisions have hindered effective counter-terrorism efforts. The ICG report suggests that a unified front, alongside efforts to address local grievances and encourage defections, is crucial for diminishing IS-Somalia’s influence.

As IS-Somalia continues to leverage its financial capabilities and strategic alliances, the international community and regional stakeholders must confront this emerging threat with a coordinated approach. Ignoring or underestimating IS-Somalia’s growing power could lead to more severe and widespread consequences, not only for Somalia but for global security as a whole.

As America commemorates 9/11’s 23rd anniversary, political figures and citizens grapple with the enduring impact of the attacks amidst today’s heated debates and renewed resolve.

On the 23rd anniversary of the September 11 attacks, America found itself at a crossroads of reflection and political drama. On a crisp September morning reminiscent of that fateful day in 2001, the nation paused to remember the nearly 3,000 lives lost in a tragedy that forever altered the course of history.

At Ground Zero in New York, the scene was both somber and strikingly familiar. Relatives of the victims, their grief still palpable, gathered at the memorial. The air was filled with the echoes of names being read aloud—an annual ritual that transforms personal loss into collective memory. Among those present were President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, along with former President Donald Trump. In a rare moment of unity, the political rivals, fresh from a contentious debate in Philadelphia, exchanged a brief handshake and polite words.

But this year’s commemoration was not just a solemn remembrance. It unfolded against a backdrop of political turbulence and renewed national resolve. Biden and Harris later traveled to Shanksville, Pennsylvania, to honor the brave passengers of Flight 93, who thwarted the hijackers’ plans and crashed the plane into a field rather than the intended target in Washington, D.C. Their journey then took them to the Pentagon, where the fourth hijacked plane crashed into the heart of America’s military might.

In his poignant statement, President Biden reflected on the resilience that emerged from the darkest hours. “On this day 23 years ago, terrorists believed they could break our will and bring us to our knees,” Biden said. “They were wrong. They will always be wrong. In the darkest of hours, we found light. And in the face of fear, we came together—to defend our country and to help one another. That is why terrorists targeted us in the first place: our freedom, our democracy, our unity.”

The president’s words, while evoking a shared sense of pride, also underscored the ongoing challenges of vigilance and security. “They failed. But we must remain vigilant,” Biden continued. “Today, our longest war is finally over. But our commitment to preventing another attack on our people never will be.”

As the bell tolled twice at the site of the World Trade Center, marking the moments when Flight 11 and then Flight 175 struck the Twin Towers, the significance of the day was unmistakable. A police bagpipe honor corps carried an American flag through the plaza, while top U.S. officials watched in reflective silence.

In a moving display of personal connection, Cathy Naughton, who lost her cousin Michael Roberts, a firefighter killed on 9/11, expressed the enduring pain and the need for remembrance. “It’s just so raw. We want to make sure people remember always and say the names always and never forget,” she said, her voice heavy with emotion.

Yet, beneath this solemnity, the political landscape remains fraught with tension. The day’s reflections were tinged with the recent and highly publicized presidential debate between Biden and Trump. Their interaction—cordial yet fleeting—served as a stark reminder of the polarized climate in which this anniversary is observed. The unity displayed at Ground Zero contrasted sharply with the ongoing partisan conflicts that dominate American politics.

Moreover, as the nation reflected on its past, the current political scene continued to stir controversy. The juxtaposition of remembrance with political maneuvering highlights the complex interplay between national grief and the realities of contemporary governance. The intensity of the 2024 election season looms large, overshadowing the collective pause for reflection with the ever-present specter of political strife.

In this charged atmosphere, the 23rd anniversary of 9/11 serves as a poignant reminder of both the profound losses endured and the enduring strength of the American spirit. As the nation grapples with its past and navigates its current challenges, the lessons of September 11 remain as relevant as ever. The call to remember and to remain vigilant is not just a historical reflection but a pressing imperative for the future.

As the day concluded, the blend of personal grief, political dynamics, and national resilience left an indelible mark on the American consciousness. The memories of September 11, 2001, continue to shape the nation’s identity and its response to the challenges of today, underscoring the enduring legacy of that fateful day.

From Resurgent Terror Groups to AI-Enhanced Propaganda—How Modern Technology is Amplifying the Global Threat

As the 23rd anniversary of the September 11 attacks approaches, the U.S. is grappling with a new and unsettling reality in its battle against terrorism. According to Brett Holmgren, acting director of the National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC), the global terror threat has undergone a profound transformation. Once on the ropes, terror groups like al-Qaida and the Islamic State (ISIS) have adapted and reemerged, presenting a more fragmented yet potent menace.

Holmgren’s recent remarks underscore a dramatic shift in the terror landscape. While these groups were severely weakened by years of military pressure, they have now found ways to thrive in a more dispersed and technologically sophisticated environment. “We are today in the midst of another transformative moment in the global terrorism threat landscape,” Holmgren stated at a counterterrorism symposium in New York.

The report reveals that while al-Qaida and ISIS have been pushed out of their traditional strongholds in Afghanistan and Syria, they have not disappeared. Instead, they are operating in smaller, more elusive cells designed to evade detection. This decentralization has made it more challenging to track and combat their activities, reflecting a strategic adaptation to counterterrorism efforts.

Despite these shifts, U.S. officials acknowledge that while these groups still harbor ambitions to strike the U.S., their immediate capacity to execute large-scale attacks remains limited. The current focus of al-Qaida and ISIS, according to Holmgren, has pivoted to exploiting the online environment. These groups are increasingly using digital platforms to recruit, radicalize, and resource individuals in the West, capitalizing on the anonymity and reach provided by the internet.

The United Nations and U.S. Central Command have reported conflicting assessments. The UN has indicated that al-Qaida continues to flourish in Afghanistan under the Taliban’s protection, while Central Command notes a resurgence in ISIS attacks in Syria and Iraq. However, U.S. officials argue that the primary concern now is the online capabilities of these groups. Both al-Qaida and ISIS are leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) to produce more sophisticated and targeted propaganda, aiding in recruitment and operational security.

The recent escalation of violence, notably the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel, has further complicated the situation. The assault, which resulted in significant casualties and hostilities, has sparked a “tectonic shift” in global terrorism. This attack has been a rallying cry for extremist factions worldwide, uniting various groups—from neo-Nazis to Iranian-backed militants—in a shared call for attacks against Western targets.

Rebecca Weiner, Deputy Commissioner for Intelligence and Counterterrorism at the NYPD, highlights the gravity of this shift. The conflict has not only amplified existing threats but also accelerated the radicalization of younger individuals. The rise of AI-enhanced extremist propaganda is particularly concerning, as it effectively targets and manipulates vulnerable youth, potentially leading to a new generation of homegrown violent extremists.

Holmgren describes the October 7 attack as a “unique flashpoint,” marking a significant escalation in violent Islamic extremism since 9/11. The integration of AI into terror operations, while not yet highly sophisticated, has proven effective in its reach and impact. The evolving threat landscape underscores the urgent need for innovative counterterrorism strategies that address both the technological and geopolitical dimensions of modern extremism.

As the world grapples with these new challenges, the U.S. and its allies must adapt their approaches to counter the increasingly complex and dispersed nature of the terrorist threat.

The Islamic State’s Growing Influence Challenges Regional Security and Economic Stability

Northern Somalia, with its rugged terrain and strategic coastal positions, is witnessing a troubling resurgence of the Islamic State affiliate, IS-Somalia. The group’s growing influence poses a significant threat to the region’s fragile stability, particularly in Puntland and the Bari region.

Rising Influence and Territorial Gains

IS-Somalia has gained prominence by successfully pushing al-Qaida affiliate al-Shabaab out of key strongholds, such as the Buuraha Cali Miskat mountain range in Puntland. The group’s expansion into the port city of Bosaso and remote areas in the Qandala district underscores its growing foothold.

The Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (ACLED) reported that IS-Somalia’s presence in Qandala, home to the Ali Saleban subclan of the Majeerten clan, where IS-Somalia leader Abdulqadir Mumin is from, facilitates recruitment and control. Mumin’s survival of a targeted airstrike on May 31 and his rising status within the Islamic State reflect his increasing significance in the global network.

IS-Somalia’s resurgence aligns with the Islamic State’s broader expansion strategy across Africa. The al-Karrar office, responsible for operations in Somalia, Central Africa, and Yemen, plays a critical role in coordinating the group’s activities, including the supply of fighters, resources, and financial support.

Colin Clarke of The Soufan Group describes IS-Somalia as a crucial component of the Islamic State’s global logistics network, contributing to its ability to orchestrate violence and instability.

IS-Somalia has intensified its control through extortion, demanding monthly payments from businesses, which it uses to finance its operations. This has led to the closure of several large businesses and the National Hospital in Bosaso, affecting local economies and services.

Abdikhaliq Awil, a security specialist, reported that the group’s demands have forced many businesses to either shut down or pay extortion fees, impacting the economic stability of Bosaso.

The resurgence of IS-Somalia compounds the existing security challenges in Somalia. Interclan violence has surged, particularly in Mudug region of Galmudug state, with disputes over resources and clan rivalries fueling the conflict. ACLED recorded a significant increase in armed clashes in June, further destabilizing the region.

President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has attributed the interclan violence to the disruptive tactics of both al-Shabaab and IS-Somalia, aiming to undermine counterterrorism efforts and sow discord among local communities.

The resurgence of IS-Somalia and ongoing conflicts with al-Shabaab and local clans represent severe challenges to Somalia’s stability and development. Addressing these threats requires coordinated regional and international efforts to combat extremism, strengthen security, and promote economic resilience in the affected areas.

Suspected Boko Haram Militants Launch Deadly Raid, Highlighting Ongoing Crisis in Northeast Nigeria

In a horrifying display of violence, at least 81 people have been killed in Nigeria’s northeastern Yobe State following a brutal attack by suspected Boko Haram militants. Local officials reported the gruesome details of the assault, which has left many missing and a community in shambles.

The attack, which took place on Sunday afternoon, involved approximately 150 militants armed with rifles and rocket-propelled grenades. According to Abdulkarim Dungus, a spokesperson for the Yobe State Police, the attackers arrived on over 50 motorcycles and targeted Mafa ward around 4 p.m. They engaged in a rampage of violence, killing many, setting fire to numerous shops and houses, and leaving the community devastated.

The violence appears to be a retaliatory strike, sparked by the recent killing of two Boko Haram members by local vigilantes, Dungus noted. Bulama Jalaluddeen, a local official, confirmed that at least 81 people lost their lives in the attack. By the time soldiers arrived for the evacuation of bodies, many of the deceased had already been buried by their families, and additional victims from nearby villages had been buried by their relatives as well. The number of missing persons remains uncertain.

This latest attack highlights the ongoing crisis in northeastern Nigeria, a region that has been plagued by insurgency for over 15 years. Boko Haram, along with other extremist groups, has been responsible for the deaths of more than 40,000 people since the onset of their violent campaign. The violence has also fueled the growth of criminal gangs, known as “bandits,” who terrorize central and northwestern Nigeria, raiding villages, abducting residents, and committing widespread arson and looting.

The violence in Nigeria’s northeast has created a dire humanitarian situation, with countless lives disrupted and communities left in ruin. The attack in Yobe State serves as a grim reminder of the persistent and escalating threat posed by Boko Haram and its affiliates. As the situation continues to evolve, the urgent need for comprehensive security and humanitarian responses becomes ever more critical.

The United Nations Security Council extended the mandate for the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (Atmis) on August 15, 2024, marking 18 years of international efforts to crush the homegrown parasite that is al-Shabaab. Yet, despite the presence of 12,626 troops in an ostensibly noble mission, the reality on the ground tells a different story: al-Shabaab stands strong as ever, thriving amidst chaos. So, why does this militant group remain such a stubborn enigma?

Emerging from the ashes of a disintegrating Somali state in 2006, often cloaked in the mantle of radical sharia law, al-Shabaab has endured unimaginable setbacks, from battlefield defeats to territorial losses. Yet, alongside these defeats, it has forged alliances and adapted in ways that challenge Western counterinsurgency efforts. Indeed, as a member of the al-Qaeda global terrorist network since 2012, al-Shabaab boasts an estimated fighting force of 7,000 to 12,000, making it a formidable adversary within the jihadist realm.

So, what fuels its relentless adaptability?

1. The Flawed Western Doctrine

The West’s approach, centered around a misguided “hearts and minds” strategy, has failed spectacularly. Building democratic institutions in a war zone is akin to constructing sandcastles at high tide: ineffective and short-lived. As a result, civilians are left to navigate a perilous landscape, often coerced into supporting insurgents simply for survival. This has created a vacuum that al-Shabaab exploits, positioning itself as a protector in a chaotic environment.

2. The Taxation Machine

Al-Shabaab operates like a well-oiled revenue collection engine, thriving on illegal taxation, extortion, and criminal enterprises. The failure of government forces to secure areas once thought ‘liberated’ has allowed the group to maintain control even in territories patrolled by African Union forces. While the Somali government has made strides in countering this revenue stream, such as cracking down on electronic payments, it fails to grasp a crucial point: in a state of lawlessness, desperate citizens willingly fund their oppressors for a semblance of security.

3. The Protector Paradox

Ironically, al-Shabaab’s brutal interpretation of sharia law also contributes to its stronghold. By presenting itself as a stabilizing force—albeit a harsh one—it cultivates an image of predictability and order. The group’s court system, though draconian, delivers results in a landscape largely abandoned by the state, endearing it to a population in desperate need of structure.

4. Clan Rivalries: A Double-Edged Sword

In Somalia, clans are not just social constructs; they dictate every facet of life, including allegiances to al-Shabaab. The group’s strategic courting of clan leaders fortifies its position while undermining government attempts at cohesive governance. Yet, as government forces attempt to rally clan support against al-Shabaab, internal rivalries only serve to splinter these efforts, driving some clans into the arms of the very group they are meant to fight.

5. Somali Army: A House of Cards

While there’s a glimmer of hope with the emergence of a more structured Somali army, the reality is sobering. With approximately 19,000 troops, including mobile forces trained by Western allies, the army is hamstrung by internal corruption, clan-based recruitment, and a lack of logistical capacity. This undermines their ability to launch simultaneous offensives—raising serious skepticism about their capacity to assert control and protect federal states against al-Shabaab.

6. Safe Havens: The Fortress of Al-Shabaab

Crucially, the strongholds in the lower and middle Juba regions remain untouched by the current military offensives. With a decade and a half of established governance, these territories have transformed into sanctuaries for al-Shabaab, enabling the group to regroup, train new recruits, and strategize—essentially, a breeding ground for jihadist ideology and operations.

What Lies Ahead?

The apparent stalemate in Somalia’s fight against al-Shabaab raises urgent questions about the efficacy of existing strategies. The past clearly holds lessons for the future, yet these lessons are often disregarded in favor of outdated ideologies. As the battle continues and al-Shabaab evolves, a recalibration of tactics that genuinely puts the Somali people’s security at the forefront is desperately needed. Failing to confront these uncomfortable truths only cements al-Shabaab’s position as a resilient predator in a landscape fraught with despair, chaos, and untapped potential for catastrophe. The world must ask: Can we afford to let this beast thrive unchecked for another eighteen years?

Deadly Attacks in Baluchistan by the Baloch Liberation Army

Authorities in Pakistan reported that insurgents have killed over 40 people, including civilians and security personnel, in a series of attacks across the southwestern province of Baluchistan. The violence, which began late Sunday, marks one of the deadliest days in the region in recent years.

The initial attack occurred in the Musakhail district, where armed men blocked an interprovincial highway and forcibly removed passengers from buses and trucks before executing at least 23 of them. The attackers also set fire to 10 vehicles before fleeing. Ayub Achakzai, a senior police officer, reported that the victims were primarily from Punjab, Pakistan’s most populous province.

In separate incidents, insurgents launched hit-and-run raids targeting police and military positions across the province. These attacks resulted in the deaths of 14 soldiers, four police officers, and five civilians, including a pro-government tribal elder.

The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), an outlawed separatist group, claimed responsibility for the attacks. The BLA stated that their targets were individuals affiliated with Pakistani security forces. They reported a higher casualty toll than the official figures and warned residents to avoid highways and cooperate with their fighters.

The BLA, known for its attacks on non-Baloch residents and its opposition to Chinese investments in the region, has been involved in a prolonged insurgency seeking independence for Baluchistan.

In response, the Pakistani military conducted clearance operations and claimed to have killed 21 insurgents. The BLA confirmed the deaths of six of their fighters, describing them as suicide bombers. The conflicting casualty figures have not been independently verified.

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the attacks and expressed his condolences for the victims. The BLA’s latest violence is part of a new operation across Baluchistan, which the group claims has achieved its objectives. They have announced plans to end their road blockades and vacate their positions.

Baluchistan, rich in natural resources and hosting major Chinese infrastructure projects like the Gwadar port, is a strategic area. The BLA has targeted Chinese nationals and infrastructure, protesting against what they describe as exploitation of their region’s resources.

The violence in Baluchistan underscores the persistent security challenges facing the region. Pakistan and China have pledged to combat the security threats jointly, despite the insurgent group’s continued efforts to disrupt investments and assert their demands for independence.

General Muhoozi Kainerugaba’s Controversial Demand and Its Potential Impact on Uganda-U.S. Relations

Uganda’s Chief of Defense Forces, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has issued a stunning demand for $100 billion in compensation from the United States. The demand, made via a series of posts on the social media platform X, has intensified the already strained relations between Uganda and the U.S.

“$100 billion is the minimum I demand from the USA. And they will pay every penny,” Muhoozi declared in one post, asserting that the U.S. owes Uganda this massive sum for its military contributions and losses in Somalia. He claimed, “We did a lot better than the people in Ukraine. It seems their specialty is running from Russians. We are waiting for payment.”

Uganda’s military, under AMISOM, has been pivotal in supporting Somalia’s UN-backed government against Al-Shabaab militants since 2007. The Ugandan forces have faced significant casualties while stabilizing key areas, particularly in Mogadishu. Yet, despite these contributions, the demand for such a staggering amount of money has left many questioning whether Muhoozi’s call is a genuine grievance or political grandstanding.

The timing of Muhoozi’s demand is critical. Relations between Uganda and the U.S. have soured recently, particularly after Uganda’s removal from the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA). This U.S. program had provided Uganda with duty-free access to American markets for over 1,800 products. The removal, effective January 1, 2024, was due to alleged “gross violations” of human rights, a move that has further strained ties.

“The USA must apologize to Uganda for removing us from AGOA,” Muhoozi insisted, linking the reinstatement to any discussion of compensation. The exclusion of Uganda from AGOA, along with Gabon, Niger, and the Central African Republic, has been compounded by U.S. sanctions targeting Ugandan officials over corruption and reports of extrajudicial killings.

Muhoozi, often dubbed Uganda’s “tweeting general” due to his provocative social media presence, is no stranger to controversy. His past statements include offering 100 cows as a bride price to Giorgia Meloni, the then-rising Italian prime minister, and threatening to invade Kenya. These incidents led to his temporary removal from his role as commander of Uganda’s land forces, though he was reinstated and promoted to Chief of Defense Forces in March 2024.

As Uganda approaches its 2026 presidential elections, where Muhoozi has hinted at running, his provocative demands and the escalating tensions with the U.S. underscore a period of significant diplomatic uncertainty. With nearly a million followers on X, Muhoozi’s statements are likely to fuel ongoing debates about Uganda’s foreign relations and its position on the global stage.

The $100 billion demand and the current diplomatic friction highlight a critical juncture in Uganda-U.S. relations. As the political landscape in Uganda evolves and the country navigates its international challenges, the international community watches closely to see how this bold demand will impact future diplomatic interactions and global perceptions of Uganda’s military and political ambitions.