Daesh turns to Somalia after Syria and Iraq defeats

Ahmed Sultan

Somalia can become the new stronghold of the Islamic State group after the defeat of the terrorist organization in Syria and Iraq, a strategic security and intelligence services organization has said.

The Islamic State can move its foreign fighters to what it calls the “Province of Somalia”, Soufan Group said in a recent report.

It added that the transfer of the foreign fighters to Somalia would complicate matters, especially for the ongoing international fight against terrorism.

The United States, which leads the international anti-Islamic State coalition, carried out several airstrikes against the terrorist organization in Somalia, the group said.

It added that the United States also offered training to five Somali army battalions with the aim of fighting the terrorist group.

Engagement rules

The United States intensified its strikes against the Islamic State and the Qaeda-affiliated al-Shabaab movement after upgrading its engagement rules with these terrorist organizations. The upgrade has opened the door for staging strikes in populated and unpopulated regions alike.

About 600 American military personnel operate in Somalia, most of them military advisers and trainers.

The Islamic State released a new video last week in which its leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi appeared together with three other senior commanders of his terrorist organization. Baghdadi was shown being given a report, titled “Somalia Province”, by one of the three commanders.

The Islamic State unveiled the founding of its branch in Somalia in the video. The new branch was founded after some al-Shabaab elements broke away and then swore allegiance to Baghdadi.

The United States, the European Union and the United Arab Emirates announced a new counterterrorism plan that will also include the upgrade of Somali counterterrorism units. The new units will gradually replace African troops operating in the country.