Topic: Hizbul Islam

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Africa Monitor
African Union lays siege to Al Shabab-controlled market in Somalia's capital

African Union troops aim to deny the militant Islamist group Al Shabab funds it receives from taxing shopkeepers and traders. An apparent surge of AU peacekeepers is challenging Al Shabab's tacit control of Somalia.
Africa Monitor
Is Al Shabab gaining or losing ground in Somalia?

Some say that African Union troops are succeeding at pushing back Somalia's rebel movement, Al Shabab, but news reports make it unclear whether that's really the case.
Where does Somalia's Al Shabab suicide attack leave the government?

Tuesday's suicide attack by Somalia's Al Shabab, which killed more than 30 people, including six members of parliament, leaves the transitional government's tenuous hold on power even weaker.
Somali pirates capture China-bound oil tanker

Somali pirates have captured a Russian oil tanker, bound for China. EU naval officials say a Russian Navy vessel is in pursuit.
Somalia mosque bomb targets Al Shabab leaders

A bomb attack in a Mogadishu mosque this weekend failed to kill Fuad Shongole, a top leader of Somalia's Al Qaeda-linked Al Shabab militia. But the Somalia mosque bomb is taking fighting there to a new level of intensity.
Global News Blog
Islamists seize main port used by Somali pirates

Militants from the Hizbul Islam group – a hard-line rival to Somalia's Al Qaeda-linked Al Shabab militia – have seized the main port used by Somali pirates. What will happen to the more than 300 foreign hostages held for ransom by the pirates?
Inside Al Shabab: How the Somalia militant group rules through fear

As the Somalia government fends off militant group Al Shabab, the Al Qaeda-linked insurgency shows its power through intimidation of a whistle-blower.
New Somalia government offensive against Al Shabab

The weak, transitional Somalia government may finally bring President Sheikh Sharif Ahmed some badly needed legitimacy if newly trained forces can push back the militant Islamist group, Al Shabab.
Terrorism & Security
Somali militant group Al Shabab aligns with Al Qaeda

Al Shabab's announcement that it is aligned with Al Qaeda’s global terror network confirms previous intelligence reports from the US and Somali governments, but it also complicates peacekeeping efforts in Mogadishu and Kenya.
Are Somalia's pirates linked to Al Qaeda?

Reports that pirates may want to swap a British couple they captured last week for fellow pirates detained by foreign navies have fueled speculation that the pirates are linking up with Islamist militants.
Can Somalia be saved?

To avoid aiding rebels, Obama must cease direct aid to the government and work with regional neighbors.
Kenya poised to intervene in Somalia

It has massed troops on the Somali border. Islamist militias have threatened retaliation if Kenya acts.
Ethiopian troops return to Somalia

Less than a year after fleeing in the face of an Islamist insurgency, Ethiopian forces have come back to help prevent a moderate government from collapsing at the hands of militant Islamists.
Top Somali warlord: willing to talk?

The fiery Sheikh Dahir Aweys may be ready to hash out a peace deal, following weeks of fighting the moderate government of Sheikh Sharif Ahmed.
Terrorism & Security
Somali government launches new offensive

The latest battle comes as government forces try to regain territory that militants seized last week.
Somali government encircled by hardline Islamists

After five days of assault by better-armed Al Shabab militiamen, pro-government fighters have apparently begun to retreat.