This was revealed in a new UN report. According to intelligence from participating countries, several hundred foreign jihadists have arrived in Somalia, which has allowed the number of fighters in the Somali branch of ISIS to double, reaching 600-700 militants. This was achieved through both sea and land routes. The recruits came from six countries: Syria, Yemen, Ethiopia, Sudan, Morocco, and Tanzania. Some captured terrorists admitted during interrogations that they were trained by individuals from Middle Eastern countries in training camps.
The primary stronghold of ISIS in Somalia remains the autonomous region of Puntland. With the increased number of militants, ISIS has managed to regain territory from its main rival in the country—the “Al-Shabaab” group, which is linked to Al-Qaeda. In February 2024, we reported on ISIS’s large-scale military campaign against its competitors.
The report also highlights that one of ISIS’s nine regional financial centers, “Al-Karrar,” is located in Somalia. Its area of responsibility includes Somalia, Mozambique, and the DRC (Democratic Republic of the Congo). “Al-Karrar” is responsible for transferring significant funds intended for jihadist activities. It is led by Abdulkadir Mumin, who was targeted for elimination by the Americans in May of this year.
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