Divisions emerge within Al-Shabaab after murder of top commander

MOGADISHU, Somalia - Fresh divisions have been reported within the Al-Qaeda linked group, Al-Shabaab, a senior intelligence official said, in what could significantly change the fortunes of the group, which is currently struggling for survival due to ongoing nationwide operation targeting them.

Jubaland spy chief Col. Khalid Abdullahi told reporters over the weekend that top Al-Shabaab commanders are embroiled in what could break the group, which has been causing havoc in the Horn of Africa nation, adding that the murder and detention of another militant have significantly contributed to the impasse.

Abdullahi said the rift emerged after the death of Abdifatah Barre, who was a senior commander in Jubba regions and was respected among the top echelons of the group. He said a section of the militants has threatened to decamp following Barre's execution by the militants.

"They are in a deep problem and this is occasioned by the execution of Barre early this month. He was one of their most trusted fighters and death has brought about the current divisions. We are aware that some now want to quit the group," said the intelligence chief.

Sources within the group said the militants split into two wings, one led by the leader Ahmed Diriye [Abu Ubaidah] and the opposing side is headed by the deputy leader and Amniyat chief Mahad Karate. Their difference is based on financial and power struggle, per the sources. 

Khalid's claims come barely a fortnight after Barre's death was reported but the government of Somalia could not immediately confirm the news. At Lower and Middle Juba regions, the commander was feared by both civilians and militants working under his command.

Abdifatah Barre was reportedly killed by Al-Shabaab militants after months of detention, Abdirahman Ahmed, the Director of ICT had confirmed in a tweet, ending speculations about the whereabouts of the militant, who is being sought for by security forces in the war-torn nation.

Barre had been in detention but it's not clear why his associates threw him to cells. However, Al-Shabaab militants are often notorious for arresting and detaining those who violate in-house rules, and the militant could be a victim of his own misdeeds and violations.

"Baari was executed by the Al-Shabaab after months in detention. This ends his active days as a militia and warlord who antagonized people in Somalia and across the borders," the official had said without giving many details over the incident, which reflects deep divisions within Al-Shabaab.

Before he joined the Al-Qaida linked group, Barre was an ex-militia who ran checkpoints across Somalia from where he extorted his subjects and at times, killing them without mercy. At the checkpoints, he made a fortune before he joined the Al-Shabaab militants, who have been causing havoc in Somalia.

Throughout his stay within the Al-Shabaab, Baari was ranked as one of the most notorious militants who killed dozens of people including soldiers and civilians in the country. He's been on the most-wanted list of the Al-Shabaab militants who killed people with impunity.

And the latest divisions add to the injury of a group which is struggling with financial fortunes, massive defections, infighting and coordinated onslaught by Somali National Army [SNA], AMISOM and the US Africa Command. The team has killed dozens of militants this year alone.

Intelligence sources had earlier this year also indicated divisions among the militants including that involving group leader Ahmed Omar Diriye and Financial controller Mahad Karate. The standoff led to the expulsion of Karate and his close associate Bashir Qorgab, but the action irked a section of the fighters.

While it's not clear if Karate was reinstated, it's however certain that Bashir Qorgab was killed in a US coordinated airstrike at the outskirts of Saakow town. He was linked to the deadly attack targeting a US Naval Base in Kenya on January 5 which left three Americans dead.

And another operative, Muse Moalim, who was in charge of Amniyat in Mogadishu, was also killed by the militants, further causing divisions. Since then, Ahmed Omar Diriye, the group head, has since taken over intelligence offices within the capital Mogadishu.

Since 2008, Al-Shabaab militants have leftover 5,000 civilians dead within and outside Somalia according to the International Crisis Group. With around 7,000 active fighters, the group is predominant in central and southern Somalia but has been significantly degraded.

GAROWE ONLINE