Somalia: Al-Shabaab publishes 72-minute documentary

NAIROBI, Kenya - Somalia-based Al-Shabaab terrorists have published a 72-minute documentary, marking exactly 30 years after the infamous battle of Mogadishu, commonly known as the Black Hawk Down, which marked the beginning of serious civil war in the country.

While most content of the documentary is not new, the group has however, made new claims including that militant fighters under Sheikh Abdullahi Ahmed Sahal Ayatollah played a “catalyst” role, a claim which probably Gen. Aidid’s supporters would disagree with given his role in the significant historical event.

In the documentary, Al-Shabaab says there were ten Al-Qaeda officials in total in Mogadishu at the time who played a significant role in the planning and attacks. They used to participate in attacks in the nighttime. Their tactical advice and battle plan are instrumental, Mahad Karate said.

Karate, the current Al-Shabaab financial officer and No.2 leader, admits he was involved in the fighting. On Oct 3rd, he was one of 15 men fighting in Bar Bakiin and Tokyo areas. Before the Oct 3 battle, he says the militants shot down a Black Hawk over the Elgab neighbourhood.

On their part, Omar Dheere and Sheikh Hassan Yaqub suggested in the documentary that Aidid was not fighting from a position of principle, a claim which Aidid’s supporters would disagree with given his direct involvement in the conflict, which would later shape political history and stability of Somalia.

Yaqub claims in the documentary that Aidid summoned Sheikh Abdullahi Ahmed Sahal and told him they had to stop fighting because he wanted to negotiate. "We are fighting on the same side, but we have different goals," Ayatollah reportedly told Aidid.

The Al-Shabaab came into the spotlight in 2007, several years after the battle of Mogadishu and since then, the militants have been antagonizing civilians and security forces across the country. However, there have been significant achievements by the military on the battlefield.

Al-Shabaab is fighting to topple the fragile UN-backed federal government of Somalia. The group is on the receiving end in central and southern regions following activation of the military campaign against them which is being coordinated by the Somali National Army.

GAROWE ONLINE