Somalia: American ISIS supporter in Mogadishu as faction gains first ground

MOGADISHU, Somalia, December 9, 2015 (Garowe Online)-Somali security services have escorted Abdimalik Jones, former Al Shabaab fighter but now ideologically aligned with the so called Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) in a plane to Mogadishu on Wednesday, Garowe Online reports.

Jones surrendered to Somali government forces earlier this week in ex-militant stronghold, Barawe coastal town.

The American ISIS sympathizer along with a group of fighters ditched Al Shabaab loyalty for the Islamic State, pushing him on the run in southern Somalia.

Somali National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) is holding Jones who is likely to be extradited to US secret services according to sources.

Bitter dissension has engulfed within Al Shabaab ranks since July, when key ideologues showed off support for the dangerous Jihadist movement, ISIL.

Crises have slowly degraded into direct confrontations between beleaguered Al Shabaab factions.

ISIL supporters wrest control of southern village  

Pro-ISIS fighters on Wednesday wrested control from Jubaland forces of Lower Jubba region village of Tuulo-Barwaqo according to VOA Somali Service.

Tuulo-Barwaaqo which lies 12km off Dhoobley reportedly fell to militants without resistance.

Jubaland soldiers vacated their bases in advance of militant’s loose squeeze.

The capture marks the first by faction loyal to the Islamic State.

Jones from Baltimore, Maryland

Somali Defence Minister, Abdulkadir Sheikh Ali Diini disclosed at media briefing in Mogadishu that Abdimalik Abdisamad Jones fled after four years in Al Shabaab ranks.

Jones is from central Maryland city of Baltimore, said the Defence Minister, following conflicting reports over whether he crossed into Somalia from San Diego through Kenya.

Known as Khaliil, Jones has fought alongside Somali militant group for four years.

He initially arrived in Dhoobley, and was subsequently married to Somali girls, Minister Diini added.

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GAROWE ONLINE