Somalia: Al-Qaeda network was responsible for the recent Mogadishu clashes - expert

SomaliNet ^ | May 20, 2006 | Mohamed Abdi Farah

[FairOpinion]

(SomaliNet) An independent western security expert for terrorists’ activities said the recent confrontations in Somali capital Mogadishu were organized by Al-Qaeda operatives to have settlement the in lawless and war-torn country (Somalia) on Saturday.

In an interview with the London based Arabic news paper Alqudus Alarabiya, the official who asked not to be identified, said Al-Qaeda network conducts bigger operations in the horn of African nation and attempts to create new insurgents in Somalia.

Reports issued by western intelligences say Al-Qaeda is determined to occupy Somalia capital Mogadishu as their launch pad for terrorist acts against the countries in the region and western interests.

The western expert stressed that Al-Qaeda had long time dreamt of having an influence in Somalia since early 1990s when Al-Qaeda leader Osama Bin Laden visited Sudan.

The western intelligences indicated some of Al-Qaeda operatives recently reached Somalia and began to send messages to terrorist cells in Arab countries to join their Islamic brothers in Somalia.

It is believed that Al-Qaeda military operative Abu Ubeydah Albunshere who drowned in Lake Victoria had Al-Qaeda’s strategy of basing in Somalia to launch operations.

Before his death, Abu-Ubeydah wanted to take advantage in the long lawless coast of Somalia in a bid to establish Al-Qeada stronghold in the horn of African nation. The US intelligence officials in horn of Africa began mass movements to prevent the power extension of Al-Qaeda network in the region as combined task forces keep an eye on the international and Somalia water.

[FairOpinion]

We chased Al Qaeda out of Afghanistan and Iraq, we'll keep after them, as they try to take over other countries. It shows that having a country base to operate from is important to them, which means it was a major blow for them, that we took down the Taliban who gave them safe haven in Afghanistan.

We just need to make sure they don't get the chance to take over another country.

[seacapn]

Funny thing is, "Somalia" as we knew it doesn't even exist anymore. There is a functioning quasi-country in northern Somalia called Somaliland, several hundred miles from Mogadishu. They've been stable for years; you can fly directly to Hargeisa (their capital) on commercial airlines. Terrorists tried to start a campaign against westerners around 2003, by killing some western missionaries, but the local security services quickly shut them down.

Unforunately, the world (America included) has a dream that Somalia will one day be whole again, and no one will recognize Somaliland's independence. I actually had to stop over in the port of Berbera once. I was wary about going to "Somalia," but Somaliland really doesn't fit the stereotype. It's very much like nearby Djibouti or Eritrea.

There may be more fighting in Somalia in the future, but in the short-term, I don't see the downside to recognizing the independence of Somaliland. No reason to keep them tied to the corpse of the former Somalia.

[FairOpinion]

US says concerned at al Qaeda in Somalia

The White House said on Wednesday it was concerned al Qaeda is establishing a presence in Somalia but would not say whether Washington is backing Somali warlords fighting Islamic militants there.

Somalia lacks a functioning government and the United States fears Somalia is a potential haven for extremists.

Militia battles have been waged over the past week between militants linked to the Islamic courts, which have imposed order on parts of Mogadishu through traditional Islamic law, and a self-styled anti-terrorism alliance of warlords.

Asked whether Washington was working with the warlords, White House spokesman Tony Snow said "there is concern about the presence of foreign terrorists, particularly al Qaeda, within Somalia right now."

"In an environment of instability, as we've seen in the past, al Qaeda may take root, and we want to make sure that al Qaeda does not in fact establish a beachhead in Somalia," Snow said.

[tongue-tied]

It may not always make news, but our Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines who serve in the Horn Of Africa matter and make a big difference.

And to think I almost went to Djibouti....shudder.

[FairOpinion]

Very interesting. I didn't know about Somaliland.

It sounds like Somaliland should be allowed to become a country on its own. Are they interested in taking over the rest of Somalia? Sounds like they could bring law and order to it.

[combat_boots]

Oh. You think?

[seacapn]

Unfortunately, at the moment, Somaliland's government barely has enough money to cover payroll. A British military think tank said back in 2005 that recognizing Somaliland would be a good idea from the perspective of fighting terrorism, but it's just not a priority for western governments.

Link to a summary of the study; rest of it is behind a subscriber wall.

[FairOpinion]

"Unfortunately, at the moment, Somaliland's government barely has enough money to cover payroll. "


We keep giving foreign aid to everyone, Somaliland seems to be a country which would actually deserve it. We should help them stay stable and get stronger.

[seacapn]

I suspect (and certainly hope!) that there are some pro-Somaliland efforts going on through the US base in Djibouti, even if they aren't very public. I do know that Hargeisa's police force has gotten better training and equipment recently. Small steps, but it's a complicated situation.

The wikipedia entry for Somaliland has some background information. Back when Somalia actually had a government, they ran an aerial bombing campaign against Somaliland, so there is no desire there to ever be part of "Somalia" again.

Interesting OP. Not often that modern Somali politics come up, but hey, they might just be important in the future!