AL SHABAAB (‘the youth’) is Al Qaeda’s subsidiary in East Africa. Al Shabaab developed ties with Al Qaeda in 2008, but formally pledged allegiance in 2012. Its pledge of allegiance brought Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) and Al Shabaab closer. Proximity to Al Qaeda provided an opportunity for Al Shabaab to be trained in Afghanistan. During this partnership, Al Shabaab also developed skills to use laptop explosives and car bombs.

Source: Ethiopian News January 22, 2024 05:51 UTC