Somalia: Ensuring Long-Term Peace and Stability

"Unchecked, terrorists will continue to undermine and threaten stability and the lives of civilians inside Somalia and throughout the region. Fighting terrorism in Somalia is not our sole priority, but rather is part of a comprehensive strategy to reverse radicalization, improve governance, rule of law, democracy and human rights, and improve economic growth and job creation.

This is a difficult and long-term effort in Somalia. As we encourage political dialogue, we will continue to seek to isolate those who, out of extremism, refuse dialogue and insist on violence. We will remain engaged in working with our regional partners, Somali stakeholders, to ensure a successful political process leading to the return of effective governance and lasting peace and stability." Assistant Secretary for African Affairs Jendayi Frazer

AL-QAIDA OPERATIVES IN EAST AFRICA

Fazul Abdullah Mohammed (aka Harun Fazul): Senior al-Qaida operative in East Africa; was indicted for his alleged involvement in the bombings of the United States Embassies in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, and Nairobi, Kenya, on August 7, 1998.

Saleh Ali Saleh Nabhan: Senior al-Qaida operative in East Africa; Wanted for questioning in connection with the 2002 attacks against a hotel and an Israeli airliner in Mombasa, Kenya.

Issa Osman Issa: Al-Qaida operative implicated in the 2002 attacks in Mombasa, Kenya; maintained contact with the leaders of al Shabaab and commanded militia fighting for the now-defunct Council of Islamic Courts near the interim capital of Baidoa.

LEADERS Of AL-SHABAAB (aka Mujahideen Youth Movement)

Aden Hashi Ayrow: Trained with al-Qaida in Afghanistan prior to 2001. Issued statements praising al-Qaida leader Usama bin Laden, inviting foreign fighters to participate in “holy war” against Ethiopian and Ugandan forces in Somalia, and linking Somalia to al-Qaida’s global operations. Responsible for assassination of a Somali peace activist in July 2005 and multiple targeted assassinations and harassment of civil society figures, government officials, and journalists. Implicated in the murder of an Italiannun in Mogadishu in September 2006.

Mukhtar Robow (aka Abu Mansoor): Senior military commander spokesman for al-Shabaab;  provided logistical support for al-Qaida operatives inside Somalia; has called for attacks on the African Union forces in Somalia.

Ahmed Abdi Godane: Senior member of al-Shabaab; trained and fought with al-Qaida in Afghanistan; implicated in the murders of Western aid workers in Somaliland in 2003 and 2004.

Ibrahim Haji Jama (aka al Afghani): Senior member of al-Shabaab; trained and fought in Afghanistan and Kashmir before returning to Somalia in the early 1990s.

PRE-EXISTING TERRORIST LINKAGES

Hassan Abdullah al-Turki: Designated under U.S. Executive Order 13224 and United Nations Security Council Resolution 1267 for his associations with al-Qaida. Implicated in the murder of an American citizen inside Somalia in 1999. Runs a military training camp for al-Shabaab fighters near the Kenya-Somalia border.

Hassan Dahir Aweys: Designated under U.S. Executive Order 13224 and United Nations Security Council Resolution 1267 for his associations with al-Qaida.