In Somalia, Signs of Discord Appear in a Militant Group

MOGADISHU, Somalia — The movement of Islamist fighters out of towns in southern and central Somalia in recent days, along with comments by government officials and insurgents, suggests that rifts have developed within the leadership of the country’s most powerful militant organization, the Shabab.
The disputes appear to involve clan loyalties and differences over strategy and policy, according to people affiliated with the group’s second in command, Sheik Muktar Roobow Abu Mansor. Among other things, the group’s leadership is divided over whether to allow international aid groups to work in territory held by the Shabab and the role of foreign jihadists within the group. Read More