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Deeq A.

Somali Islamist group steps up extortion

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Deeq A.   

MOGADISHU (Caasimada Online)—The militant group al-Shabaab has stepped up extorting from starving communities as the al Qaeda inspired group in Somalia endures financial pressures and an apparent crisis of morale.

The group called on clans in areas of Middle Juba region, southern Somalia to pay for pretty much everything, according a local resident, who asked to be anonymous.

The group collects millions of dollars in Zakat/taxes, road fees and special funds called ‘Infaaq’ from businesses, traders, trucks, fuel, other goods, farms and everything else in Somalia, according to state media.

The money goes mainly to support the group’s members, and for the training, recruiting, weapons, and equipment required to sustain the Somali insurgency and wage jihad in Somalia.

The Al-Qaeda linked Shabaab was pushed out of the Somali capital in 2011 — and subsequently other towns and cities — by soldiers from the African Union Mission in Somalia.

Somalia has been mired in violence and lawlessness since early 1990s when dictator Mohamed Siad Barre was toppled.

Caasimada Online

Mogadishu News Desk

Caasimada@live.com

 

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