Part 32
By Abu Hajjar al-Kurdi
The Failed Emergence in Somalia
The presence of Daesh anywhere in the world has never benefited the Islamic Ummah. The attacks carried out by this group have always targeted Muslims, and this will continue to be the case.
In this context, the emergence of the group in Somalia and the harm it caused against the mujahideen there can be summarized in several parts.
1. Historical and Social Conditions in Somalia
To understand ISIS in Somalia, it is important to look at the country’s general situation:
Since 1991, the central government has collapsed.
Long-lasting civil war, extreme poverty, and widespread youth unemployment.
Al-Shabaab’s long presence as defenders of the oppressed in the region, which was not tolerated by the international community.
In this environment, ISIS did not emerge out of a complete vacuum. Instead, it was introduced in a structured and systematic way by international intelligence networks.
2. ISIS Structure in Somalia (2015)
ISIS in Somalia emerged from among misled individuals, most of whom were young and emotional.
Main Factors of the Split:
Ideological Differences: Al-Shabaab was linked to Al-Qaeda, while ISIS claimed to be a “global caliphate.”
Power and Leadership Disputes: Some local commanders felt marginalized within Al-Shabaab.
ISIS’s Propaganda and Appeal: Its influence peaked during 2014–2016.
First Leader:
Abdul Qadir Mu’min, a resident of Puntland, laid the foundation of this branch by pledging allegiance to ISIS.
3. Geographic Areas of Activity
ISIS in Somalia was mostly active in the following areas:
Puntland (northeast)
Mountainous and hard-to-reach regions, such as the Golis Mountains
Reasons for Choosing These Areas:
Difficult terrain and limited access
Weak government control
Distance from the main strongholds of Al-Shabaab mujahideen
4. ISIS Crimes in Somalia
The crimes of this group can be divided into several categories:
a) Public and Spectacular Violence
ISIS deliberately used visible and theatrical violence:
Public beheadings of people
Recording and spreading videos of executions
Leaving bodies in public places
Purpose:
To spread fear
To attract media attention
To show “loyalty” to the model of Daesh in Iraq and Syria
Even in a society that had experienced years of war, this level of violence was extraordinary and deeply shocking.
b) Killing of Civilians
The victims were not only government forces:
Local tribal leaders who refused to cooperate with ISIS
Religious scholars with differing interpretations of Islam
Merchants and fishermen who refused to pay taxes
These actions left ISIS with a very limited social base.
c) Targeted Killings
Al-Shabaab fighters
Active religious scholars
Puntland police forces
These killings were usually:
Sudden and unexpected
Carried out with bombs or small arms
Meant to demonstrate “influence”
d) Forced Extortion and Taxes
ISIS used the following methods to collect money:
Threats of death
Kidnappings
Burning of property
These actions placed heavy and additional pressure on the poor people of the region.
5. Bloody Relations with Al-Shabaab
It is important to note that ISIS and Al-Shabaab are open enemies of each other. Al-Shabaab expelled many suspected Daesh members from the areas under its control, leading to direct armed clashes between the two groups.