Wednesday, March 11, 2009

Somalia: Somali group expected to join al-Qaeda

A top military intelligence official says the Somali extremist group al-Shabaab is poised to formally merge with al-Qaida, expanding the terrorist franchise in East Africa.

Defense Intelligence Agency Director Lt. Gen. Michael Maples told the Senate Armed Services Committee Tuesday that the propaganda released by both groups recently highlights their ideological similarities, suggesting a merger is forthcoming.

Al-Shabaab conducts almost daily attacks in Somalia. A merger would strengthen al-Qaida's foothold in East Africa.

Source: AP

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