Somali militant group al-Shabab could split soon
Analysts and militants say that Somalia's most powerful militant group is teetering on the brink of a major split because of a rift between its top two leaders
The fight could erode the size and strength of the al-Qaida-aligned group.
The rift inside al-Shabab is over political strategy and clan rivalries, but it is fueled by the two very different outlooks held by the group's two top leaders.
Al-Shabab was formed in 2007 out of a desire to unite warring clans. Now clan loyalty may be tearing the group apart.
Rashid Abdi, a Somalia expert with the International Crisis Group, says that al-Shabab has been "deeply troubled" for quite some time. He says the group is now under serious threat.
(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
Create a More Connected Minnesota
MPR News is your trusted resource for the news you need. With your support, MPR News brings accessible, courageous journalism and authentic conversation to everyone - free of paywalls and barriers. Your gift makes a difference.