Why in news
On August 2, a suicide bomber detonated an explosive device at the entrance to the Beach View Hotel on Lido Beach in Mogadishu, Somalia, which is often frequented by government officials, businesspersons and youth.
Before the shock could abate, five attackers stormed the site and started shooting at civilians indiscriminately.
What is Al-Shabaab ?
Al-Shabaab is a militant Islamist group based in Somalia.
It emerged from al-Ittihad al-Islamiya (AIAI), a militant group active in the 1990s, and later became an armed wing of the Islamic Courts Union.
Al-Shabaab advocates for a strict interpretation of Sharia law, influenced by Salafism.
It gained prominence in 2006 when it seized control of Mogadishu, Somalia’s capital.
Al-Shabaab initially received support from al-Qaeda and positioned itself as an alternative governance structure in Somalia.
The group is known for conducting suicide attacks and terror strikes both within Somalia and in neighboring countries like Kenya and Uganda.
It also funds itself through illicit activities like charcoal trade.
Al-Shabaab has been responsible for thousands of deaths and continues to pose a significant security threat in the region
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