On December 12, The Somali National Army (SNA) of the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS) in Mogadishu was routed from the southern Somali town of Ras Kamboni by the regional forces of Jubaland, a federal member state of Somalia. This conflict provides Shabaab, Al Qaeda’s branch for East Africa, an opportunity to consolidate and rebound from its previous losses.

In the latest issue of its Sada al-Malahem magazine, Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) heaped significant praise on recent operations conducted by Shabaab, Al Qaeda’s branch in East Africa. The article is another data point regarding the open support between these Al Qaeda branches.

The massive raid comes as Shabaab is facing its biggest challenge to its rule and territory in over a decade.

Shabaab faces one of the largest counter-offensives against it in recent years. However, to be successful, Somalia must also work to effectively hold liberated areas and not just conduct clearing operations.

The jihadist group claims the bombing, and last week’s bombing at the G5 Sahel base in central Mali, were messages to warn France and its allies about the “costs” of being in Mali.

Shabaab has claimed a number of attacks in recent days across southern Somalia, including briefly recapturing the strategic town of Balad just north of Mogadishu.

Over the past two weeks, African Union forces withdrew from the southern Somali towns of Marka, El Ade, and Badhadhe. Al Qaeda’s branch in Somalia quickly reoccupied the towns.

Seleka rebel infighting in Central African Republic kills 17
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East African rapid reaction force ready by December: officials
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Somalia’s president expects new military push to begin in days
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Two killed after clash with protesters in CAR
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In photos: Tracking al Shabaab in Somalia
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Central African Republic’s Seleka rebels reorganize
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Chad to withdraw troops from AU mission in Central African Republic
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Somalia’s al Shabab: Striking like mosquitoes
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Africa: AU Member States’ Reluctance to Transform State Broadcaster Undermines Good Governance
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Central African Republic falling into anarchy
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Terrorist Financing in West Africa
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France to increase troops in Central African Republic
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Exclusive – Kenyan peacekeepers aided illegal Somalia charcoal export
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In Mali, French Troops Step Up Role
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Mali conflict: AU set to discuss troop deployments
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Terror Threat Prompts US Rethink on Africa
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‘Al-Shabab’ militants forced out of Jowhar
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Gen. Carter F. Ham Details Al Qaeda Influence in Mali
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Mock military operation in Ethiopia simulates all too real African conflict
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Al-Qaeda resurgent?
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