The militant group al-Shabab operating in the East African region has declared war on another militant group, Islamic State (IS).
Al-shabab leaders say IS fighters are “spoiling the ongoing jihad in Somalia”. The war was declared in a broadcast.
The group’s spokesperson, Ali Mohamud – alias Ali Rage has asked al-shabab fighters to launch attacks on IS fighters.
The intention according to the militant group is to wipe out IS fighters. Mohamud claims IS fighters are “a deadly disease” and “a cancer”.
Al-shabab is known for carrying out deadly attacks in Somalia and eastern part of Africa.
In recent times many attacks have been carried out by IS fighters who normally operate within Syria and Iraq.
IS has however lost many grounds in Syria and Iraq forcing it to establish its activities elsewhere in Africa.
Al-Shabab is fighting to overthrow the UN-backed government in Somalia considered very week. The group impose its own strict interpretation of Islamic law.
But it has lost control of many towns and cities to a 22,000-strong African Union force supporting the government.
Al-shabab is linked to al-Qaeda and still has a strong presence in many rural areas in Somalia.
AFP
