University Presentation Showcase: Undergraduate Division
The Upcoming of al-Shabaab
Presenter Hometown
Richmond
Major
Homeland Security
Department
Military Science and Leadership
Degree
Undergraduate
Mentor
Bill Sullivan
Mentor Department
Military Science and Leadership
Recommended Citation
Altamirano, Armand C., "The Upcoming of al-Shabaab" (2023). University Presentation Showcase Event. 4.
https://encompass.eku.edu/swps/2023/undergraduate/4
Abstract
Abstract
The purpose of this project is to understand al-Shabaab’s motives and how the group operates. Because the group has grown in forces and supplies, al-Shabaab is a threat to neighboring countries and other foreign presence. By researching the groups war funds, main objectives, and methods and tactics while understanding their fight in Africa, Somalia and their allies can better mitigate possible attacks and further neutralize the groups presence in Somalia. Research finding conclude Al-Shabaab has profited up to $100 million off smuggling and black-marketing contraband as well as running multiple racketeering operations. The group has an estimated 7,000 and 12,000 forces in the southern and central regions of Somalia. According to the Global Terrorism Database, there were over 2,500 terrorist incidents in Somalia between 2006 and 2020, with the majority of them attributed to al-Shabaab. These attacks resulted in over 9,500 deaths and over 14,000 injuries. The group has also been responsible for numerous large-scale attacks including the 2016 attack on a AMISOM base killing 141, and the 2017 truck bombings that toppled streets and buildings in downtown Mogadishu killing 512 and wounding 312. Research findings indicates al-Shabaab's violence has had a devastating impact on the people of Somalia contributing to the ongoing struggle of regional stability in the country. Recommendations include cutting off fundings, increase regional cooperation, and strengthening the Somali government and resources.
Keywords: Al-Shabaab, somalia, contraband, mogadishu, amisom (African union mission in Somalia)
Presentation format
Poster
The Upcoming of al-Shabaab
Abstract
The purpose of this project is to understand al-Shabaab’s motives and how the group operates. Because the group has grown in forces and supplies, al-Shabaab is a threat to neighboring countries and other foreign presence. By researching the groups war funds, main objectives, and methods and tactics while understanding their fight in Africa, Somalia and their allies can better mitigate possible attacks and further neutralize the groups presence in Somalia. Research finding conclude Al-Shabaab has profited up to $100 million off smuggling and black-marketing contraband as well as running multiple racketeering operations. The group has an estimated 7,000 and 12,000 forces in the southern and central regions of Somalia. According to the Global Terrorism Database, there were over 2,500 terrorist incidents in Somalia between 2006 and 2020, with the majority of them attributed to al-Shabaab. These attacks resulted in over 9,500 deaths and over 14,000 injuries. The group has also been responsible for numerous large-scale attacks including the 2016 attack on a AMISOM base killing 141, and the 2017 truck bombings that toppled streets and buildings in downtown Mogadishu killing 512 and wounding 312. Research findings indicates al-Shabaab's violence has had a devastating impact on the people of Somalia contributing to the ongoing struggle of regional stability in the country. Recommendations include cutting off fundings, increase regional cooperation, and strengthening the Somali government and resources.
Keywords: Al-Shabaab, somalia, contraband, mogadishu, amisom (African union mission in Somalia)
