Al-Shabaab militants in a passing-out parade in 2011. Photograph: Feisal Omar/Reuters
Business Insider: One of the world's most dangerous al Qaeda affiliates is having an alarming resurgence
In September of 2012, Somali and African Union troops moved against Kismayo, the last major city in the country still under the control of al Shabaab, Somalia's al Qaeda franchise. As the offensive approached, Shabaab beat a tactical retreat into the country's hinterlands, ending a period in which the jihadist group controlled substantial territory and represented the country's most powerful political and social force.
It's been nearly three-and-a-half years since the African Union force hastened the end of al Shabaab 's state-building project. But the group made a canny strategic decision, contracting into defensible territory, consolidating its safe haven, and evolving into a deadly and resilient insurgency.
Read more ....
More News On Al-Shabaab In Somalia
African Union and Somali troops retake Somali town from extremists a day after the rebels took control -- AP
Al-Shabaab militants retake Somali port -- The Guardian
Al-Shabaab capture the historic port city of Marka in Somalia as African Union troops struggle against resurgent al-Qaeda group -- Daily Mail
Pilot After Somalia Emergency: Airplane Security Is "Zero" -- ABC News
Airport workers seen with laptop used in Somalia in-flight jet blast -- CNN
Somalia says bomb blew hole in passenger jet. Is Al-Shabab responsible? -- CSM/AP
Somalia's Poor Prospects for Stability -- Stratfor