Pictures of al Qaeda affiliate in Somalia with armored vehicles equipped with high-end weapons have surfaced as the terror group attempts to revamp their propaganda. The pictures show the members of Harakat Al Shabaab al-Mujahideen aboard several vehicles believed to have been stolen from security forces in Somalia.
While it is unclear how, when and where the terror group acquired the vehicles, it is a clear indication the militants are keen to show off their might despite losing significant ground especially in central and southern Somalia. in the past week, al Shabaab has upped it propaganda especially in its affiliated media sites and social media channels as they are dealt major blows by SNA and Allied troops, both AMISOM’s and US troops.
In several pictures circulating online, a police SUV vehicle is visible mounted with a Chinese made type 78 Recoilless rifle that is very effective on targets such as light tanks, armored vehicles, and bunkers. In another, a Police SUV equipped with ZU-23-2 23mm anti-aircraft twin-barreled auto-cannon. The photos further support a recent change in tactics by the militants who due to their diminishing numbers and lack of skilled close quarter combat fighters opt for a long-range attack on targets.
The recent amplification of might and heightened propaganda comes as internal wrangles and defections reach an all-time high and counter-terrorism efforts by Somalia and allies reach a peak cornering the jihadis, as well as decimating training camps across Somalia.
