To demonstrate its salience and capacity to adapt against robust counter terrorism operations, the Al-Qaeda Branch in Somalia, Harakat Shabaab al Mujahideen is exploiting mortars and road-side improvised explosive devices to target military troops operating in Somalia. In recent past, the group has staged these type of attacks in AMISOM SECTORS.
The group has also escalated targeting of civilian’s in the Capital Mogadishu and other key cities in Somalia including Kismayu in Juba. In a follow-up update the group claims high casualties, up to 36 dead, in recent bombing near the presidential palace. The group claimed the suicide bombing at the checkpoint outside the Presidential Palace to demonstrate its capability to breach and attack hard targets.
Though these claims are often falsified, their psychological effect is adverse to victims and also CT Operators. The objective of terrorists is primarily to create a generalized pervasive fear for the purpose of achieving or furtherance of political and social objectives which are largely ideological, economic, or religious.
Troops need to fill gaps in scouting and surveillance operations. The terrorists are constantly looking for a target. Once they identify one, they analyze its location, vulnerability, size, and strategic value. Once they are satisfied with their final analysis on the particular target, they compare various attack methods and recommend one that fits with the target OPSEC routine and subsequently conduct an attack.
