The United States reaffirms its commitment to supporting Somalia and its East African partners in the relentless fight against the Al-Qaeda affiliated Harakat al-Shabaab al Mujahideen terrorist group. By designating five key Al-Shabaab leaders as Specially Designated Global Terrorists, the U.S. Department of State aims to disrupt their operations and protect the interests of the Somali government and its people, besides stemming down threat they pose in the region.
The Department of State designated the following five Al-Shabaab leaders as Specially Designated Global Terrorists under Executive Order (E.O.) 13224. These individuals play key roles within the organization:
Maxamed Siidow:
- Role: Finance emir and commander in Al-Shabaab’s armed wing, the Jabha.
- Operations: Oversees illicit taxation activities in Aliyow Barrow, Lower Shabelle, Somalia.
- Involvement: Led Al-Shabaab fighters in attacks and participated in planning operations utilizing improvised explosive devices (IEDs).
Cali Yare:
- Role: Finance emir responsible for illicit taxation operations in Beled Amin, Lower Shabelle.
- Activities: Consolidates religious and illegal taxes collected from civilians and clan elders.
- Notable Attack: Directed and claimed responsibility for the November 14, 2018, IED attack on Somali Armed Forces near Calagaad.
Maxamed Dauud Gabaane:
- Role: Finance emir overseeing Al-Shabaab finance operations in Wanlaweyn District and Beled Amin, Lower Shabelle.
- Additional Responsibilities: Head of the group’s intelligence wing, the Amniyaat, in Wanlaweyn District.
- Operations: Operates an extensive early warning and informant network, collecting information on coalition forces and individuals at the Baledogle Military Airfield.
Suleiman Cabdi Daoud:
- Role: Finance emir and wali (commissioner) of Beled Amin.
- Involvement: Oversees illicit taxation operations in the Lower Shabelle, collecting religious taxes and assisting in managing an Al-Shabaab “court” that stores fines collected from civilians.
- Previous Role: Served as an Amniyaat official.
Mohamed Omar Mohamed:
- Role: Wali of Al-Shabaab in the Diinsor District, Bay Region, Somalia.
- Activities: Responsible for a series of attacks targeting civilians.
- Previous Role: Wali and Jabha commander of the Berdaale District, Bay Region.
Countermeasures and Support:
To reinforce counterterrorism efforts, U.S. Department of the Treasury is concurrently designating 15 Al-Shabaab financial facilitators and operatives, four charcoal smugglers, and seven associated companies. These actions align with the United States’ counterterrorism priorities in Somalia and strengthen the collaborative partnership with the Somali government in addressing the terrorist threats faced by the nation.
Consequences:
As a result of these designations, all property and interests in property of the individuals and entities listed are blocked under U.S. jurisdiction while U.S. persons are generally prohibited from engaging in any transactions with them. These measures demonstrate the firm commitment of the United States to combat terrorism and protect both the Somali people and their communities.
