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Tuesday, March 19, 2024

ISIS Somalia Second-in-Command Killed as Terror Group Plans More European Attacks

U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) conducted an airstrike in the vicinity of Xiriiro, Bari Region, Somalia, on April 14, 2019, killing Abdulhakim Dhuqub, a high ranking ISIS-Somalia official. As second in command of ISIS-Somalia, Dhuqub was responsible for the daily operations of the extremist group, attack planning, and resource procurement.

The U.S. is supporting the Federal Government of Somalia’s efforts to advance economic development, increase governance, and further develop its military institutions. AFRICOM precision airstrikes support Somali security force activities and build enhanced security conditions to allow time and space for governance and economic development to occur.

“We continue to work with our Somali partners to keep pressure on the al-Shabaab and ISIS Somalia terror networks,” said Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Gregg Olson, U.S. Africa Command director of operations. “When it supports the strategy, we use precision airstrikes to target those who plan and carry out the violent extremist activities that put Somalis at risk.”

At this time, it is assessed this airstrike killed only Dhuqub and destroyed one vehicle. No civilians are currently thought to have been injured or killed.

Meanwhile, documents detailing a wave of planned ISIS attacks across Europe have been discovered on a hard drive dropped by members of the terror group as they fled their last stronghold in Syria.

Documents seen by British newspaper The Sunday Times reveal ISIS is – or at least was – planning a new wave of atrocities across Europe, including an attack on a high-speed train network in Germany and on an oil pipeline in Switzerland.

The documents reportedly say that Abu Khabab al-Muhajir, who controls terror cells in Germany and Russia, will direct operations abroad including cyber hacking and bank robberies which will focus on obtaining money to fund the terror group.

ISIS Somalia Second-in-Command Killed as Terror Group Plans More European Attacks Homeland Security Today
Kylie Bielby
Kylie Bielby has more than 20 years' experience in reporting and editing a wide range of security topics, covering geopolitical and policy analysis to international and country-specific trends and events. Before joining GTSC's Homeland Security Today staff, she was an editor and contributor for Jane's, and a columnist and managing editor for security and counter-terror publications.
Kylie Bielby
Kylie Bielby
Kylie Bielby has more than 20 years' experience in reporting and editing a wide range of security topics, covering geopolitical and policy analysis to international and country-specific trends and events. Before joining GTSC's Homeland Security Today staff, she was an editor and contributor for Jane's, and a columnist and managing editor for security and counter-terror publications.

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