The evolution of the Al-Shabaab jihadist intelligence structure
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
1-1-2022
Abstract
Terrorist groups that have survived for many years have developed sophisticated information-gathering techniques to counter imminent threats. Al-Shabaab, a Somali-based armed Islamic group, has also developed its own intelligence-gathering strategy through the Amniyat, an intelligence unit focused on tactical efficiency, targeting, counterintelligence (CI), and communication strategy to outperform their opponents. This study adopts a structural analysis to investigate how the organisation evolved historically and established the internal structure of its intelligence division. Emphasizing their counterintelligence (CI) operations, and how Al-Shabaab use CI to their advantage for survival. In doing this, the article draws on the perspectives of John Gentry on VNSA intelligence. © 2022 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.
Divisions
AcademyofIslamicStudies
Publication Title
Intelligence and National Security
Volume
37
Issue
7
Publisher
Routledge