BELEDWEYNE (KAAB TV) – In an undisclosed location in Somalia, the terrorist group Al-Shabaab released a video on Thursday showcasing the graduation of its new jihadist recruits.
The event featured a speech by Mahad Abdirahman Warsame, also known as Mahad Karate, the deputy emir of Al-Shabaab and head of its intelligence wing, Amniyat.
The recruits were seen wearing new Somali army uniforms and brandishing brand new AK-47 rifles.
Karate touched on several topics in his speech, starting by congratulating the new recruits. He noted an increase in recruits joining from “government-controlled areas due to oppression” and highlighted the rise of older men in the camps.
Addressing the UN Security Council’s decision to lift the arms embargo on Somalia, Warsame expressed Al-Shabaab’s satisfaction, stating that the group is eagerly anticipating benefiting from the newly available weapons, uniforms, and ammunition.
He continued, “It’s common knowledge that we lack the facilities to manufacture rifles, ammunition, and uniforms, including the brand new attire worn by recruits today and the ammunition pouches accompanying them. All are part of the seizure we obtained from them.”
Karate ridiculed that the UN Security Council lifted the arms embargo on Somalia “to serve their own interests, but Al-Shabaab is eagerly anticipating benefiting from the weapons, uniforms, and ammunition allocated to the government”.
Ethiopian desire to access Red Sea
Touching on Ethiopia’s ambitions in the Red Sea, Karate referenced historical Somalia opposition to Ethiopian attempts to seize Somalia’s coastal lands.
He urged the new recruits to be prepared to fight against Ethiopia. Additionally, he pledged support for Palestine and Hamas, expressing a desire to send fighters to Gaza if possible.
“I solemnly swear that, if given the opportunity, we would have dispatched our freshly trained fighters to fight alongside you [Hamas] in Gaza,” he declared.
The recruits displayed placards in English and Arabic, with messages such as “Quds will not be Judaized” and “O Qudus, we are coming.”
Russia grain
Karate also criticized Russia for dumping grain in Somalia and Africa after losing market value.
“Despite Russia dumping its grain due to a loss of market access, the “apostate” authorities in Somalia have failed to adequately provide for their people,” he remarked.
He accused Somali authorities of corruption, alleging they “charged money” for flood-affected victims while neglecting the needs of the people during droughts and floods.