The Al-Azhar Observatory for Combating Extremism has warned of escalating terrorist threats along the Somali-Kenyan border during the holy month of Ramadan, citing a “bloody strategy” by the militant group Al-Shabaab to intimidate civilians and carry out cross-border attacks.
In a statement on Monday, the observatory said the latest escalation began last Saturday night, when Al-Shabaab militants executed 10 civilians by firing squad in Buale, Middle Juba, and Qunyo Barrow, Lower Shabelle, in southern Somalia.
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Source: Hiiraan Online News
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