Competition Between Islamist Militants May Fuel Big Attacks

What we are witnessing is not the competitive spirit, but the spirit of a whole different kind …

Ephesians 6:12-13, “For our struggle is not against fnflesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm.”

By Myra MacDonald, Reuters – “The assault on Kenya’s Westgate shopping mall has brought into sharp relief a pattern likely to complicate efforts to counter Islamist militants – competition among jihadis can increase the risk of a major attack.

As with the 2008 assault on the Indian city of Mumbai and this year’s raid on an Algerian desert gas plant, the attack in Nairobi by Somalia’s al Shabaab was preceded by in-fighting or loss of supporters to other militant groups.

This competition can initially make groups seem divided and weak, while actually making them more dangerous if a leader then feels compelled to mount a big attack to burnish his jihadi credentials – thereby bringing in fresh recruits and funding.

Western counter-terrorism officials have long been aware of the risk that intensive security measures adopted at home following the Sept 11, 2001 attacks on the United States are driving militants to target Westerners overseas.

But the impact of competition, sometimes caused by government efforts to curb militants, is only just beginning to be understood. It was thrown into sharp relief by the mall attack by al Shabaab, which killed 67 people.

Recognised by al Qaeda as an affiliate in 2012, the group had suffered from internal feuding as African Union forces, including troops from Kenya, drove them out of urban strongholds.

These rifts rose dramatically to the surface when the American-born Omar Hammami tweeted about what he said were attempts on his life by al Shabaab assassins sent by the group’s leader. He was reported to have been killed this month in Somalia.

JIHADIST FORCE

While it is too early to assess all the motivations behind the attack on the Westgate mall [ICA: They separated Muslims from non-Muslims and slaughtered anyone who lost their game of 20 questions. What is there to assess?], the attention it received could help al Shabaab leader Ahmed Godane achieve his ambition of rebranding his group as a significant jihadist force, leading analysts to warn that more attacks could follow.” Read more.

Flashback: ‘What Are You Waiting For?’ – Al-Qaeda Calls on US Muslims to Buy Guns and Start Killing Americans – “If an event were to occur in the world that would be eschatologically pivotal for Muslims this would be sure to awaken any radical elements within the Muslim population, regardless of where they live, and even radicalize some of those who were previously considered ‘moderate’… If we are complacent into believing that any such scenario could never happen or is highly unlikely, we don’t need to look far before we come face to face with the sobering reality that Islamic terrorist cells are, today, already forming within our own borders.” Read more.