Al-Shabab: Somalia's Islamist militant group

According to analysts, al-Ittihad al-Islami (AIAI, or “Unity of Islam”), a militant Salafi group, was the forerunner of al-Shabab and gave birth to many of its leaders back in the 1990s.

Al-Shabab, which means “the Youth,” aims to establish a strict interpretation of Shariah law across Somalia. It has previously carried out public stoning and amputations of suspected adulterers and thieves. In addition, the group prohibits shaving of beards for men and has banned entertainment through music…