Who are Al-Shaabab? Fast Facts

Al-Shabaab means "youth" in Arabic.

Fast Facts about the Islamist group that has claimed responsibility for the terrorist attack on the mall in Nairobi.

What is Al-Shabaab?

Al-Shabaab is an extremist Islamic terrorist group. It was formed in Somalia during the anarchy that prevailed after the country's dictator was deposed in 1991. The group's name means "youth" in Arabic.

Where is Al-Shabaab?

In 2006, the group control over almost the entire Mogadishu , capital of Somalia, as well as large parts of central and southern Somalia. In 2011, the group was forced out of Mogadishu by soldiers from the African Union (AU).

In 2012 they were forced out of the important port city of Kismayo. The strength of the AU was supported by the United Nations and had soldiers from neighboring Kenya and Uganda.

Despite the fact that they were forced back from Mogadishu and Kismayo, the Al-Shabaab still control several places in rural Somalia. It encourages a strong sharia law. This means that women who are accused of adultery can be stoned to death and the theft punishable by amputation of hands.

How many are fighting for Al-Shabaab?

There is no one knows for sure, but according to Professor Stig Jarle Hansen, one of the world's foremost experts on Al-Shabaab is perhaps as many as 3,000 people in Somalia. In Kenya there is a network of between 60-200 people. 

What inspires them?

Al-Shabaab is inspired by the Saudi Wahhabi version of Islam, although most Somalis belong to the more moderate Sufi direction. 

In the beginning, the group popular with Somalis because they guaranteed the security and stability after years of lawlessness. However, they have lost much of this support, after they have destroyed several Sufi shrines.