Islamic State Terrorist Group Reportedly Recruiting from Nigeria - US Commander

 

According to the U.S Africa Command’s Deputy for Military Operations, Vice Admiral Michael Franken, Syria-based Islamic State group, ISIS has expanded its reach in Africa, courting extremists from Nigeria to Somalia while establishing a major nerve centre close to Europe.

 

Speaking in an interview at Africom headquarters in Stuttgart, a top leader of United States Africa Command, Vice Admiral Michael Franken told the Voice of America (VOA) that; "If Raqqa (Syria) is the nucleus, the nearest thing to the divided nucleus is probably Sirte. From there they look to export their terror into Europe and elsewhere." 

 

According to Brookings defence policy expert, Michael O’Hanlon, it is beginning to appear that any counter-Islamic State strategy needs 'serious elements' not only in regard to Syria and Iraq, but also Libya and Yemen.

 

"Access from Libya to Europe is disturbingly easy. Sirte looks like a real stronghold and one with little prospect of being taken away from ISIL anytime soon," O’Hanlon told VOA.

 

It can be recalled that last month, nine al-Shabab members, including the allegedly pro-IS commander, Sheikh Bashir Abu Numan, died in a factional clash near the town of Saakow.

 

The latest developments in East Africa come months after Boko Haram pledged allegiance to the Islamic State. "We know there have been some Boko Haram fighters that went north and joined (Islamic State). Fortunately, not many of them came back," said Franken.