The NEFA Foundation has obtained new video footage of Shabaab al-Mujahideen militants fighting on the frontline in southern Somalia. The undated recording shows masked Shabaab commanders leading their charges under the official banner of Al-Qaida's "Islamic State of Iraq." Militants repeatedly demonstrate the tactics (and perils) of using "technicals"--civilian trucks and flatbeds that have large anti-aircraft weapons mounted on the rear. The video was released by Shabaab as part of a larger propaganda package titled, "Labayk Ya Usama!" ("At Your Service, O' Usama!").
The NEFA Foundation plays a role in the fight against terror through cohesive and comprehensive efforts to research, analyze, and disseminate information pertaining to past and current terrorist activities. The Foundation shares its findings with law enforcement agencies and the intelligence community where appropriate, and works with other research organizations to educate the public on the threat of terrorism. NEFA, by funding extensive field research, is able to obtain original documents as well as develop an on-the-ground understanding of events.
