Al-Shabaab militants reportedly clash with foreign recruits in Jilib

Al-Shabaab militants have clashed with their foreign recruits in Somalia’s southern town of Jilib, according to local media.

The reports which emerged on Tuesday said the terror group was pursuing a Kenyan foreign fighter within its ranks named Jabir who is believed to wield immense influence within the foreign terrorists ranks.

The militants who attacked Jabir’s residence reportedly received the orders from Mahad Karate, a senior Al-Shabaab figure and once the head of the group’s intelligence branch, the Amniyat.

At least five militants died in the clashes and eight others injured including Jabir.

Located in Middle Jubba region which is under Jubaland state, Jilib is Al-Shabaab’s main stronghold and its administrative capital.

Reports of Al-Shabaab targeting its foreign fighter recruits are not new with earliest reports traced back to 2013 when then group’s leader Abdi Godane reportedly ordered the killing of American foreign fighter Abu Mansoor Al-Amriki.

Infighting among Al-Shabaab factions have also increased since the commencing of the government-led “all-out war” against the group in August last year that has pushed the terrorists out of vast territories in southern and central Somalia.

On Wednesday, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud told the Financial Times in an interview that the “defeat” of Al-Shabaab militants is within sight.