Al-Shabaab celebrates UN arms embargo lift, claims victory against Somali military operation

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Al-Shabaab celebrates UN arms embargo lift, claims victory against Somali military operation

MOGADISHU (HORN OBSERVER) - In a video statement released on Thursday, Al-Shabaab's deputy emir Mahad Warsame, also known as Mahad Karate, expressed satisfaction with the United Nations Security Council's decision to lift the decades-old ar

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Karate, who has a $10 million U.S bounty on his head, stated that the group is pleased with the removal of the U.N arms embargo on Somalia.

MOGADISHU (HORN OBSERVER) - In a video statement released on Thursday, Al-Shabaab's deputy emir Mahad Warsame, also known as Mahad Karate, expressed satisfaction with the United Nations Security Council's decision to lift the decades-old arms embargo on Somalia in December.

The video showcased the graduation of jihadi terror recruits at an undisclosed location.

Karate, who has a $10 million U.S bounty on his head, stated that the group is pleased with the removal of the arms embargo, attributing it to the UN's own interests.

He admitted that Al-Shabaab lacks the facilities to produce weapons, relying heavily on seizures from government forces. He cited recent military operations where the group captured military vehicles, including armored vehicles donated to the federal government of Somalia.

"It’s common knowledge that we lack the facilities to manufacture rifles, ammunition, and uniforms, including the brand new attire worn by recruits today and the ammunition pouches accompanying them. Praise be to Allaah, All are part of the seizure we obtained from them," said Karate, who also heads Amniyat, Al-Shabaab's intelligence wing.

The UN Security Council voted on December 1, 2023, to lift the arms embargo on Somalia, which had been in place since 1992.

Regarding the Somali government's military offensive, Karate boasted about the group's success in thwarting the operation.

"We thank God that we put it to its total failure to an extent that nobody is even talking about it these days," he declared

Additionally, he mentioned an increase in the recruitment of new jihadi groups, particularly from government-controlled areas.

The Somali ministry of defense did not respond when we contacted for comment.