Somalia’s intelligence agency says it blocks WhatsApp groups used by al-Qaida-linked militants

2024-12-25 22:06:17 source:lotradecoin referral bonus structure category:Markets

MOGADISHU, Somalia (AP) — Somalia’s National Intelligence and Security Agency said Tuesday it has for the first time managed to shut down 20 WhatsApp groups allegedly operated by the extremist group al-Shabab for extortion and intimidation.

NISA in a statement said its cyber division had identified what it described as the virtual hubs for illicit activities by East Africa’s al-Qaida affiliate.

The agency said it also disabled data services for approximately 2,500 phone numbers associated with them.

Somalia is seeking to disrupt al-Shabab’s communication channels and financial transactions as part of a “total war” declared against the group that for years has controlled parts of the country and carried out attacks in the capital, Mogadishu.

African Union peacekeeping troops have been drawing down their presence in the Horn of Africa nation with the goal of handing over security responsibilities to Somali forces that have been waging the offensive declared by the president in 2022.

More:Markets

Recommend

Stock market today: Asian shares advance, tracking rally on Wall Street

BANGKOK (AP) — Shares advanced Thursday in Asia after Wall Street resumed its upward climb, as an up

Pennsylvania county must tell voters if it counted their mail-in ballot, court rules

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — A Republican-controlled county in Pennsylvania violated state law when electi

Whoopi Goldberg asks for 'a little grace' for Janet Jackson after Kamala Harris comments

Whoopi Goldberg is offering a mea culpa for her friend Janet Jackson after the pop icon stirred cont