Overview
Between 31 January and 3 February, Al Shabaab intensified attacks in Somalia and Kenya, with clashes in Buloburde, Hiiraan, where militants shelled a SNA base. The Somali Army claimed to have killed over 70 Al Shabaab fighters and driven them out of Jicibow, while in South West State, the group raided Wajid Airport, targeted an SNA patrol with an IED, and wounded a mayor in Bardale. In Kenya, Al Shabaab kidnapped five elders and claimed an attack on a military convoy in Mandera, allegedly destroying a BMP armoured vehicle.
ISIS activity declined in Puntland, as US and UAE airstrikes targeted its Cal Miskaad hideouts, with reports indicating the elimination of three ISIS leaders. A former Al Shabaab member turned ISIS commander surrendered, while Puntland forces intercepted a weapons shipment from Yemen. In Yemen, AQAP focused on propaganda, reacting to the killing of a senior Hurras al-Din operative and praising the killers of Salwan Momika, while Houthi clashes with Legitimate Forces in Al-Dhale and Taiz.
