The Deputy Leader of the insurgent group Hisbul Islam, Sheikh Hassan Abdullahi Hersi known as “Hassan Turki”, has defected on Monday to join the Al-Shabab militant group. Hassan Turki is on the US terror list
Hassan Turki is one of the founders of Al-Shabab but he joined Sheikh Hassan Dahir Awey’s Hisbul Islam group last year. His defection is a setback to Sheikh Aweys who is in disagreement with Al-Shabab over the control of Kismayo.
Al-Shabab officials announced the move at a press conference in Baidoa today. Al-Shabab officials said they will announce the establishment of an “Islamic government” in Somalia.
Reliable sources tell VOA that Hassan Turki’s defection followed a meeting he had with the leader of Al-Shabab Ahmed Abdi Godane “Abu Zubayr” in Baidoa last week.