BIG STORY: Middle Class Kingdom

ABOUT:

In a five-part series, VICE founder Suroosh Alvi travels the world to investigate the origins and impact of the world's deadliest terrorist organizations: al Qaeda, al Shabaab, Tehrik-i-Taliban, Boko Haram and the Islamic State.

In the series’ second episode, Suroosh travels to eastern Africa, where he documents the spread of al Shabaab and its relentless reign of terror, made notorious by its large-scale attacks in Somalia, Kenya and beyond. Suroosh meets victims of al Shabaab’s attacks, speaks to government officials trying to contain the terror organization and is on hand when a suicide bomber attacks a hotel in Mogadishu.

Exploring the binary universe of the war on terror – good versus evil, us versus them – he takes us behind the curtain to show us the cycle of violence al Shabaab has left behind, while helping answer a fundamental question: is there an end in sight?

WATCH:

The full video below.

Big Story: Terror Part II: Al Shabaab

In a five-part series, VICE founder Suroosh Alvi travels the world to investigate the origins and impact of the world's deadliest terrorist organizations: al Qaeda, al Shabaab, Tehrik-i-Taliban, Boko Haram and the Islamic State. In the series’ second episode, Suroosh travels to eastern Africa, where he documents the spread of al Shabaab and its relentless reign of terror, made notorious by its large-scale attacks in Somalia, Kenya and beyond. Suroosh meets victims of al Shabaab’s attacks, speaks to government officials trying to contain the terror organization and is on hand when a suicide bomber attacks a hotel in Mogadishu.

CHASING TERROR | PHOTOS:

A young Somali boy plays with a gun at the beach.

A young Somali boy plays with a gun at the beach.

Before granting an interview, a former warlord demands the crew film itself for 30 minutes to ensure the camera is not a weapon.

Before granting an interview, a former warlord demands the crew film itself for 30 minutes to ensure the camera is not a weapon.

Suroosh meets women who were victims of al Shabaab’s violence, including some who were made amputees by their former husbands.

Suroosh meets women who were victims of al Shabaab’s violence, including some who were made amputees by their former husbands.

Suroosh meets an Islamic Studies student who lost an eye in an attack, after refusing to join al Shabaab.

Suroosh meets an Islamic Studies student who lost an eye in an attack, after refusing to join al Shabaab.

On a sandy bank, markers indicate where al Shabaab victims were buried after being executed.

On a sandy bank, markers indicate where al Shabaab victims were buried after being executed.

Thousands have fled al Shabaab’s violence and sought shelter in crowded internally displaced persons (IDP) camps.

Thousands have fled al Shabaab’s violence and sought shelter in crowded internally displaced persons (IDP) camps.

Former al Shabaab fighters learn work and life skills in a rehabilitation center.

Former al Shabaab fighters learn work and life skills in a rehabilitation center.

A suicide bombing attack in Mogadishu puts the crew on high alert.

A suicide bombing attack in Mogadishu puts the crew on high alert.

WEB EXTRAS:

Suroosh Alvi on his personal relationship with Islam, as a journalist covering this series

WEB EXTRA: Alvi on his relationship with Islam

WEB EXTRA: Suroosh Alvi on his relationship with Islam

Suroosh Alvi talks about his personal relationship with Islam, as a journalist covering this series.

REPORT: AL SHABAAB AS A TRANSNATIONAL SECURITY THREAT

The regional organization the Intergovernmental Authority on Development - Security Sector Program and the Sahan Foundation released a report in 2016 examining al Shabaab as a transnational security threat.

The report offers recommendations for further action such as enhanced security cooperation, better understanding of improvised explosive devices, and finding ways to shift extremist activities away from previous hubs. Read the full report (pdf) here.

Members of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development include Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, Sudan, Uganda, Eritrea, and South Sudan. The Sahan Foundation is a think tank that works to promote stability and development.

Source: IGAD and ISSP

MORE FROM CGTN: