Uganda Bombings: What Is al-Shabab?

Though they haven't taken credit for Sunday's bombings in Uganda, it is widely speculated that al-Shabab (or al-Shabaab) was behind them. Sheik Yusuf Sheik Issa, an al-Shabab commander, said today in Mogadishu that the group was happy with the results. "Uganda is one of our enemies. Whatever makes them cry, makes us happy. May Allah's anger be upon those who are against us," Sheik told The Associated Press. Two days ago, al-Shabab called for attacks in Uganda and Burundi.

1. What is al-Shabab?
Known formally as Harakat Al-shabab Mujahideen, "Movement of Warrior Youth," al-Shabab is an Islamist militant group in Somalia with ties to al-Qaida. The U.S. State Department has listed it as a terrorist organization, and there are reports that foreign fighters travel to Somalia to help al-Shabab wage war.

2. Where do they operate?
Al-Shabab controls southern and central Somalia, a country that has been wracked with war for the past two decades, while the United Nations and African Union-backed government in Somalia controls only some parts of Mogadishu.

3. What is their goal?
Al-Shabab wants to gain control of the government and to impose strict Sharia law in Somalia, like whipping women for wearing bras, stoning accused adulterers to death, and amputating the hands and feet of thieves.

4. Does al-Shabab usually attack targets outside of Somalia?
No. If the group is in fact behind the bombings, it will be the first time they have operated outside of Somalia, according to The Associated Press.

5. Why would al-Shabab want to attack Uganda?
Somalia's government is propped up by African Union troops, known as the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), which is partially made up of troops from Uganda. Also, an African Union summit planned for later this month will be hosted in Kampala, Uganda.