They are an intelligence group who work with Al-Shabaab top leaders. They are known as Al-Shabaab's "Secret Service." A resource said that the "operatives of the Amniat group are required to blend in with the Somali public." (Ibrahim, 2013) They also carry out assassinations and bombing missions for the Al-Shabaab leaders.
People who are apart of the Amniat group receive special privileges that include a larger share of the Al-Shabaab group's budget, mobile phones, and money for bribes. The Amniat group is able to infiltrate highly secure government agencies like police and government buildings. There they carry out missions directed by Al-Shabaab leaders. (Ibrahim, 2013)
The U.S. military service has been helping the African Union to defeat the Al-Shabaab and Al-Qaeda terrorist groups. The U.S. has targeted top Al-Shabaab and Al-Qaeda leaders in Somalia before. Some include, the drone strike on October 29th, 2013, the special operations raid on October 7th, 2013, which was carried out by the U.S. Navy Seals. Bilal Al Berjawi was killed on January 12th, 2014. He was a top leader of the Al-Qaeda group and a top commander in the Al-Shabaab. Aden Hashi Ayro and Sheikh Muhyadin Omar were killed in an airstrike in the spring of 2008. Ayro was the leader of the Al-Shabaab group at the time. (Roggio, 2014) "Despite military offence by the African Union (backed up by the U.S. which began in 2011) Al-Shabaab and Al-Qaeda groups still continue to control most of Somalia." (Roggio, 2014)
What Happens Next?
Since 2006, when the Al-Shabaab and Al-Qaeda terrorist groups first formed, Somalia has lost most if not all power in their government. (BBC News Africa, 2013) The first elected government in more than two decades was elected in 2011. Although they didn't win power until a year ago with the help of African Union forces. (Central Intelligence Agency, 2014) The African Union says that this will create "a window of opportunity to fundamentally enhance the country of Somalia." (NBC News, 2014) According to U.S. State Department, businesses are growing quickly and more steadily since 2011. (U.S. Department of State, 2013) When Al-Shabaab and Al-Qaeda first went into power, Somalia's people suffered and are still suffering their worst food shortage since 1992. It is estimated that 3.7 million people are already being affected by the famine. (UNICEF, 2011) UNICEF has worked to raise money and awareness of the problem of famine in Somalia. To move forward with their government, Somalia still needs to strengthen safety and security, improve child health, and strengthen their economy. The future of the country will rest on the choices of Somalia's people and effective leadership within the country. (DFID, 2012)