New al-Shabab video calls Trump ‘brainless billionaire’
MOGADISHU, Somalia — The Somalia-based al-Shabab is mocking President Donald Trump in a new video that calls him a “brainless billionaire” as his administration steps up military efforts against what has become the deadliest Islamic extremist group in Africa.
It is the first public criticism by the al-Qaida-linked al-Shabab of the U.S. president since his election. The SITE Intelligence Group says the video released Sunday includes the comments as the extremist group addresses next month’s presidential election in neighbouring Kenya.
Al-Shabab has claimed a growing number of deadly attacks in Kenya as the election approaches, and Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta this month declared a new offensive against the extremists.
Trump earlier this year approved expanded military operations against al-Shabab, including more aggressive airstrikes and considering parts of southern Somalia areas of active hostilities. Somalia also is included in Trump’s ban on refugees and visitors from six mostly Muslim countries.