MOGADISHU, Somalia (AP) — Somalia’s al-Qaida-linked militant group has ordered telecom companies to shut down mobile internet services over fears the U.S. can use the data to target militants.
Al-Shabab this week set a 15-day deadline for the telecoms, whom the group accused of being “enemy collaborators.” The two affected mobile operators that offer 3G data service declined to comment.
Al-Shabab said it “corrupts the morals of society” and allows the enemy “to know your movements.” Al-Shabab said mobile internet services allowed the targeting of some fighters, an apparent reference to drone strikes or other military operations.
Its statement said the decision comes amid “the spying scandals practiced by the Americans.”
Taliban fighters in Afghanistan also order phone operators to shut down at night over fears the U.S. uses the data to track movements.
Comments are not available on this story. Read more about why we allow commenting on some stories and not on others.
We believe it's important to offer commenting on certain stories as a benefit to our readers. At its best, our comments sections can be a productive platform for readers to engage with our journalism, offer thoughts on coverage and issues, and drive conversation in a respectful, solutions-based way. It's a form of open discourse that can be useful to our community, public officials, journalists and others.
We do not enable comments on everything — exceptions include most crime stories, and coverage involving personal tragedy or sensitive issues that invite personal attacks instead of thoughtful discussion.
You can read more here about our commenting policy and terms of use. More information is also found on our FAQs.
Show less