Somalia’s intelligence agency says it blocks WhatsApp groups used by al-Qaida-linked militants

By OMAR FARUK
Associated Press

MOGADISHU, Somalia (AP) — Somalia’s National Intelligence and Security Agency says it has for the first time managed to shut down 20 WhatsApp groups allegedly operated by the extremist group al-Shabab for extortion and intimidation. The agency says its cyber division identified what it describes as virtual hubs for illicit activities by East Africa’s al-Qaida affiliate. The agency says it disabled data services for about 2,500 associated phone numbers. Somalia is seeking to disrupt al-Shabab’s communication channels and financial transactions as part of a “total war” declared against the group that for years has controlled parts of the country and carried out attacks in the capital.