IS-backed Boko Haram faction may have new chief

KANO, Nigeria: The leader of an Islamic State-backed faction of Boko Haram may have been replaced, sources say, against a backdrop of speculation as to his fate - and the group's future direction.

"The big question is, where is Al-Barnawi? Is he alive or is he dead? Knowing how Boko Haram operates, it is unlikely for a leader to be deposed and allowed to move freely."Under Al-Barnawi, ISWAP split from the faction led by longtime Boko Haram leader Abubakar Shekau in mid-2016 in opposition to the latter's indiscriminate targeting of civilians.

Since then, Al-Barnawi"has been living on the fringes, careful not to cross the path of the new leadership and earn their wrath", a second source said. One of the most recent attacks came just hours before polling was due to begin in presidential elections on Feb 23, and saw rockets fired on the Borno state capital, Maiduguri.

But even that would be a risk for the new leadership, with the possible emergence of another splinter group of Al-Barnawi loyalists.The recognition of Al-Barnawi over Shekau was widely announced on IS-affiliated media outlets. But there has so far been no such announcement about the new leadership.

Singapore Latest News, Singapore Headlines

Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.

US trade chief courts auto union to back North American trade pactU.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer and his staff will head to Michigan next week to meet with United Auto Workers union leaders in an ...
Source: ChannelNewsAsia - 🏆 6. / 66 Read more »

Singapore Pools chief to helm SIM from MayThe chief executive officer of Singapore Pools, Mr Seah Chin Siong, has resigned from the organisation and will join the Singapore Institute of Management (SIM) in May.. Read more at straitstimes.com.
Source: The Straits Times - 🏆 8. / 63 Read more »

British PM May promises £1.6 billion fund for Brexit-backing townsLONDON (REUTERS) - British Prime Minister Theresa May will on Monday (March 4) set out plans for a £1.6 billion (S$2.87 billion) fund to help to boost economic growth in Brexit-supporting communities, particularly in the north of England.. Read more at straitstimes.com.
Source: The Straits Times - 🏆 8. / 63 Read more »

British PM May promises £1.6b fund for Brexit-backing townsBritish Prime Minister Theresa May will on Monday set out plans for a 1.6 billion pound (US$2.11 billion) fund to help to boost economic growth in ...
Source: ChannelNewsAsia - 🏆 6. / 66 Read more »

UK PM May promises $2.9b fund for Brexit-backing townsLONDON: British Prime Minister Theresa May will set out plans for a £1.6 billion (S$2.9 billion) fund to help to boost economic growth in Brexit-supporting communities, particularly in the north of England. The 'Stronger Towns Fund', details of which...
Source: thenewpaper - 🏆 7. / 63 Read more »

CPF Board and SIM get new chief executivesTHE Central Provident Fund Board (CPF Board) and Singapore Institute of Management (SIM) are both getting new chiefs soon. Read more at The Business Times.
Source: BusinessTimes - 🏆 15. / 51 Read more »

New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern says ISIS recruit to remain citizen, may face chargesWELLINGTON (REUTERS) - A New Zealand man detained in Syria after joining the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS) militant group will not be stripped of citizenship but could face criminal charges if he returns, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said on Monday (March 4).. Read more at straitstimes.com.
Source: The Straits Times - 🏆 8. / 63 Read more »

New Zealand says Islamic State recruit to remain citizen, may face charges
Source: TODAYonline - 🏆 1. / 99 Read more »

UK's May to seek MPs' approval for new Brexit strategyPrime Minister Theresa May will on Wednesday face a vote by MPs over her newly revised Brexit strategy, which could allow them to approve an ...
Source: ChannelNewsAsia - 🏆 6. / 66 Read more »