( CNN ) -- Al Qaeda-linked militants have banned three international aid groups from working in Somalia , claiming they are `` actively propagating Christianity '' in the predominantly Muslim nation . Al-Shabaab , the Islamist militant group battling Somalia 's U.N.-backed transitional government , ordered World Vision , Adventist Development and Relief Agency and Diakonia to cease their operations . `` Acting as missionaries under the guise of humanitarian work , the organizations have been spreading their corrupted ideologies in order to taint the pure creed of the Muslims in Somalia , '' the militant group said in a statement Monday . `` Along with their missionary work , the proliferation of corruption and indecency has become prevalent as a result of their presence , '' the statement said , warning other non-governmental groups against engaging in `` similar activities '' All three organizations are Christian aid groups . However , as signatories of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement code of conduct , they have specific polices against proselytizing when distributing aid . World Vision -- which serves about 100 million people in nearly 100 countries around the world -- said it was `` surprised and disappointed '' by Al-Shabaab 's order . The group said it is motivated by its faith to help those living in poverty , but is impartial when handing out aid . `` World Vision Somalia received a demand today from Al-Shabaab to close operations in Somalia , '' World Vision said in a statement Monday . `` World Vision guards were disarmed and their keys were taken . Nothing was removed from the offices although Al-Shabaab representatives occupied the offices . '' The group said its operations in south central Somalia have been temporarily suspended as `` we plan our next steps . '' ADRA said its work in Somalia as solely focused on implementing emergency relief and development since 1992 . More than 650,000 Somalis benefited from the group 's humanitarian work in 2008 , the group said in a statement . `` ADRA remains committed to serving the people of Somalia as circumstances allow , '' the group said . There was no immediate response from Diakonia , a joint international development organization of five Swedish churches . According to its website , the group has regional offices in Africa , Asia , the Middle East and Latin America and has aid operations in Somalia .
Al-Shabaab has ordered three aid groups to cease operations in Somalia . The Islamist militant group is accusing the groups of spreading Christianity . The groups say they are motivated by faith , but do n't proselytize .