Group Al - Shabab is affiliated with al Qaeda , according to the U.S . Clashes between rebels and militants killed 103 , wounded 420 , officials said . Meanwhile , a powerful Islamist warlord defected to the government Saturday after he disagreed with rebel Islamist groups on the war against the transitional government . Al - Shabab recently said it has been successful at recruiting more members .
Group Al - Shabab is affiliated with al Qaeda , according to the U.S . Clashes between rebels and militants killed 103 , wounded 420 , officials said . Al - Shabab recently said it has been successful at recruiting more members .