Jowhar is a major town 55 miles ( 88 kilometers ) southeast of Mogadishu , the capital . Group Al-Shabab is affiliated with al Qaeda , according to the U.S . The group has been fighting for years against Somalia's government and its African Union allies in a civil war that began after warlords seized power from an elected 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 . The group has been fighting for years against Somalia's government and its African Union allies in a civil war that began after warlords seized power from an elected government. Al-Shabab recently said it has been successful at recruiting more members .