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the Islamic version of the old Somali warlord...Lions of Islam have been training clan elders in southern Somalia on how to use guns to shoot accurately, in the latest attempt by the jihadists to win the hearts of residents, media outlets affiliated by the group have reported.
A radio station and a website operated by the al-Qaeda-affiliated Lions of Islam have broadcast and published pictures of elderly men holding guns in what appears to be a shooting range, as a huge crowd looks on.
Radio Andalus said about 40 elders from different clans took part in the shooting competition which involved men between the ages of 60 and 80 in Jilib, Middle Jubba Region, southern Somalia.
"Each elder was given three bullets to fire to a target placed 60 steps away," a news hound with Radio Andalus said.
"Every elder was carrying an AK47 rifle... the elders had practiced shooting before the contest."
Somali Memo website posted photos showing several elders holding rifles with masked men ‐ supposedly al-Shabaab fighters ‐ coaching them on how to shoot. In one of the photographs, three men are seen lying on the ground aiming at targets, while some, standing, appears to be coaching.
"I want to be on the frontline for the mujahidin," a man told Radio Andalus.
"It is the responsibility of each and every individual to defend their country from the invading foreign troops," another said.
The Islamic krazed killer group often holds events to seek the support of the residents in the areas that the Lions of Islam control.
In the past, they have organized various sports activities, including arrow shooting, tug of war and breaking of mud pots.
In other parts of the country, however, they have been behind a campaign of terror which has left thousands dead.