Al-Qaeda has issued comments today angrily condemning Nigerian militant faction Boko Haram for the kidnapping of hundreds of Nigerian schoolgirls, and the threat to sell them into slavery.
The comments, published on a website popular with the faction, declared the action is a violation of Islamic law, and threatens to “taint the image of the Mujahedeen.”
Al-Qaeda’s leadership has become increasingly aware of its public image in recent months, disavowing any connect with al-Qaeda in Iraq (AQI) after high profile executions in Syria, and chiding members about civilian casualties.
Nigeria-centric Boko Haram and al-Qaeda have no direct ties, though there have been some claims of Boko Haram working with al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) on a limited basis.
God Damn, imagine how radical they are if Al-Qaeda slams them.
There is a small possibility that this was carried out by another faction trying to marginalize Boko Haram and bring them to the top of the world's intervention lists. It is such an outrageous act that it is perfect for getting the locals to demand international intervention which they may come to regret. Boko Haram is politically stupid if they don't release the girls right now. It seems a bit similar to AQI perpetrating acts in Iraq that could not have been more politically harmful to their levels of support from local Sunnis, and resulted in their organization being devastated almost overnight. I'm sure its more likely that it really was Boko Haram, but people discount these things too easily sometimes. It would be a valid strategic move and easy to pull off if one was ruthless enough.
AQ slamming them is like America running their annual human rights report!