 With money from extortion dwindling in areas like Mogadishu, defections in the face of AMISOM forces, among other internal issues, al-Shabaab is turning to other militant Islamic groups for support.Al-Shabaab has declared their support to bolster their numbers, and has made a number of strategic operational ties to both Al Qaeda and AQAP in Yemen.In some cases, al-Shabaab has begun flying the Al Qeada-Iraq banner at some of its rallies to demonstrate solidarity with the group.