It was founded by Hassan Abdullah Hersi al-Turki, who was a commander of the Islamic Courts Union and the commander of its predecessor Itihaad al Islamiyah.

[2] In January 2009, after the Ethiopian withdrawal they merged with the Asmara-based wing of the Alliance for the Re-liberation of Somalia, led by Sheikh Hassan Dahir Aweys, Jabhatul Islamiya ("Islamic Front"), led by Sheikh Mohamed Ibrahim Hayle and Muaskar Anole ("Anole School") to form Hizbul Islam and continue the war against the TFG.

[3] During the 2009 Battle of Mogadishu, where in Hizbul Islam took part, Hassan Turki led a group of fighters from the Ras Kamboni Brigade from Kisimayo to Mogadishu as reinforcements, to join the battle.

[4] In February 2010, the group left Hizbul Islam and joined Harakat al-Shabaab Mujahedeen.

[5] After Sheikh Hassan al-Turkey joined al-Shabaab, defecting commander Sheikh Ahmed Mohamed Islam "Madobe" left the organisation to form his own anti-al-Shabaab militia, the Raskamboni movement.