Somalia Marks Progress in Ongoing Battle Against Al — Shabaab. Mogadishu, Somalia — Somalia’s government has announced significant progress in its ongoing efforts to combat the Al-Shabaab militant group, which has been a persistent threat for over a decade.
According to official statements, the Somali National Army has reclaimed territory previously under Al — Shabaab control, including areas in Lower Shabelle such as Jilib Marka, Gendershe, and Dhanaane.
Omar Ali Abdi, Somalia’s state minister for defense, highlighted the achievements, stating, “These places acted as their courts where they would extort money from anyone they wanted, especially the residents of Mogadishu. Thanks to God, we have finally managed to control them.”
Analysts suggest that U.
S. -backed airstrike campaigns have played a crucial role in the government’s territorial gains.
Abdullahi Ahmed Ali, a security analyst, commented, “The hiding places of Al-Shabaab were finally located, and without drones and air attacks, that would not have been possible.”.
The conflict between the Somali government and Al — Shabaab, an Al-Qaida-linked group, dates back to the early 2000s. At its peak, Al-Shabaab controlled large areas of southern and central Somalia, including parts of Mogadishu.
The situation has been further complicated by the gradual drawdown of African Union peacekeeping forces, which are being replaced by Somali security forces.
Despite the progress, the situation remains fluid.
The United Nations has called for continued efforts on security sector reform and the fight against Al — Shabaab.
The ME Council has suggested that dialogue with Al — Shabaab, rather than an exclusively military approach, may be necessary to resolve the conflict.
Further details regarding the scale and specifics of the progress made against Al — Shabaab are expected in the coming days.
.
Source: Somalia: Government announces progress in fight against Al-Shabaab — [youtube. Com]( Youtube.
Com/watch?
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
