Somali army conducts operations against Al-Shabaab

MOGADISHU, Somalia - Backed by local forces, the Somali National Army (SNA) conducted multiple operations against Al-Shabaab militants in central regions, in the latest crackdown geared towards liberating remaining areas that are still under the group’s control.

Mudug region has been the main hot-spot for Al-Shabaab operations but the concerted military effort has drastically improved the situation, blocking the militants from infiltration the areas that had been liberated, so far.

Military officials in Wisil District said two vehicles loaded with fuel and other supplies were seized, dealing a blow to the militants. Besides enabling them to move around with vehicles, fuel is used in making Improvised Explosive Devices.

The officials added that two individuals were also arrested and are being interrogated to determine the destination of the impounded fuel and supplies in the vehicle. They are being interrogated by the military officials.

Somali National Army has worked closely with local militia to handle Al-Shabaab in many parts of the country and the strategy has effectively worked in the past. President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud had declared total war against al-Shabaab.

Besides the local militia, the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) troops and the US Africa Command have played a significant role in aiding local troops in responding to Al-Shabaab resistance and periodic attacks across Somalia.

In a significant policy shift, the Somali federal government has opted to reintegrate Ethiopian troops into the forthcoming African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), as per diplomatic insiders.

This reversal follows commendations from President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud for Ethiopia's stabilizing efforts in Somalia. The policy change marks the resolution of a year-long diplomatic tension, initiated by Ethiopia's contentious agreement with Somaliland to potentially set up a naval base in return for acknowledging Somaliland's independence, an arrangement Somalia considered an affront to its territorial integrity.

GAROWE ONLINE