Somalia: Al-Shabaab "target" Governor Jeyte holds talks with US envoy

MOGADISHU, Somalia - Outgoing US ambassador to Somalia Larry Andre has held talks with Hiiraan Governor Ali Jeyte, who has been under constant trial from the Al-Shabaab militants, a group he has openly taken arms and fought in the last seven months, leading to the liberation of several strategic towns in HirShabelle.

Through video conference, Andre supported initiatives taken by Jeyte's leadership to fight Al-Shabaab, noting the contributions of local Ma'awisley militia, who have been instrumental in dislodging the group from strategic areas within the central state of Somalia.

Jeyte has been under surveillance from Al-Shabaab who have reportedly contributed millions of dollars to aid in the removal of him from the prestigious seat, with former HirShabelle leader Mohamed Abdi Waare calling for support to the governor. Al-Shabaab views Jeyte as a threat to their dominance.

The governor lauded the US for supporting the Al-Shabaab war through the provision of guns, ammunition and other military hardware which are essential in operations. The US has been instrumental in providing aerial support during the Al-Shabaab crackdown leading to the elimination of several senior and junior Al-Shabaab commanders.

During the meeting, the recent inter-clan fights within Hiiraan which has left over five people dead also surfaced, with the envoy condemning actors. The ambassador insists those waging inter-clan conflicts in Hiiraan are hell-bent to undermine ongoing efforts to eliminate Al-Shabaab from parts of Somalia.

Governor Ali Jeyte has led the anti-al Shabab offensive in the Hiiraan region since President Hassan Sheikh announced an "all-out war" against the group. The local forces have liberated several major towns and villages from Al-Shabaab control with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud insisting that the first phase yielded success.

The second phase of operations against Al-Shabaab is set to commence within the next few weeks as President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud asked for more military support in the Horn of Africa nation. The second phase is likely to focus on the elimination of militants from the remaining parts of the HirShabelle and Galmadug states.

Statistics from the US Africa Command show Al-Shabaab could be collecting up to $120 million annually with $24 million going directly to purchasing of weapons through war-torn Yemen. The government of Somalia has shifted attention to regulating revenue streams by the militants through the closure of loopholes.

GAROWE ONLINE