Somalia Vows to Wipe Out Al-Shabaab Amid Attacks

MOGADISHU, Somalia - The Al-Shabaab militants shall be defeated in the due course, Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre has reiterated, arguing that the group threatens the country's stability by posing insecurity after attacks near the capital.

The military operations in central and southern regions, he says, reflect the country's determination to eliminate the group whose dominance has waned in the recent weeks following sustained military operations across the country.

During Iftar dinner, on Wednesday, Hamza Abdi Barre said the local forces and their international partners have made significant strides in containing the group, which has been fighting to topple the fragile UN-backed federal government of Somalia.

“The objective is not just to repel the Khawarij but to wipe them out entirely. Somalia cannot develop as long as they hold even a small portion of our land,” said Barre, using a term commonly employed by Somali officials to refer to Al-Shabaab. “It is crucial that we all unite against them.”

Barre, who is the leader of the government, urged the people of Somalia to seek forgiveness, reconciliation, and spiritual renewal during Ramadan, particularly highlighting the significance of the 27th night.

“I call on all Somalis, as individuals and communities, to forgive one another and pray for the well-being of our nation,” he said.

For the last two weeks, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has been visiting troops on the frontlines, where he encouraged them to fight to secure the country from violent extremist groups.

Somalia has been struggling to instill order and discipline, with the security forces ready to take over security responsibilities from allies who have been assisting the country to restore order. Al-Shabaab has been fighting to open supply routes with another group pushing to free the besieged colleagues in Mudug and Galgadud.

GAROWE ONLINE