Somalia prepares second phase of anti-Al-Shabaab offensive after gains

MOGADISHU, Somalia - After the historical liberation of several villages in the Adan Yabal district, the government of Somalia is crafting what it calls the "second and final" phase of the war against Al-Shabaab, which is set to commence "very soon" across the federal republic of Somalia.

For over four months, the country has sustained a serious Al-Shabaab offensive which has been fought in all frontlines, with the target being Middle Shabelle and Lower Shabelle, focusing on hotbeds such as Hiiraan, Galgaduud, and Bay regions, where the militants are dominant.

Major Abdullahi Ali Anod, Somali National Army [SNA] spokesperson, said the capture of Adan Yabal was a "milestone" in the offensive against the militants, noting that "this gives every Somali a reason to believe that defeating the militants is something which is in the offing".

Most combats have been carried out by the Somali National Army and clan militia which is well mobilized, nobody can deny the role played by the US Africa Command and the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia [ATMIS], which is responsible for aerial surveillance and bombardments in strategic villages.

So fruitful and fulfilling has been the war that the Al-Shabaab extortionists have resorted to retreating in certain towns, and have even killed fellow fighters who are wounded in the operation. Last week, the Somali troops managed to discover fresh mass graves where top commanders are said to have killed and buried colleague fighters.

The militants are now embarking on revenge missions mostly targeting populous areas in major cities, particularly Mogadishu where they are using IEDs to attack hotels. The militants recently killed dozens of people at Villa Rays Hotel near the presidential palace in Mogadishu.

Regional leaders have joined the frontline, helping the national army to strategize and identify some of the villages which should be given priority in the ongoing crackdown. For instance, HirShabelle President Ali Gudlawe Hussein has been working closely with the armed Forces.

President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud exuded confidence that the soldiers will prevail in the war, noting that the world should not just focus on the negatives and misgivings in the country but instead, give the country moral support and financial assistance to sustain efforts to restore law and order.

GAROWE ONLINE