Somalia's ground forces chief urges tougher fight against Al-Shabaab amid gains, funding concerns

MOGADISHU, Somalia - The Somali National Army (SNA) soldiers in the frontlines should keep fighting the Al-Shabaab militants in central and southern regions, the Land Forces commander has said, while noting the gains made so far in the battle.

For months, the Somali National Army has been pursuing Alshabaab fighters on several frontlines, winning various strategic areas, including the seizure of sophisticated weapons from the militants who control large swathes of rural central and southern regions.

General Sahal Abdullahi Omar, who is commanding the Land Forces, asked the soldiers and their allies from the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) to intensify operations against the Al-Shabaab fighters in Lower Shabelle.

While visiting Awdhegle District, Omar acknowledged the gains made by the military, with the militants losing key battlefields. The commander said the "fight is not yet over" while projecting more victories in the country.

He urged joint forces to eliminate remaining hideouts as the third phase of Operation Silent Storm continues in the region. The militants managed to seize Adan Yabaal and Mahas alongside Moqokori towns, but the military is planning a comeback.

President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud was blamed for diverting attention from the fight against Al-Shabaab, while the opposition maintains that he has shifted focus to the 2026 elections instead of supporting the troops. However, Hassan Sheikh disputes the allegations.

A funding crisis facing the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia could reverse years of security progress, Kenya has warned, urging urgent international support to sustain peace efforts.

The mission is plagued with confusion after the US said it will withdraw funding, arguing that other partners should match its funding. President Donald Trump is also keen to disengage the US military from foreign lands despite being a supporter of Somalia’s stabilization mission.

GAROWE ONLINE