US military: Al-Shabaab is dangerous enemy to Somalia

MOGADISHU, Somalia - Al-Qaeda linked group, the Al-Shabaab remains a threat to Somalia's quest for peace and stability, the US military has said, adding that Washington will continue working closely with allied forces to completely degrade the militant group, which controls large swathes of rural southern and central Somalia.

Col. Chris Karns, director of public affairs, U.S. Africa Command, said the US army will ensure all the tactics employed by the militants are vanquished as the US military aims at pushing for the elimination of terrorism within the Horn of Africa.

The group, he says, employs lies to justify its criminal acts which also targets innocent civilians, security forces, and government officials in Somalia. Such acts, he added, create fears among the local population thus derailing efforts to restore peace in Somalia.

"Al-Shabaab is a dangerous enemy that presents a threat to Somalia, its neighbors, and the United States. This Al-Qaeda aligned terrorist organization increasingly employs lies, engages in criminal acts, and blends into communities to create fear and intimidate local populations," Col. Karns said.

"They have engaged in a series of violent acts with no regard for the Laws of Armed Conflict, to include previously attacking a hospital and deliberately seeking to place civilians in harm’s way using protected structures, such as mosques, for military and offensive fighting purposes," he added in a statement.

According to the senior army officer, the US will continue working closely with international partners as part of the effort to push for an effective Somali Transition Plan. Under STP, the international community is keen to ensure the Somali National Army [SNA] is properly empowered to deal with terrorism challenges.

He denied claims that the group managed to recently injure a US serviceman in an attack the US said at least six militants were killed in Southern Somalia. The group, he added, relies on lies and misinformation as part of its propaganda tool to win the war.

"Al-Shabaab routinely attacks Somali citizens, military forces, and partners. Somali forces, the U.S., and international partners work toward preserving life while increasing security, stability, and ultimately, the long-term possibility of increased prosperity," he noted.

"Al-Shabaab relies on misinformation and lies, and the group continues to put out false information to include this week’s erroneous claim about the death of U.S. forces in an attack," said Karns in reference to a recent attack in Lower Shebelle.

Over the weekend, the Al-Shabaab militants waged an ambush at a US-run military base in Kismayo but their plans were thwarted after the Danab Commandos successfully repulsed the attack. Several militants were killed during the ambush according to local officials.

So far, the US has waged a total of 46 airstrikes in Somalia this year, killing over 60 terrorists according to Karn. With over 500 servicemen in Somalia, the US military is actively involved in training and equipping SNA troops with an aim of strengthening the Somali military.

"U.S. Africa Command will continue to expose the nature of this enemy and who and what they represent—an empty future," added the army officer, noting that the forces have managed to significantly degrade the Al-Shabaab militants, who have been active in Somalia for over a decade.

GAROWE ONLINE