US pledges support for Somalia in Al-Shabaab operations

MOGADISHU, Somalia - The United States has pledged more support in the ongoing crackdown against Al-Shabaab militants, with the latest operations set to begin in Jubaland and Southwest states of the country, where the group has temporary dwelling from which they use to launch attacks on security forces.

Since last year when President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud took over from Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed better known as Farmajo, security forces have managed to kill over 3,000 militants mainly in Galmadug and HirShabelle states where the operation was domiciled.

But after the ongoing combing exercise across the two states, the military is set to shift focus to Southwest and Jubaland, the home to Jilib, Bu'ale, and Saakow towns which the militants use as headquarters. President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud is yet to reveal the day for the commencement of the operations.

On Monday, Hassan Sheikh held a meeting with U.S. Embassy Chargé d'Affaires Shane Dixon and Colonel David J. Haskell, the Joint Special Operations-Somalia Commander. The meeting focused on how Washington would help the country to effectively fight terrorism for stability.

"President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud received the U.S. Embassy Chargé d'Affaires Shane Dixon and Colonel David J. Haskell, the Joint Special Operations-Somalia Commander," read the statement. "They discussed the vital Somalia-US. security partnership amid the ongoing offensive aimed at eradicating int. terrorism."

Besides training Danab Special Forces, the US also equips the Somali National Army which has been instrumental in reclaiming over 70% of areas that were formerly under the Al-Shabaab control. The US has also designated a number of people closely associated with Al-Shabaab, including senior commanders of the group.

The US Africa Command is also responsible for air surveillance, providing necessary logistical support such as firing rockets at the militants upon the request of ground combats. Somalia is targeting to completely eliminate Al-Shabaab militants by December 2024.

GAROWE ONLINE