Al-Shabaab dislodged from strategic centres in Somalia

MOGADISHU, Somalia - Al-Shabaab continues to lose more strategic regions in Somalia, following intensive operations against the group, which has been controlling central and southern parts of the country for the last two decades, with security teams focusing on total elimination of the militants.

The Al-Shabaab have been fighting the fragile UN-backed federal government of Somalia, which has also been fighting back, with the help of international partners, particularly the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) and the US Africa Command.

On Saturday, the partners alongside the Somali National Army conducted joint operations in Buq-Aqable within the Hiiran region, which led to the seizure of several sophisticated weapons and vehicles used by the militants in launching attacks.

"The Security Forces and International Security Partners conducted a joint operation on Saturday, targeting an Alshabab hideout near Buq-Aqable in the Hiiraan region. The operation destroyed a huge amount of weapons and vehicles used by the terrorists," authorities reported.

The operations are targeting the complete elimination of the militants, with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud promising that by the end of December 2024, the Somali National Army will be in charge of security responsibilities having taken over from international partners.

The ATMIS team has already started withdrawing from the country in compliance with the Somali Transition Plan (STP). The second phase of operations against the group will start in due course and will target Jubaland and Southwest states.

Al-Shabaab militants had been in control of the middle and southern parts but security teams have managed to tame the group by capturing several frontlines. Some militants have since withdrawn from the battlefield in support of unity and stability.

GAROWE ONLINE