Al-Shabaab has brought dishonor to Somalia and Islam, says IIhan Omar

MOGADISHU, Somalia - Congresswoman Ilhan Omar has once again lambasted the Al-Shabaab militants for bringing dishonor to Muslims and the people of Somalia given their cowardly attacks usually targeting innocent civilians and members of the security forces.

Ms. Omar, who has been touring the Horn of Africa, noted the progress made by the Somali National Army [SNA], the US Africa Command, and the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia [ATMIS] in the fight against Al-Shabaab militants.

The Somali-born legislator has already met President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre, and the cabinet. She has now embarked on the trip to Djibouti where she is set to meet a host of top government officials for engagement.

While noting the successes made against the militants, Ms. Omar also asked locals to collaborate with the government in defeating the group she accused of “dishonoring” Islam.

“Our country and our religion have been associated with terrorism [because] of the dishonor they brought on us,” she said. “We have to get rid of them as Somalis and as Muslims and pray and support each other in that work.”

With assistance from local militia, the government of Somalia has managed to flush out the militants from strategic areas where they have been using to unleash attacks. Most of these towns are under full custody of Somalia security forces according to the government.

On Tuesday, it emerged that the militants had now imposed restrictions on the largest telecommunication company Hormuud for unknown reasons. Brigadier General Abdullahi Ali Anod, the spokesperson of the Somali National Army confirmed the restrictions.

“We heard that we have received it,” he said in an interview as reported by the Voice of America.

He said Hormuud has been repairing telecommunication centers, and masts and restoring services in newly recaptured territories. “They are on standby, wherever the army arrives,” he said.

Al-Shabaab has been losing ground across the country due to multidisciplinary engagement which has been getting support across the world. President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud insisted that most areas in Galmadug and HirShabelle states would be liberated by the end of this year.

GAROWE ONLINE