AU: SNA Force behind successes against Al-Shabaab in Somalia

GETTY IMAGES: Somalia's army is split along political and clan lines

MOGADISHU, Somalia - The close collaboration between the Somali National Army [SNA] and African Union Transition Mission in Somalia [ATMIS] triggered massive victories against Al-Shabaab in HirShabelle, the African Union [AU] has said, while acknowledged massive gains in recent weeks.

With about 2000 ATMIS soldiers set to withdraw from Somalia by the end of June, the African Union says Somali soldiers are now hardened and ready for arduous task ahead to protect gained territories, adding that the Al-Shabaab threat was greatly neutralized in the recent crackdown.

Col. Hassan Djama Farah, Sector Four Commander of the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia [ATMIS] troops, said the close collaboration forged with SNA and local communities has played a pivotal role in liberating areas that were formerly under terrorist control.

The extensive knowledge of local terrain by the SNA soldiers, he said, was critical in liberation of key areas from the Al-Shabaab, who were dominant for the last several years. Sharing of information between SNA and locals also boosted the campaign against the Al-Shabaab militants, he added.

“Our operations could not be successful without the significant role of SNA forces, they are friendly with the local communities who mostly relay reliable and timely tip-offs to our troops,” noted Col. Djama.

Under ATMIS sectorisation, Sector Four is manned by a combined force of Ethiopian and Djiboutian troops whose operational Headquarters is in Beletweyne town, 342 Km northwest of the capital Mogadishu.

Situated along the main supply route connecting to Buulo-Burto, Jowhar and Mogadishu, in the Hiraan region, Beletweyne was the epicenter of Al-Shabaab activities before they were flushed out by the joint forces during the first phase of a military offensive.

President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud launched the first phase of operations against Al-Shabaab targeting mainly HirShabelle and Galmadug states in August last year. The second phase, Hassan Sheikh revealed, would start soon in Jubaland and Southwest states of Somalia.

Major Mohamed Omar Ibaar, the SNA Commander of the 5th Battalion of the 27th Division, said the local forces are ready to take security responsibilities from foreign troops after years of training. The strategic exit is in compliance with Somali Transition Plan [STP]

“We definitely have acquired the necessary skills and experience to fully provide security in Beletweyne and its environs,” he said.

Upon exit, the Somali forces are expected to install civilian administrations in towns liberated from Al-Shabaab with the help of Somali Police and the US Africa Command. The United States has been keen to support state building in the Horn of Africa nation.

GAROWE ONLINE