Ethiopian troops edge out Al-Shabaab in strategic towns in Somalia

BELEDWEYNE, Somalia - The Ethiopian National Defense Forces [ENDF] has stepped up operations against Al-Shabaab militants in southern Somalia, with the soldiers now aiming at strategic towns where the militants were dominant, derailing economic activities in the process.

On Tuesday, African Union Transition Mission in Somalia [ATMIS] Force Commander Lt. Gen Sam Okiding and Chief of Staff Brigadier General Kindu Gezu Tegegn visited ENDF troops serving ATMIS, hailing them for escalating operations to Al-Shabaab strongholds.

At Mahas Forward Operating Base [FOB], the two generals lauded Sector IV troops for helping in neutralizing Al-Shabaab militants, adding that ATMIS is committed to helping Somalia to stabilize, following years of Al-Shabaab menace in different parts of the country.

The Force Commander also reiterated troops' vigilance and readiness at all times to deny Al-Shabaab freedom of movement and action through maximization of force protection, vigilance, and enhanced Patrols, according to state media reports.

"ATMIS Force Commander, Lt. Gen. Sam Okiding, and Chief of Staff-Military Brig. Gen. Kindu Gezu Tegegn, on Tuesday, visited ATMIS ENDF troops at Mahas FOB in Sector 4," the mission Force noted in a tweet.

"The FC congratulated ENDF troops for crucial support in ongoing SNA-led operations in central Somalia. An ongoing offensive has thwarted Al-Shabaab actions and cleared main supply routes increasing security and protection for local people."

ATMIS is determined to work closely with SNA and provide the necessary support to ensure stability and peace are safeguarded for prosperous and peaceful Somalia as enshrined in our Mission and Mandate, the commander added in a statement.

The peacekeepers have started to withdraw strategically from the Horn of Africa nation, with an additional 3,000 soldiers expected to leave by the end of next month. It is anticipated that by December 2024, all the 20,000 mission troops will have handed security responsibilities to the Somali National Army [SNA].

GAROWE ONLINE