PM Hamza: Somalia is ready for second phase of Al-Shabaab war

FILE: Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre/Villa Somalia

MOGADISHU, Somalia - The Federal Republic of Somalia is ready for the second phase of operations against Al-Shabaab, Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre has reiterated, noting tremendous preparations made by the Somali National Army [SNA] and international partners who have been pushing to eliminate the militants.

The first phase was concluded a few months ago and mainly focused on Galmadug and HirShabelle states, with the government terming it "satisfactory". At least 3,000 Al-Shabaab militants were killed in the operations, with almost an equal number getting critically injured in the process, the government confirmed.

And now, the second phase of operations is set to begin in the new few days, Hamza Abdi Barre said on Sunday, noting that all soldiers scheduled to participate have been adequately trained and prepared to face the enemy, who have been fighting to control most parts of the country.

“At least ten thousand soldiers have been prepared, equipped, and ready to go to war. The militants who remained in the Galmudug and Hirshabelle regions will be eliminated before the warheads to the Southwest and Jubbaland,” PM Barre said.

The public, he said, has an obligation to support ongoing efforts to eliminate the Al-Shabaab, who are determined to regain control after a series of setbacks. In central and southern Somalia, the militants have suffered heavy blows according to reports by several agencies.

As part of efforts to cover all parts of the country, the government of the federal republic of Somalia has managed to persuade Kenya, Djibouti, and Ethiopia to send a number of troops into the country, arguing that the team adds reinforcement in the battlefront, a much-needed boost.

The second phase of operations against Al-Shabaab will target Jubaland and Southwest states, and it is expected that the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia [ATMIS] soldiers and those from the US Africa Command will take part in the operations. Somalia projects that by the end of December 2024, most parts will have been liberated.

Roughly, Barre said, over 10,000 members of the Somali National Army have been trained and equipped to confront the enemy. President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud had pledged to ensure Al-Shabaab militants are eliminated from the Horn of Africa nation.

GAROWE ONLINE