Somali army is unprepared to face us, Al-Shabaab claims

MOGADISHU, Somalia - The Al-Qaeda- linked extremists — Al-Shabaab, claim the Somali National Army (SNA) does not have the capacity and capability to face them, arguing that the group remains 'seriously empowered' to encounter the national forces.

Without giving details, Al-Shabaab spokesperson Ali Dhere said that not a single unit within Somalia’s army is currently combat-ready, despite tens of thousands of troops trained by the U.S., Turkey, Egypt, and Eritrea, claiming the war’s momentum has shifted in their favor for the first time in 3 years.

Somalia launched operations against the group about three years ago with the group losing several strategic frontlines in the process. However, the group seems to be getting a footing following increased activities in central and southern regions.

But the Somali National Army with assistance from the US Africa Command and the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), the military has managed to distract the Al-Shabaab from gaining ground.

Last week, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud took most of his time visiting troops in frontlines encouraging them in the fight against Al-Shabaab. The president asked the soldiers to fight aggressively for the survival of the state.

"The enemy is one and it’s the al-Shabab militants, so fight even with your tongue,” he said. “There is no middle ground, you are either fighting the al-Shabab terrorists or you are one,” the Commander in Chief added.

Prime Minister Hamza Barre had announced his cabinet would move to the frontlines in the final push against Khawarij, urging Somalis to unite and support the fight. He praised ongoing military operations and vowed to eliminate the Khawarij threat

The group has largely listed grounds in central and southern regions despite its frequent sporadic attacks against security forces, innocent civilians, and senior government officials. Al-Shabaab wants to create a government in the country.

GAROWE ONLINE