Somalia army chief: I am optimistic we shall defeat Al-Shabaab

MOGADISHU, Somalia - The commander of the Somali National Army [SNA] General Odowaa Yusuf Rage says he's confident the country will emerge victorious in the fight against Al-Shabaab militants, adding that the army has put enough mechanisms to flush out the group which is creating havoc in the country.

Somalia is set to embark on the second phase of the crackdown against Al-Shabaab, noting that logistics have been put in place to vanquish the group in central and southern regions where the group has been dominant for over 10 years. Al-Shabaab is an affiliate of the Al-Qaeda terror group.

While speaking to the 4th battalion of the 27th Division within the notorious El-Ali Ahmed area within Middle Shabelle, General Rage insisted the second phase will target Galmadug and HirShabelle states. The first phase was also domiciled in this region within the country.

Currently, the government troops are closely working with local militia in the areas, conducting targeted operations against the Al-Shabaab in the central region of the country especially Hiran and Galgaduud areas which still face security challenges posed by the militants.

According to him, successes have been witnessed in the area with the militants withdrawing from some of the areas in the regions. He added that over the past few days, his forces have managed to liberate some areas in the Eldheer district and that the government forces are now pushing to retake the Dirri and Washbo areas of the Elbur district.

The government recently claimed over 3,000 Al-Shabaab militants were killed during the first phase while 3,700 others were critically injured in the war. This was the highest number to be mainly killed by the national army and local militia with remote support from the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia [ATMIS] and US Africa Command.

But in return, Al-Shabaab says it has killed several members of the Somali National Army and other associates across the country through sporadic retaliatory attacks but in some instances, innocent civilians are targeted by the group. The war is set to commence soon since President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has authorized it already.

GAROWE ONLINE