Somalia prepares for second phase of Al-Shabaab assault

MOGADISHU, Somalia - The government of Somalia is in the final stages of preparations for the war against Al-Shabaab militants, with the national army insisting that it has the ability and capacity to confront the terrorists who have been wreaking havoc in the country for the last 16 years, killing thousands of people in the process.

About seven to 10 months ago, the country embarked on the first phase of operations against the militants, majorly focusing on Galmadug and HirShabelle states in central Somalia. According to the government, at least 3,000 Al-Shabaab militants were killed with several weapons seized in the process.

The second phase is set to target Jubaland and Southwest states, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has confirmed, and various contingents are set to participate in the assault. A senior army official has also confirmed the plans that could be implemented in the next few weeks.

"The National Army is gearing up for the second phase of their offensive against Al-Shabaab. Colonel Bashir Omar Abdullahi, commander of the 18th battalion, Gorgor commandos, has instructed his units to prepare for the operation aimed at liberating areas under the control of Al-Shabaab," state media confirmed.

On Sunday, heavy fighting broke out between Al-Shabaab militants and the Somali National Army at Goofgaduud Burey, a district situated at least 30 kilometers west of Baidoa, the regional administrative capital of Southwest. The town had been recaptured by the Somali National Army.

Although casualties still remain unknown, the two parties exchanged artilleries as locals scampered for their safety. A few weeks ago, the government had conducted operations against the militants in Galgaduud, killing at least 100 fighters, in what was termed as a "major success"..

The Al-Shabaab militants are fighting to control the country but resistance from the national army with assistance from international partners has kept them at bay. Somalia has been struggling with instability for the last three decades, but officials insist that in the next year, the militants will be eliminated.

GAROWE ONLINE