MOGADISHU, Somalia – In the latest offensive by the Somali National Army (SNA), a whopping 59 fighters from Al-Shabaab were taken out, underscoring the military’s capability to navigate threats even after the peacekeepers have hit the road.
The authorities divulged that this operation resulted in significant militant casualties in Gerile and Awsweyne located in the Galgudud region, while another sweep took place in Hawadley, Middle Shabelle.
Sadly, the mission also saw the loss of four brave soldiers in eastern Galgudud. The central zones of the nation have felt the heat from the military’s hefty clampdown on Al-Shabaab, who still have their grip on vast rural parts in central and southern Somalia.
Though the insurgents haven’t yet piped up about the setback, their efficacy has plummeted, thanks to fierce actions by national forces, aided by both the US Africa Command and the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS).
These positive strides come at a crucial time as Somalia is in the middle of a shift, with the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) pegged to begin their chapter come January 2025.
As ATMIS scales down, Somalia has thrown its weight behind Egypt to helm the incoming mission from January, expressing disagreement with Ethiopia’s involvement over alleged territorial and sovereign breaches.
Nevertheless, Egypt’s candidacy for leadership is rubbing some the wrong way; notably, Uganda – a longstanding peacekeeping ally – isn’t buying it, tagging Egypt as a Johnny-come-lately in Somali affairs.
Forecasts from Mogadishu are optimistic, envisioning Al-Shabaab’s ousting from significant locales by the close of 2025, as the Somali National Army gears up to assume full security duties as outlined in the Somali Transition Plan (STP).
AXADLETM
