Al-Shabaab faces significant defeats in recent operations within Somalia

Al-Shabaab Suffers Heavy Losses in Recent Operations in Somalia

Mogadishu, Somalia – The Somali National Army (SNA) has confirmed that the Al-Qaeda-linked terrorist group, Al-Shabaab, has suffered significant losses during a recent operation. This operation, part of the ongoing crackdown on the group, focused on the southern parts of the country.

Within the region of Buq Aqable, Hiran, the SNA successfully killed at least 18 militants and destroyed approximately 20 vehicles belonging to Al-Shabaab. While preparations are underway for the final phase of the crackdown, much of the recent effort has been concentrated in the central regions.

In addition to the operation in Buq Aqable, the government has conducted new operations in two other towns controlled by Al-Shabaab – Bulo Fulay in the Bay region and Galhareri in Galgudud. Al-Shabaab confirmed the operation in Galhareri and claimed that the national army had suffered losses.

Subsequently, Al-Shabaab acknowledged that the army had targeted regions in Hiiraan. However, they alleged that civilians were impacted by the operation. It is worth noting that Al-Shabaab typically avoids admitting their casualties when confronted by the national army and foreign forces.

President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has pledged to eliminate Al-Shabaab in the coming months. During a recent Town Hall meeting, he stated that his government would either eradicate the group entirely or confine them to small pockets where they would be unable to harm the government.

According to President Mohamud, the federal government of Somalia has altered its tactics, shifting from solely capturing towns and villages to actively rooting out militants in rural areas. This approach aims to prevent the group from launching surprise attacks on government forces from behind.

The president called upon Somalis to honor the sacrifices made by soldiers who have fought to liberate the country from Al-Shabaab’s control. He also highlighted the significant progress made in combating the group along all frontlines.

President Mohamud’s ambitious goal surpasses previous statements made by the National Security Advisor, Hussein Sheikh Ali, who predicted that the government would defeat Al-Shabaab by the summer of 2024 during an interview with VOA’s Dossier program in January.