MOGADISHU, Somalia – When General Yusuf Rageh Odowaa announced major crackdowns against Al-Shabaab in central and southern Somalia, he insisted that “we will crush them, reclaim our territories” and true to his words, the activists have continued to suffer defeats in recent weeks.
But even more fascinating, unlike many configurations of the military, General Odowaa Yusuf Rageh has taken it upon himself to lead a crackdown on the militants, which has apparently paid off in recent weeks.
Since last week, more than 200 activists have been shot dead in Middle and Lower Shabelle, as well as dozens of wounded and those captured alive. Another media estimate places the record at around 600 people killed in June alone.
State media said more than six villages that were seen as strongholds of Al-Shabaab have been successfully recaptured, with the government now proposing elaborate measures to reorganize the fallen local administration that was overrun by Al-Shabaab. Shabaab.
Among the villages successfully taken over are Moalim, Sabriye, Balod, Binaanka-Balow, Mordinle and Isse Lugoole which are located near the districts of Awdheegle and Afgoye in the Lower Shabelle region of southern Somalia.
It is in these villages that the group recruits young people in addition to manufacturing explosives which are used in sophisticated operations carried out by the militants. Bas Shebelle was particularly targeted in operations led by General Odowaa Yusuf Rageh, state media confirmed.
Over the weekend, the military also moved some of the operations to areas of lower Juba, with Danab special forces killing al-Shabaab militants in a security operation led by the commandos of the Somali army in the villages of Berhani and Libikuus in Kismayo district, state media added.
It comes as the United Nations Security Council slapped three senior al-Shabaab militants with sanctions, as part of strengthening efforts by the Somali National Army [SNA] and AMISOM troops to defeat the Somali group.
“Although it is too early to see the impact of these lists, and the updated sanctions list can be an important tool to support the Somali federal government in its fight against Al-Shabaab,” said Geraldine Byrne Nason , Permanent Representative of Ireland to the United Nations and Chairman of the Security Council Committee in accordance with resolution 751 [1992] concerning Somalia, during a briefing on the work of the subsidiary body from 26 February to 14 June.
Nason said committee members praised the group’s work on Al-Shabaab’s finances, expressed concern over reported violations of international humanitarian and human rights law, and noted that effective procedures arms and ammunition management instituted by the federal government were essential to prevent the fall of military equipment. in the hands of Al-Shabaab and a faction of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant.
The committee is currently reviewing the six recommendations contained in the panel’s mid-term update, including the idea of a consultation process with the federal government on the requirements of the arms embargo regime, he said. -she reported.
But despite the huge victory in those areas, Al-Shabaab said it had set up a local administration for Ba’adweyne, a town it occupied on April 15 after government forces left. The group’s shadow governor for the Mudug region, Hassan Abu Hamza, visited the town, affiliated media said.
At least 10 people were also killed at General Dhago-badan’s military training camp in Mogadishu on Tuesday, and 20 others were seriously injured, General Odowaa said. Although Al-Shabaab has yet to take responsibility, the nature and execution are reminiscent of the group’s evil activities.
The group also reportedly attacked an AU military convoy in the Lower Shabelle region, killing Ugandan soldiers. The bomb, pistol attack occurred on the road between Buufow and No.60 near the town of Marka, sources confirming that AMISOM vehicles were damaged.
But generally, the group remains both cash-strapped and degraded, losing more traditional territories through military operations across the country. The Somali National Army is expected to assume security responsibilities for AMISOM forces later this year.
AXADLETM
