Forces Launch Joint Operations Against Al-Shabaab in Southern Somalia
MOGADISHU, Somalia – Change is on the horizon in Southern Somalia, where unity and collaboration have revitalized the fight against Al-Shabaab, a notorious militant group that has long menaced the region. Recently, the Somali National Army (SNA), in conjunction with the valiant Jubaland regional forces, embarked on a concerted military campaign aimed at dismantling strategic Al-Shabaab strongholds within this sprawling territory.
In the heart of Lower Jubba, a region where the group still holds significant sway, relentless clashes are a common occurrence. Yet, the unified might of the regional and federal forces is beginning to turn the tide. Perhaps it is not all the sheer force that is needed but the enduring spirit of cooperation and shared purpose. Isn’t it often said that unity is strength? With each encounter, key checkpoints used for nefarious purposes, such as collecting Zakatul Fitr—an obligatory alms payment during Ramadan—are being dismantled, offering a measure of relief to these beleaguered communities.
The fight in Lower Jubba is personal for many involved. Those who witness the destruction wrought by Al-Shabaab feel an undeniable urgency. Within each encounter, there’s a history, a shared understanding that the losses—though at times difficult to quantify—are necessary battles that pave the way for future victories. As traditions suggest, Al-Shabaab historically exploits the holy month of Ramadan, not just to extort but also to launch ruthless assaults on military outposts.
Earlier this year, an intense skirmish unfolded in Raskamboni, a place etched into the memories of both Jubaland forces and federal troops. It’s these flashpoints that underscore the critical need for sustained collaboration and understanding across all forces. In recent days, this combined force has signaled a strengthening relationship, an encouraging development that aligns seamlessly with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s impassioned appeal just last weekend. Can we afford to forsake the power of collective action and determination shared by Somalians across political and societal spectrums?
Amidst the festive backdrop of Eid al-Fitr celebrations, President Mohamud delivered a crucial call for broad political consensus and collective unity in the struggle against Al-Shabaab. In his speech, he urged both leaders and citizens to join forces in both security initiatives and broader state-building efforts. “The door is open,” he declared, inviting politicians and community leaders to contribute their unique perspectives and solutions. “A modern state based on democracy and federalism awaits us, built on the principles enshrined in our constitution and laws,” Mohamud articulated with earnestness. “Your voices will steer us towards unity and peace.”
This sentiment of inclusiveness and collective action finds an echo among opposition leaders, notably former presidents Sharif Sheikh Ahmed and Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed, popularly known as Farmajo. They too have advocated fervently for national dialogue as a powerful antidote to the broader disjunction in the battle against the insurgency. Is not the resolution to greater challenges found in the ability to reconcile diverse perspectives into a singular, resolute vision?
Somalia stands at a critical juncture, poised between the shadows of its past and the light of its potential. With leaders united under the banner of cooperation and shared purpose, and with the communities rallying behind this new era of peace and reconstruction, there’s every reason to hope that Al-Shabaab’s long hold on Southern Somalia is finally waning. Each operation bears testament to this emerging era—one where, in Mohamud’s words, unity shall be preserved and greatness achieved through shared endeavor.
With a heart full of expectation and a resolute belief in the power of cooperative action, is there any doubt that the path forward is brighter than ever before?
Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International–Monitoring
