(12-03-24) MOGADISHU (Halqabsi News) — The Somali National Army, the Galmudug dervishes, and the local liberation forces have retreated from key areas in the south of the Mudug region, particularly in Amara and Ba’adweyn districts, sources report. The withdrawal has reignited fears and discontent among locals and politicians, marking a pause in the ongoing offensive against the Al-Shabaab insurgency.
The focus of the Somali military efforts has now been redirected to defend the remaining areas from Al-Shabaab, namely Bahdo district in the Galgaduud region and Wisil district in Mudug. The redeployment involves troops recently trained in Eritrea and members of the Abu Dujana brigade, who have cleared frontline defences in Amara, Ba’adweyn, and Aad villages.
The move follows the recent deaths of two military commanders in Bahdo district and Qorilugud, intensifying unrest and disillusionment among the forces. Allegations of an internal rift and leadership challenges have surfaced, contributing to the volatile situation.
Political infighting in Galmudug has compounded the issue, with factions blaming each other for the withdrawal. Supporters of NISA Commander and contender for the Galmudug presidency, Mahad Salad, accuse President Ahmed Abdi Kaariye Qorqor of precipitating the army’s pullback, while Qorqor’s backers allege political manoeuvring against the president.
The vacuum left by retreating forces has allowed Al-Shabaab militants to recapture previously liberated areas, including Aad, Shabeelow, Amara, and Badaweyne, instilling fear in the local residents who had earlier endeavoured to rebuild their lives following militant occupation.
Criticism is mounting against the Ministry of Defence, with observers pointing to a lack of coordination and leadership as the primary cause of the operational setbacks. This internal discord has severely impacted counter-terrorism efforts in the region.
Last year, President Hassan Sheikh spent two months in Galmudug to spearhead the offensive against Al-Shabaab. However, with the current reversal of territorial gains, there is an urgent call for the government to devise and implement a new strategy in the ongoing offensive against the terrorist outfit.
Halqabsi News
