(04-05-23) MOGADISHU – On Thursday, a significant operation against the Al-Shabaab group was led by Governor Ali Jeyte Osman in several areas along the Shabelle River, south of Baledweyne, the capital of Hiraan region. The operation resulted in the destruction of boats used by the militant group for smuggling and the liberation of multiple areas previously under Al-Shabaab control.
Governor Jeyte led the armed forces in the operation, targeting boats connected to the Shabelle River. After the areas were peacefully overtaken by the army, Al-Shabaab militants fled from their positions.
In a statement to the media, Governor Jeyte described Al-Shabaab as cowards and called on them to abandon their activities in Somalia. “We are determined to fight you as long as we have the will. The Somali people will not stand with you. Leave and go back to the places you came from,” Governor Jeyte said.
This operation is part of the second phase of the ongoing war against Al-Shabaab in the Hiraan region. The final preparations for the Gulf will involve the participation of neighbouring countries’ forces in Somalia. At present, Al-Shabaab has been isolated in parts of the Galgaduud and Mudug regions, following successful liberation efforts in the Middle Shabelle and eastern Hiraan regions.
The Somali government has mobilized a large number of troops to continue the fight against Al-Shabaab in the Middle Shabelle and Galgaduud regions, initiating a heavy-duty operation. The first phase of the war against the group has been deemed a success, with the militants being driven out of front areas they had controlled for years. The government has reported that hundreds of Al-Shabaab members have been killed during these operations.
