Forces Launch Joint Operations Against Al-Shabaab in Southern Somalia

MOGADISHU, Somalia - The Somali National Army (SNA) with the help of Jubaland regional forces conducted joint military operations in southern regions, targeting key Al-Shabaab hideouts within the vast lands of the state which is struggling to contain the group.

At Lower Jubba, the military officers and their local counterparts managed to destroy crucial checkpoints used by the Al-Shabaab during Ramadan to collect Zakatul Fitr—an obligatory alms payment during Ramadan—from local civilians.

Al-Shabaab made significant losses but the exact number of casualties would not be established — but key hideouts were destroyed as the military took over. Traditionally, Al-Shabaab takes advantage of Ramadhan to extort locals besides hitting military installations.

Lower Juba remains one of the regions where Al-Shabaab retains a foothold, and it frequently sees clashes and counterterror operations by federal and Jubbaland forces. Early this year, the Jubaland forces and federal troops clashed in Raskamboni.

But the latest joint operations signify improved relationship between the federal and regional forces, perhaps coinciding with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s clarion call over the weekend.

During Eid al-Fitr celebrations on Saturday night, President Mohamud emphasized that defeating Al-Shabaab requires broad political consensus and unity. He thanked political leaders for prioritizing the nation’s unity and called for their inclusion in both security and state-building efforts.

“I am opening the door to politicians and community leaders so that their views and efforts can be part of the fight against the Khawarij and the establishment of a modern state based on democracy and a federal system, operating within our constitution and laws,” the President said. “We welcome all good ideas to preserve our unity.”

His sentiments have been backed by opposition leaders led by former presidents Sharif Sheikh Ahmed and Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed alias Farmajo, who insisted national dialogue would cure the disconnect in the Al-Shabaab war.

GAROWE ONLINE