Somalia: Al-Shabaab's latest strategy, dangerous for innocent civilians

MOGADISHU, Somalia - The latest Al-Shabaab strategy in Somalia could bring about more humanitarian conflicts in the country, with innocent civilians being the group's major target, at least based on the most recent attacks carried out across the Horn of Africa nation.

Last month, the group eliminated at least 20 civilians in Hayaat Hotel within the protected capital Mogadishu, an indication that the group will definitely face government forces at any time without much resistance. Mogadishu is one of the most protected cities in the country.

On Friday night, the group raided the Hiran region of HirShabelle, this time targeting trucks carrying humanitarian aid and innocent civilians. According to the federal government, at least 22 people were killed and seven trucks destroyed by the militants who control huge swathes of rural central and southern Somalia.

Abdishakur Warsame, the special envoy for drought in Somalia, said the most recent attacks are meant to showcase that "there is no government in Somalia and if there is one, then it must be very weak". The envoy further expressed concerns that besides targeting innocent civilians and food trucks, the group has also been destroying wells.

"Reports that Alshabab terrorists have killed drivers and burned 7 trucks carrying food supplies from Beledweyne to Mahas is devastating," he said. "The terror group had blown up water wells in Hiran a few days ago. I call for immediate support to these communities that face severe drought."

For months now, many Somalis have been struggling with drought which has left dozens dead and thousands displaced to IDP camps. To further suffocate these vulnerable people, the group is making it difficult for them to access food and water.

This strategy, analysts say, will further work to the advantage of the militants who have showcased that the government cannot assist people. The move, they say, will expose the administration of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud as "very weak" and "incapacitated".

The US has accused Al-Shabaab militants of showing "disregard for human life" by attacking trucks ferrying food to areas facing drought. Washington also raised concerns about the destruction of wells in the country, which are life-saving in the drought-stricken nation.

"We are deeply concerned about reports of attacks by al-Shabaab on vehicles carrying food in Hiraan. By denying food to the hungry and destroying wells of the thirsty al-Shabaab has once again shown its disregard for human life," the US embassy in Somalia said in a statement.

Al-Shabaab controls rural central and southern Somalia but there have been deliberate efforts to degrade the militants in the recent past. The African Union Transition Mission in Somalia has pledged to work closely with local forces to regain some of the lost strategic towns.

GAROWE ONLINE