Somalia will emerge stronger, says president after Al-Shabaab attack

Somalia's President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud speaks during a Reuters interview inside his office at the Presidential palace in Mogadishu, Somalia May 28, 2022. REUTERS/Feisal Omar/File Photo Acquire Licensing Rights

MOGADISHU, Somalia - President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud believes the Somali National Army [SNA] will emerge stronger than before after the unexpected defeat in Cawsweyne village, which triggered massive withdrawals from several frontlines in what the government terms as a "strategy" to bounce back.

Last week, the military suffered immense losses in Cawsweyne but to date, the government is yet to give finer details on what may have transpired even after officials announced retaking the village from Al-Shabaab, who would attack them minutes later.

In a statement, Al-Shabaab claimed that over 178 SNA soldiers were killed in the deadly raid, but the reports could not be independently verified. The Al-Shabaab militants have been losing strategic towns but have been rejuvenated in recent weeks given the scale of attacks waged by them.

But in a recent interview, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud termed the withdrawal as "technical" following criticism from various stakeholders, adding that "they will return to battlefields very soon". The government, he said, will continue supporting the officers.

"The government forces have only faced defeat in Cosweyne. The troops will be rewarded to boost their morale and prevent further retreats from the battlefield," he stated.

"The war is ongoing, and I will not cease because our morale is strong. We are fully confident that we will defeat al-Shabab," the president added, who is set to visit Mahas in HirShabelle today, where he is supposed to encourage troops and locals to own the fight against Al-Shabaab.

Without mentioning names, Hassan Sheikh also blamed a few individuals for "working tirelessly to sabotage the government". The Al-Shabaab, he added, will be defeated in their own game, arguing that the government has put mechanisms in place to effect the victory.

The government of Somalia is mobilizing security forces and civilians in the much anticipated second phase of operations against the Al-Shabaab, which will target both Southwest and Jubaland states. The first phase left over 3,000 militants dead in Galmadug and HirShabelle states.

GAROWE ONLINE