MOGADISHU, Somalia – The United States believes Al-Shabaab militants are more vital than ever despite operations to flush them across the country, with the US Africa Command leading in the operations across Lower Shabelle and Middle Jubba regions. 

Al-Shabaab militants have heightened attacks, especially during the electioneering period in Somalia, but security forces have responded equally. Over the weekend, the government reported that over 200 militants were killed in Lower Shabelle.

In an interview with the media on Monday, US ambassador to Somalia Larry Andre noted that the militants have continued to make serious gains, blaming the protracted elections as the genesis of the current security concerns in Somalia.

According to him, Al-Shabaab remains stronger based on the inroads made in the past year within Somalia, adding that politicians are partly to blame since they have prioritized local politics over matters of security and the well-being of the people of Somalia.

Al-Shabaab’s crimes, he noted, are made even more despicable by their false justifications in the name of one of humanity’s great religious traditions. The militants have continued to unleash even innocent civilians.

Mr. Andre, however, lauded the Somali National Army [SNA] for their efforts to fight the militants, noting that he admires their commitment to the war. Besides getting support from the US Africa Command, SNA troops have also worked closely with the African Union Mission Forces.

Later this month, the AMISOM will transit to ATMIS but will maintain the exact number of staff before reduction is made later in December. The US Africa Command has also trained Special Forces commonly known as Danab in Somalia.

America’s security relations with Somalia, he added, are based on shared interests in defending both Somalis and Americans from al-Shabaab violence and their other criminal activities. He said the US is directly aware of the courage and selflessness of many of Somalia’s security forces.  

Larry now says the Al-Shabaab menace can be stopped should the people work closely with security forces in the country. He said local leaders should renew their commitment to the fight against Al-Shabaab. The group controls large swathes of rural central and southern Somalia.

He asked Somalia’s leaders to renew their commitment to degrading al-Shabaab’s ability to conduct attacks and making Somalia a much safer place. With that commitment, demonstrated through action, he noted, Al-Shabaab’s momentum can be stopped putting them back on the defensive and sharply reducing their attacks in the short-term while working in the longer term to end al-Shabaab attacks altogether.

America’s security relations with Somalia, he added, are based on shared interests in defending both Somalis and Americans from al-Shabaab violence and their other criminal activities. He said the US is directly aware of the courage and selflessness of many members of Somalia’s security forces.

Larry now says the Al-Shabaab menace can be stopped should the people work closely with security forces in the country. He said local leaders should renew their commitment to the fight against Al-Shabaab. The group controls large swathes of rural central and southern Somalia.

He asked Somalia’s leaders to renew their commitment to degrading al-Shabaab’s ability to conduct attacks and making Somalia a much safer place. With that commitment, demonstrated through action, he noted, Al-Shabaab’s momentum can be stopped putting them back on the defensive and sharply reducing their attacks in the short-term, while working in the longer term to end al-Shabaab attacks altogether.

𝐆𝐀𝐑𝐎𝐖𝐄 𝐎𝐍𝐋𝐈𝐍𝐄