The Deputy Minister of Information of Somalia, Abdulrahman Yusuf Al-Adala, announced the death of over 50 members of what he referred to as “Khawarij militias” in a planned military operation in the Lower Juba province in the south of the country. The operation, which involved the national army in cooperation with the forces of Jubaland state, also led to the arrest of 20 terrorist elements on the fourth day of the military campaign.
The national army and Jubaland state forces have been pursuing remnants of the Khawarij in the forests for four consecutive days, killing more than 50 terrorists, capturing around 20 others, and liberating several areas. The ongoing military operations since last Saturday in villages and areas of the Lower Juba province have resulted in the deaths of many elements and leaders of the Khawarij militias and the arrest of others. In Somalia, the term “Khawarij militia” is used to refer to Al-Shabaab, a group that launches attacks to overthrow the Somali government and enforce strict Islamic Sharia law.
Somalia is actively engaged in combating the twin challenges of potential famine and terrorism within its borders. The President of Somalia has made a commitment to the UN General Assembly that the government, with enhanced public support, aims to eradicate terrorism from the country. The efforts against terrorism, particularly against the Al-Shabab militant group, have been marked by significant military actions. Somali army forces, backed by local militias and international support such as U.S. airstrikes, have managed to retake numerous villages from Al-Shabab, particularly in central regions like Hiran and Galgudud.
However, despite these efforts and the progress made in advancing key national priorities and dislodging terrorist groups from parts of the country, the situation remains precarious. The UN officials have expressed concerns about the sustainability of these gains amidst a looming food crisis and continuous threats of violence, necessitating further support and funding to address these issues comprehensively. The humanitarian situation is described as precarious, with hundreds of thousands facing starvation and children under five at significant risk of malnutrition.
The President has underscored the importance of international partnership in averting a looming famine that threatens not just Somalia but the wider Horn of Africa region. He emphasized the need for immediate support and relief to the most affected communities and highlighted the establishment of a new ministry dedicated to environment and climate change to address the devastating impacts of environmental degradation.
