The Political and Security Committee of the European Union has approved a budget of 70 million euros, already earmarked to provide additional support to the Somali Army and the military component of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM).
In a statement released the day before yesterday, the EU Council stated that both measures aim to contribute to the transfer of security responsibilities from AMISOM to the Somali Army by allowing the former to fulfill its mandate while enhancing the capabilities of the latter.
The Somali Army continues its military strikes against the strongholds and fighters of the terrorist Al-Shabaab movement, which suffered significant losses during the first quarter of the current year.
During March, the army conducted several operations against Al-Shabaab elements in various areas, including Dudumaay, Bulo Jaddoow, Madax Maroodi, and Yaaq Bariini in the Lower Shabelle region south of the country.
Somali researcher and analyst, Sharif Ahmed Ismail, explained that the Somali Army managed to deliver powerful blows to Al-Shabaab elements in various parts of Somalia during January, February, and March 2024, particularly in the central and southern regions.
This led to significant losses for the terrorist organization in terms of fighters and leadership.
An operation carried out jointly by the army and international partners during last February targeted a gathering of the terrorist group in the Ayl-Waddan area near the city of Jalaad in the Gedo region of central Somalia.
In another operation, bases in several areas of the Lower Shabelle region were destroyed, causing heavy casualties to the militias.
Ismail further stated that the Somali Army enjoys tangible popular support from the majority of societal groups, which has contributed to achieving several military victories against Al-Shabaab in recent times.
He expects that this popular support for the army will continue in the coming period to eliminate the organization and restore security and stability throughout the country.
Meanwhile, Munir Adeeb, a researcher specializing in extremist movements and international terrorism, emphasized the importance of the military strikes carried out by the Somali Army against the strongholds and fighters of Al-Shabaab during the past three months.
This significantly weakens the movement, as some strategic and vital areas have been cleared from the grip of terrorists.
In early January of last year, Somali army forces and local troops managed to recapture the city of Masagaway in the Jalamad region in the center of the country from the grip of Al-Shabaab.
The city, located 270 kilometers northeast of the capital Mogadishu, is of great importance and includes a military base. It had been under the control of the terrorist organization for four months.
According to Adeeb, the military operations carried out by the Somali Army against terrorists will continue in the coming months, given the ongoing international support for the Somali government, which significantly undermines the movement.
