The Somali military has announced the elimination of 30 terrorists in a military operation in the Jubaland regions in the south of the country.
According to reports by the Somali News Agency “SONNA” on Sunday, the Somali military stated that 10 terrorists were captured in the area of “Barsanguni”. The military also highlighted that pursuit operations against terrorists in the southern and central regions of the country are ongoing.
The terrorism landscape in Somalia has been dominated by the militant group Al-Shabaab, which emerged from the Islamic Courts Union’s youth wing after its defeat in 2006. Al-Shabaab, pledging allegiance to Al-Qaeda in 2012, controls significant portions of Somalia, despite efforts by the Somali government and international forces to combat the group. The African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) and its successor, the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), have been central to these efforts, with AMISOM initiating “offensive operations” to reduce threats from Al-Shabaab and other groups since 2016. Despite these efforts, Al-Shabaab has remained resilient, adapting its tactics to include withdrawing from bases to ambush security forces and shifting focus to urban centers like Mogadishu to avoid targeted operations.
The Somali government, under President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, launched a “total war” against Al-Shabaab in August 2022, aiming to eliminate the terrorist organization within five months. This offensive, particularly effective in central Somalia, sought to dismantle Al-Shabaab’s control in regions it had dominated for over a decade. The strategy involved supporting local clans rebelling against Al-Shabaab, which has seen its popularity wane due to increased repression and taxation amidst natural disasters. However, concerns persist about the Somali government’s capacity to maintain territorial gains and extend control into Al-Shabaab’s strongholds in southern Somalia.
The United States has played a significant role in Somalia’s counterterrorism efforts, conducting airstrikes and supporting Somali forces and AMISOM since the early 2000s. The U.S. has designated Al-Shabaab as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) and has been involved in decapitation strikes against its leadership. The Trump administration significantly increased the number of airstrikes, and the Biden administration has continued military support, including redeploying troops and authorizing airstrikes that have reportedly resulted in over 300 militant deaths.
Despite these efforts, Al-Shabaab continues to launch deadly attacks, with a 41% increase in violence targeting civilians in 2022. The group retains control over approximately 20% of the country, leveraging the central government’s weaknesses to maintain influence, particularly in rural areas. The humanitarian crisis, exacerbated by climate change-induced droughts and the government’s military operations, has contributed to the complex challenges facing Somalia in its fight against terrorism.
