MOGADISHU (Halbeeg News) – The commander of the Somali National Army, Major General Ibrahim Sheikh Muhuddin, has announced that the Somali military will resume operations to annihilate al-Shabaab fighters in south and central Somalia.
Speaking to the state-owned media, Muhuddin said that Somali, the regional governments, and locals are planning to accelerate operations against the group.
The SNA boss said the operations were initially suspended due to the holy month of Ramadan.
“The national forces were on the defensive during Ramadan and strengthened the security of the areas they had previously captured from the Khawarij enemies, but from now on, the fighting will start again,” said Muhuddin.
The commander also called on the Somali people not to give money to the group and urged them to support the government forces in the fight against al-Shabaab fighters.
Somali forces backed by troops from African countries have been fighting al-Shabaab fighters for more than a decade.
The allied forces succeeded in liberating major towns including the capital, Mogadishu, Baidoa, Kismayo, Hudur, Wajid, Beledweyne and Harardhere towns.
Al-Shabaab lost control of Mogadishu in 2011 following fierce fighting with Somali forces backed by troops from the then Amisom.
