The Al-Qaeda affiliate Al-Shabaab continues to unleash violence and threats in the Horn of Africa nation of Somalia. Al-Shabaab’s persistent operations pose increased threat to Somali citizenry and country’s stability.
The Islamist militants are working to derail Somalia’s elections which are already much delayed. The militant group persistently has increased military campaigns, kidnappings, executions and assassinations, according to African Union official.
According to Francisco Madeira, the AU’s envoy to Somalia, Al-Shabaab continue to wreak havoc with its heinous operations in the capital and other regions of Somalia with an intention of halting a vote that was set to take place last month but was pushed back once again amid security fears and political wrangles.
The Islamist militant group has demonstrated continued resilience, employing sinister tactics, both in Mogadishu and beyond, Mr Madeira told the UN Security Council, describing operations with modified mortars on military forward operating bases (FOBs) effected to attain “maximum deadly impact”.
Increased incidents of kidnappings, public executions, assassinations have been reported. There are reports on Al-Shabaab using intimidation tactics against local elders, urging them to refrain from participating in the elections.
In an audio message purportedly recorded last month by Al-Shabaab media, Al-Kataib Foundation, Al-Shabab leader Ahmed Umar, also known as Abu Ubaidah, warned politicians against campaigning, highlighting the challenges faced by those organising the indirect parliamentary and presidential elections.
Mr Madeira noted that security forces and relevant counterterrorism operators in Somalia have improved security especially for politicians, candidates and other prominent Somalis through increased patrols and security at field bases while gathering more intelligence. He encouraged collaboration between security operators and public to thwart and preempt continued threats posed by the Islamists Al-Shabaab.
