Dozens of Al Shabaab Militants Killed by AMISOM-backed SNA

Event Summary:

• Between 18^th and 19^th August 2015 at least 25 Al Shabaab militants were killed by Somali government troops in an operation in Hiran region of central Somalia.
• The campaign was aimed at flashing the militants from the villages they have a hold of
• According to military officials, the operation was launched by the government troops alongside Ethiopian troops.

Analysis:

Somali based Al Qaeda affiliated group Harakat al Shabaab al Mujahideen have suffered a major blow in Hiran region of Central when government troops alongside Ethiopian troops conducted a two-day operation. The two-day offense that ended on 19^th August 2015 on the militants position in the villages of Hiran region left at least 25 Islamist militants dead.

According to a senior military official Mohamed Omar, most of the militants were killed in the Luq Jelow village. Residents of the villages in the region have affirmed the rigorous fighting between the troops and al Shabaab militants in the region that created a lot of tension.

In desperate attempts to look vicious and capable the Shebab takfiri claimed killing Ethiopian and Somali troops’ claims that were refuted both by the troops’ official and residents of villages. The Islamist militants retreated from the affected areas and further away as the tensions rose against their odds.

Conclusion:

Somali National Army in the past has been seen as weak and lacking capability to deal with the Al Shabaab menace in the country. But recent efforts and operation show the improving capability and backing of the AMISOM troops in the country.

Recently, al Shabaab fighters, a high ranking commander surrendered and reports of mass defection from the takfiri organization are clear indication of the dwindling control and rift in the terror outfit as the crack to the pressure.

Harakat al Shabaab al Mujahideen are an al Qaeda affiliate which pledged allegiance to the new Taliban leader. Al Shabaab however has not pledged their allegiance to Taliban this is purportedly confirming the earlier rumors of a major rift in the Shebab leadership.