SNA Conducts Propaganda Campaign That Overstates Gains And Casualties Against Al Shabaab

Somali National Military has in the past few weeks embarked on a major propaganda campaign that overstates its gains in the fight against al Shabaab. The media campaign has been credited for growing misinformation and exaggeration in casualties and attacks against the militants especially in Lower Shabelle.
The propaganda has inflated the number of al Shabaab militants killed in phony attacks with particular emphasis on purported commanders and key leaders are killed in unverifiable reports.
Undeniably, SNA is weak and desperate and as such the propaganda drive is seeking to overstate the military’s capability that has been marred by politics and corruption. As AMISOM prepares to exit Somalia, the SNA has been seeking to show delusory gains and capability that is guaranteed to allow for al Shabaab to expand and grow stronger despite efforts by allied and partner troops.