Highlight
- U.S. shifting a direct role in the fight against Al Qaeda affiliated Al Shabaab militants are playing a pivotal purpose in the fighting A Shabaab in Somalia.
- In last one week, U.S. has launched at least six drone strikes in southern Somalia in support of the Africa Union forces (AMISOM) battling the Somali based Harakat Al Shabaab Al Mujahideen (HSM).
- U.S. airstrike have repulsed Al Shabaab in Baraawe, a port city and a key strategic area for the militants
- U.S. cast airstrike a week ago as a defensive maneuver to repulse Al Shabaab fighters who were moving to attack a military base used by pro-government soldiers.
- Kenya Defence Forces troops followed U.S. attacks with an artillery baggage killing more than 50 militant fighters.
- U.S. has also used drone attacks in Somalia though in rare instances supporting ground skirmishes against the militants. U.S. confined its role to targeted drone strikes and special operations raids against Al Shabaab top leadership.
- U.S. has also provided intelligence, training and other logistical support to the Somali Army and to the African Union troops.
Analysis
Terrorism is a global threat; U.S. direct role in fighting the Al Shabaab militants has catapulted the gains in eliminating the terror group in Somalia, East Africa and largely the horn of Africa.
Al Shabaab which is an affiliate of the broader Al Qaeda terror networker operates from Somalia but it has extended it terror campaigns in neighboring countries and more so in the countries that have contributed military troops in Somalia.
Kenya being a major contributor of it troops working under AMISOM umbrella (from Kenya, Uganda, Burundi, Ethiopia and Djibouti) has faced a series of attacks by the militants. The militants are believed to have active cells in Kenya’s coastal regions, northern eastern counties- along the porous border.
Kenya has been able to outdo the militant group in many instances there have laid ambush on the country’s forces. Kenya security agencies working closely have been able to foil would be attacks. Many Al Shabaab militants have been captured.
Forecast
Kenya and U.S. continues to work closely in safeguarding their interest in the country. Sharing of intelligence and offering military support to root out the militant group.
Kenyan troops within AMISOM have a record of successes against the Somali based jihadists. Recently Kenya Defence Forces have been able to battle Al Shabaab, capturing Bardheere town, in Gedo region. For the last one week Kenyan troops have killed at least 84 Al Shabaab militants in the battle aimed at liberating Bardheere.
The Forces have also repulsed the Al Shabaab out of Dinsoor base, another militant’s stronghold in Somalia.
U.S. offering tactical logistical support, drone surveillance is expected to boost AMISOM capability in rooting out the remnants of the Somali based Harakat Al Shabaab Al Mujahideen.
true sir.
And what is the ‘carbon cost’ of Obama’s continued bungling and buffoonery in Somalia?
OF COZ