Xaaji Xunjuf Posted March 12 Al-Shabaab recaptures Mudug region towns as Somali government forces withdraw Monday March 11, 2024 Dhusamareb (HOL) - Al-Shabaab militants have retaken several areas in the Mudug region after government and allied forces withdrew, including the strategic town of Ba'adweyn. The recent retreats mark a significant setback for government forces, who had previously suffered numerous casualties in these areas. Residents of Ba'adweyn reported early today that they observed military forces evacuating the town, taking their equipment with them. This move follows the withdrawal from the nearby areas of Aad, Amara, and Shabellow, which have since fallen under Al-Shabaab control. advertisements Sources from southern Mudug confirmed that both government troops and local civilians had abandoned Ba'adweyn. The evacuated forces are reportedly regrouped in Laas Ga'amey, a location not far from their previous positions. The departure of government forces from strategic locations in the Mudug region raises concerns about the resurgence of Al-Shabaab and the stability of the area. According to data from the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (ACLED), the period from January 20 to February 23, 2024, witnessed over 250 incidents of political violence in Somalia, resulting in at least 470 fatalities. The Mudug region experienced the highest toll, with at least 144 deaths attributed to the ongoing conflict, underscoring the severity of the situation. The Somali government's offensive against al-Shabaab, initiated in August 2022, aimed at reclaiming control from the militants, particularly in central regions such as Hirshabelle and Galmudug. Initially, the operation saw significant territorial gains, supported by clan militias and international partners. However, the momentum has waned due to logistical challenges, the difficulty of holding captured territories, and al-Shabaab's persistent resilience. President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud's temporary relocation to Dhusamareb, the capital of Galmudug State, in late Summer marked a strategic attempt to revitalize the campaign and rally local support. The second phase of the offensive focused on the regions of Galgaduud and Middle Shabelle, with Mudug becoming a pivotal battlefield. However, setbacks in Mudug, including a devastating al-Shabaab attack on a Somali National Army base in Cowsweyne, have underscored the vulnerabilities and challenges faced by government forces. These recent losses have inflicted significant casualties, stymied the offensive's momentum, and raised questions about the government's capacity to secure and hold territory. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Miskiin-Macruuf-Aqiyaar Posted March 12 Xasan Socdaal iyo xulafadiisa did really destroy ciidamadii qaranka - morally, militarily and financially. Kuwa ma dhargo ah, asaga shirkad yihiin, ayuu ciidamadii taliyaal ugu dhigay and they siphon off their salaries iyo agabkooda. Ciidankaan mushaar la'aan ugu soo baxay aagaas, plus no strategy. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Xaaji Xunjuf Posted March 12 Ciidanka Jabuuti oo isaga guuray fariisimahii ay ku lahayeen bartamaha Baledweyne Talaado, Maarso, 12, 2024 (HOL) - Ciidamada Jabuuti ee qeybta ka ah howlgalka Midowga Afrika ee ATMIS ee ka howlgala gobolka Hiiraan ayaa maanta isaga baxay fariisamahii ay ku lahayeen xarumaha maamulka gobolka iyo kan degmada Baledweyne. Ciidamada Jabuuti ayaa mudo aad u dheer oo ka badan 10 sano ku sugna fariisimaha ay maanta isaga guureen oo ay ka ilaalin jireen amniga maamulka gobolka Hiiraan iyo kan degmada Baledweyne. Wali si rasmi ah looma oga sababta keentay in ciidanka Jabuuti ay isaga guureen fariisimahii ay ku lahayeen bartamaha magaalada Baledweyne ee xarunta gobolka Hiiraan. Warar hoose oo soo baxaya ayaa sheegaya in goobahaan ay uga guureen ciidanka Jabuuti nidaam daro baahsan oo ka dhalatay in xarumahaan ay ku wada sugan yihiin ciidamo farabadan oo kala taacbacsan Hirshabeelle iyo Hiiraan State. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
maakhiri1 Posted March 13 Omg, it is unbelievable, the level of incompetent and complacency of this government Wax aad U Wayn baa khaldan, Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Che -Guevara Posted March 13 11 hours ago, maakhiri1 said: Omg, it is unbelievable, the level of incompetent and complacency of this government Wax aad U Wayn baa khaldan, It's by design. They took all the money for the army, armed clan militias and disbanded many units including Gorgor and Eritrea trained force. They replaced the army with militias supposedly trained by UAE. In reality, UAE hired mercenaries to give minimal training. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Illyria Posted March 23 AS armed with 70+ technicals attacked Xalane from three fronts. ---------------------------- Al-Shabab Launches Deadly Attack on Somali Military Base. The Somali government is keeping quiet about the death of Commander (Liban Golcad) and 58 other soldiers in Busleey, Lower Shabelle region. It's alarming that the militant group AS has been claiming responsibility for the deaths of over 10,000 soldiers in the past two years! This is because the Somali government's strategy has failed, along with promises from the Somali President that turned out to be false! https://twitter.com/EIshmael_/status/1771516167804334444?s=20 Condolences to Liban Golcad and other soldiers killed last night. HSM, the clueless TikToker minister, and the inept security leadership in place must answer for the unprecedented loss of young Somali troops. In two years, a third of the Somali soldiers have either been killed or maimed, with thousands of other patriots leaving the army after witnessing negligence and leadership that doesn’t care about them. It appears there is a deliberate campaign to dismantle the SNA! https://twitter.com/Abdulkullane/status/1771537414726586528?s=20 While he's preoccupied with promoting an illegal constitution change in the mosque, over a hundred soldiers have been killed in the outskirts of Mogadishu within a 10-mile radius in the past few days. https://twitter.com/Osmanshiil/status/1771547734178185705?s=20 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Xaaji Xunjuf Posted March 29 Al-Shabaab resurgence in Somalia as state elections approach 48 SharesFacebookFacebook messengerTwitterWhatsAppLinkedInTelegramEmail Friday March 29, 2024 Mogadishu (HOL) - With the Somali state presidential elections scheduled between June and November 2024, candidates have launched campaigns in Galmudug, Hirshabelle, Jubaland, and Southwest states. Incumbents' potential re-election bids stir unrest among local politicians and clan leaders, particularly in Galmudug and Hirshabelle. The strife is fragmenting the coalition against al-Shabaab, enabling the militants to regain footholds in Galmudug. Concurrently, security forces in Lower Juba have initiated a new offensive against al-Shabaab, recapturing territories in March. Galmudug and Hirshabelle Face Electoral and Political Challenges The Galmudug administration's delay in announcing election dates has led to criticism, mainly targeting State President Ahmed Abdi Karie for aggravating clan conflicts. In Hirshabelle, government reshuffles and clan tensions are mounting, especially after the dismissal of Hiiraan's governor, which threatened the region's stability. The political tensions complicate the upcoming elections, risking further instability and potential secessionist movements in Hiiraan. Al-Shabaab Exploits Security Weaknesses Amid these political tensions, the Somali National Army (SNA) has encountered setbacks, allowing al-Shabaab to reclaim territories. Operational delays, internal disputes, and logistical issues have hampered the SNA, facilitating al-Shabaab's resurgence in key areas of Mudug and Galgaduud. The group has also successfully engaged with local militias, undermining the SNA's efforts. Renewed Counter-Insurgency Operations in Lower Juba Despite central Somalia's challenges, the security forces have initiated a robust counter-insurgency campaign in Lower Juba, targeting al-Shabaab with support from U.S. military forces. These operations have led to significant militant casualties and the dismantling of key bases, demonstrating a sustained commitment to eradicating al-Shabaab's presence. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Illyria Posted March 30 According to TRT, Türkiye has trained more than 6,000 Gorgor soldiers since 2017. However, the current strength of the unit, which consists of the 17th Brigade (approximately 1,900 soldiers) and the 18th Brigade (around 2,100 soldiers), suggests that at least 2,000 soldiers have been lost to desertions and deaths. The majority of these losses have occurred over the past 12 months, coinciding with President Hassan Sheikh’s liberation operations, which have been stuck in Phase 1 for nearly two years. The impact of these losses is most evident in the decimation of Gorgor’s leadership ranks. In the Mudug region alone, four battalion commanders have been lost to deaths and desertions and Al-Shabab attacks this year. Company commanders have also been hit hard, with many falling victim to attacks or facing court-martials. The death of the 18th Brigade’s commander in battle underscores the severity of the situation and the risks faced by those leading the fight against Al-Shabab. Gorgor Forces in Crisis: Desertions and Leadership Failures THESOMALIDIGEST.COM The Gorgor, the elite special forces trained by Türkiye for Somalia, have lost more than 2,000 soldiers in... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Xaaji Xunjuf Posted April 6 Balcad: Al-Shabab Attack Exposes Government Fragility April 6, 2024 Mogadishu, SOMALIA – In a daring morning raid, Al-Shabab militants launched a multi-pronged attack on three checkpoints and a government office in Balcad, Middle Shabelle region, a mere 30 kilometers from the center of Mogadishu. The assault, which included the use of at least one suicide vehicle-borne improvised explosive device (SVBIED), has once again brought to the fore the resilience and adaptability of the militant group, despite the government’s assurances of its imminent defeat. The Attack and Its Implications The attack on Balcad, which resulted in the death of 11 Al-Shabab fighters according to district commissioner Qasim Furdug, is a testament to the group’s resilience and determination. While the government has not disclosed the number of casualties suffered by its forces, the extent of the damage inflicted upon the targeted checkpoints and government building is evident from eyewitness accounts and photographs from the scene. This successful attack, carried out a mere 30 kilometers from the center of Mogadishu, raises serious questions about the effectiveness of the government’s security measures and its ability to protect its citizens. Moreover, the attack on Balcad has significant implications for the broader conflict in Somalia. It demonstrates Al-Shabab’s continued ability to plan and execute complex operations, despite the government’s efforts to degrade its capabilities. The group’s success in striking at the heart of government-controlled areas undermines the credibility of the government’s claims of progress in the fight against terrorism and erodes public confidence in its ability to provide security. Furthermore, the attack serves as a reminder that Al-Shabab remains a potent force, capable of exploiting any weaknesses in the government’s defenses and capitalizing on political instability to further its agenda. The attack on Balcad comes at a time when the government in Mogadishu is embroiled in political turmoil, with ongoing disputes with Puntland and local politicians in the capital over a controversial constitutional change. This internal strife has diverted attention and resources away from the crucial fight against Al-Shabab, providing the militant group with an opportunity to regroup and launch attacks. The government’s preoccupation with political infighting has created a vacuum that Al-Shabab has been quick to exploit, as evidenced by the recent attack in Balcad and the group’s resurgence in other parts of the country. The political instability in Somalia has far-reaching consequences for the fight against terrorism. It undermines the government’s ability to present a united front against Al-Shabab and weakens its capacity to effectively coordinate counter-insurgency efforts. Moreover, the ongoing disputes and power struggles within the government erode public trust and confidence, making it more difficult to garner the support and cooperation of local communities in the fight against the militant group. This lack of unity and cohesion within the government creates a permissive environment for Al-Shabab to operate in, allowing the group to expand its influence and launch attacks with impunity. Broken Promises The resurgence of Al-Shabab in Balcad and other parts of the country stands in stark contrast to the optimistic promises made by President Hassan Sheikh more than a year ago. The president’s assurances that the war against Al-Shabab would be concluded “in weeks” and that the regions of HirShabelle and GalMudug would be liberated from the group’s control now ring hollow in the face of the group’s continued attacks and growing influence. The government’s inability to deliver on these promises has eroded public confidence and raised doubts about the effectiveness of the current counter-insurgency strategy. The attack on Balcad is a clear indication that a new approach is needed in the fight against Al-Shabab in Somalia. The government must reassess its priorities and develop a comprehensive strategy that addresses the root causes of the conflict, including poverty, marginalization, and lack of opportunities for young people. This requires a multi-faceted approach that combines military action with efforts to promote good governance, economic development, and social cohesion. Moreover, the government must work to build trust and legitimacy among local communities, engaging them as partners in the fight against terrorism and addressing their grievances and concerns. The Al-Shabab attack on Balcad is a wake-up call for the government of Somalia, highlighting the urgent need for a united and determined approach in the fight against Al-Shabab. To turn the tide against the group, the government must set aside its internal squabbles and focus on developing a comprehensive strategy that addresses the root causes of the conflict and engages local communities as partners in the fight against terrorism. The lives lost in Balcad should serve as a catalyst for change and a reminder of the high stakes involved in this ongoing struggle for peace and security. The government must act now to reassert its authority, restore public confidence, and provide a stable and secure environment for its citizens. Only through a concerted and coordinated effort, guided by a clear vision and a commitment to the well-being of the Somali people, can the government hope to defeat Al-Shabab and build a brighter future for the nation. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
galbeedi Posted April 7 Xaaji is doing his best to lead his propaganda for the extremists. I do believe this was a desperation from their part. The truck was chased. First they tried to attack a checkpointed and all the attackers were killed, 11 of them. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Xaaji Xunjuf Posted April 7 It was still a very good operation well calculated besides the toothless government can’t defeat the youth it has been proven before they are no. Match for them Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Illyria Posted April 7 Balcad: Al-Shabab Attack Exposes Government Fragility The attack on Balcad, which resulted in the death of 11 Al-Shabab fighters according to district commissioner Qasim Furdug, is a testament to the group’s resilience and determination. While the government has not disclosed the number of casualties suffered by its forces, the extent of the damage inflicted upon the targeted checkpoints and government building is evident from eyewitness accounts and photographs from the scene. This successful attack, carried out a mere 30 kilometers from the center of Mogadishu, raises serious questions about the effectiveness of the government’s security measures and its ability to protect its citizens. The resurgence of Al-Shabab in Balcad and other parts of the country stands in stark contrast to the optimistic promises made by President Hassan Sheikh more than a year ago. The president’s assurances that the war against Al-Shabab would be concluded “in weeks” and that the regions of HirShabelle and GalMudug would be liberated from the group’s control now ring hollow in the face of the group’s continued attacks and growing influence. The government’s inability to deliver on these promises has eroded public confidence and raised doubts about the effectiveness of the current counter-insurgency strategy. Balcad: Al-Shabab Attack Exposes Government Fragility THESOMALIDIGEST.COM Al-Shabab attacks Balcad, Middle Shabelle region, Somalia, showing the resilience and adaptability of... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
