At least 15 fighters from the Somali jihadist group Al Shabaab have lost their lives and another 20 have been injured during a new offensive by the Somali Army in the Lower Shabelle region, in the south of the country. This action is part of the prolonged military campaign against Al Qaeda's ally in Somalia, considered one of the most violent terrorist movements in Africa.
The operation took place in the Farsoley area and was carried out by elite units of the Somali Army, with international support. In addition to causing numerous casualties, government forces have managed to destroy several facilities and positions used by Al Shabaab to coordinate and plan their attacks.
"Operations against Al Shabaab will continue as part of efforts to restore security and stability throughout the country," the statement said.
In this context, the President of Somalia, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, reiterated this week that the Army is preparing to launch "a final offensive" to definitively defeat Al Shabaab, emphasizing that these preparations are already underway by the authorities. He also insisted again on his proposal for amnesty for jihadists who decide to leave the extremist organization.
Mohamud stated on Friday, during a speech on the 66th anniversary of Somalia's independence, that the Government "has a clear plan to end Al Shabaab," according to the Somali state news agency, SONNA.