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Africa Horn

Airstrikes Intensify in Central Somalia in Ongoing Battle Against Al-Shabaab

2024-10-06

[ShabelleMedia] Central Somalia’s Galgaduud region was the scene of renewed ~~Arclight~~ airstrike
<del>Arclight</del> airstrike

...KABOOM!...
s early today, targeting al-Shabaab
... the Islamic version of the old Somali warlord...
turbans in an escalation of the government’s offensive against the Islamist group. The areas struck included Barag Sheikh Amir and Hussein Cagey, recognized havens for al-Shabaab.
Air strikes by whom?
These airstrikes follow closely on the heels of similar actions in Eeldheer, a district previously reclaimed from al-Shabaab’s control, emphasizing the Somali administration’s commitment, possibly with international assistance
[from whom?]
, to undermine al-Shabaab’s network.

Details concerning the casualties or damage caused by today’s operations are not yet disclosed, leaving the local and international community in suspense over the strikes’ broader impact.
Ah'm on the edge of my seat!
The strategic Galgaduud region remains on high alert, with the local population apprehensive about further military engagements
by whom?
The persistence of such strikes indicates a concerted effort to dislodge al-Shabaab from Somalia, although the risk of civilian harm in densely populated urban areas poses significant operational challenges.

Although not officially confirmed, the role of foreign entities, such as the U.S., known for drone operations in the region, suggests a collaborative approach to counter-terrorism that intertwines Somalia’s domestic issues with global security concerns.
[Who's?]
The imperative for clear reporting[?] on civilian casualties becomes increasingly critical, both for evaluating the tactical successes of these missions and for preserving public support, which is fundamental for sustainable peace.
Does some public NOT want peace?
Somali Military Operation Kills 47 Al-Shabaab Fighters in Galgudud Region
[ShabelleMedia] The Somali government announced Saturday that a decisive military operation
[by whom?]
in the central Galgudud region resulted in the deaths of 47 Al-Shabaab militants.

This operation, which unfolded in the forested areas between the villages of Bidde Issa and Gerile near El-Dheer town, marked a significant engagement against the insurgent group.
[ah'm tired of asking]
The operation involved not only the Somali National Army (SNA) but also national intelligence agents, and local militia, and was supported by international partners
[?]
, according to an official statement released by the government.

The engagement began as a response to intelligence indicating an impending attack by Al-Shabaab militants on El-Dheer district. Well-prepared SNA and local forces confronted the militants on the outskirts of the town, leading to initial clashes where nine militants were killed.

The offensive then evolved into a broader pursuit. Following the initial skirmish, local forces, in conjunction with the SNA, targeted retreating militants in subsequent operations, which included airstrikes
[Somali Army?]
in the Ali Yabaal area aimed at dispersing and neutralizing the remaining fighters.

The aftermath of the battle left the bodies of Al-Shabaab militants scattered across the battlefield,
[cry HAVOC, and loose the pigs of war!]
a grim testament to the operation’s intensity and the defeat inflicted upon the insurgents. However, the operation was not without a loss for the government forces; five brave members of the SNA and local forces were martyred
[so they were still Muslim?]
in the line of duty, showcasing the sacrifices made in the fight against terrorism.

Reinforcements from Masagaway further bolstered the operation, ambushing and inflicting additional casualties on the Al-Shabaab fighters as they attempted to escape, as confirmed by government sources and the Ministry of Defense. This strategic move
[airborne miniguns?]
by the reinforcements played a critical role in the overall success of the operation.
Wireless claymores dropped behind the FEBA would be a strategy
Somali Forces Retake Key Village from Al-Shabaab in Galgaduud
[ShabelleMedia] The Somali National Army announced on Thursday that it has liberated the village of Ali Yabal, located 18 kilometers from Eeldheer in the Galgaduud region, as part of an intensified military campaign against the militant group al-Shabaab.

Posted by:trailing wife

#6 One of these years you’ll have to explain to me what all that actually means, Skidmark. I haven’t actually got a clue.

Posted by: trailing wife 2024-10-06 23:58

#5 *Blush*

Posted by: trailing wife 2024-10-06 23:56

#4 What a sweetheart, and expert in regional dynamics!
Not just a pretty brain.

Posted by: Skidmark 2024-10-06 23:07

#3 Skidmark: the airstrikes are probably the work of the US Air Force courtesy of AFRICOM. The other force providing international assistance is the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), which seems to be a regional force along the lines of the UN blue helmets, so I imagine they aren’t shooting things with airplanes.

Turkey has a military base nearish to Mogadishu, where they are doing their bit to improve the professionalism of the Somali National Army, both enlisted and officers, turning them into Gorgor infantry battalions, as well as adding to the training of the Danab Brigade commandos, which started out as an AFRICOM project. But the impression I have is that the Turks don’t go hunting in the field.

You understand that I don’t actually understand what I’m talking about here, but I suspect you will. ;-)

Posted by: trailing wife 2024-10-06 21:22

#2 ^Never mind Somalia, worry about Minnesota.

Posted by: Grom the Reflective 2024-10-06 06:28

#1
In memory of "Griz" of SFOD-D and other US ARMY personnel that died, to free Somalia. Only to have it revert back to the same 3rd world tribal $hit hole it was.

Posted by: NN2N1 2024-10-06 05:08

00:00