The Somali National Army (SNA) has launched operations in various regions to combat the insurgent group Al-Shabaab.
Although the operation started slowly, it has been gaining momentum in the regions of Mudug, Galgaduud, and Bakool. However, Al-Shabaab fighters are attempting to resist the SNA’s advances by launching sporadic attacks. Despite this, the Somali forces are cautiously advancing through the rural areas where Al-Shabaab militants are hiding.
According to intelligence sources within the Somali National Army, some young fighters have been captured during these battles, many of whom are reportedly from Ethiopia and Kenya and were part of the Al-Shabaab insurgents. They claimed to have received training in the Oromia region of Ethiopia, where Al-Shabaab allegedly has established training camps. However, the accuracy of this claim cannot be fully verified as the military officers who provided this information remain anonymous.
Nevertheless, recent social media reports have shown an increase in discussions about Al-Shabaab’s presence in the Oromia region of Ethiopia. Military sources and online reports have raised concerns about the potential for Al-Shabaab to establish a base in Ethiopia, which poses a significant threat, especially given the ongoing civil conflicts in Ethiopia and the fact that it is home to the largest Muslim population in East Africa.
