African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) confirmed Al-Shabab group was defeated and weakened but warned still the group pose a security threat to Somalia and the region.
The Mission’s spokesperson, Lt. Col. Richard Nyabuti Omwega said the group was degraded as its fighters were defeated in many battles by the allied forces.
Omwega cautioned that the group still remains a menace to general security in Somalia since its fighters are using improvised explosive devices and abrupt attacks.
The official said the main challenge facing the Mission dealing with the group as they intermingled with the locals.
He boasted that AMISOM had achieved tangible progress since it launched its mandate to restore peace in the Horn African Nation back in 2007.
Omwega said the progress achieved culminated in reinstating a Federal Government based in Mogadishu and maintaining security in other parts of the country with full administrations.
The spokesman noted the mandate of the Mission is coming to an end in 2021 after one and half decades of service.
Omwega pointed out that AMISOM reduced its force by 1000 soldiers last December and is expecting to send home same number by October this year.
AMISOM troops who were majority drew from six countries namely Kenya, Uganda, Ethiopia, Burundi, Djibouti and Sierra Leone were deployed in 2007 to assist Somali government in peace restoration
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