Forces led by the former deputy head of Al-Shabaab, Sheikh Mukhtar Robow are preparing for an offensive against Al-shabaab in Baay and Bakool regions.
South West deputy minister of security, Abdirazak Abdi Adan said Robow will be spearheading the offensives against Al-shabab as other military build-up is underway in several areas of the state.
Adan noted the planned offensives are expected to commence in the forthcoming days after they receive go ahead from South West president, Shariif Hassan.
The move comes barely two days after Somali President, Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo announced new air raid against the group.
“Al-shabaab was driven out from most of the territories. They rule few areas; we need to carry out air and ground offensives against Al-shabaab. In coordination with US government, we are going to increase airstrikes against Al-shabaab,” said president Farmajo during an interview with BBC Somali Service.
Robow fell out with Al-shabaab in 2013, keeping his own forces in the jungle until defecting to Somali government last August.
His defection came two months after US government removed him from its Reward For Justice (RFJ) list.
Al-shabaab, however, still remains a formidable threat as it carries out attacks against Somali forces and AMISOM troops.
The group lost the control of Somali capital Mogadishu to Somali security forces backed by African Union peace-keeping troops.
Discussion about this post