The Somali government, with support from local forces and international partners, has been making significant strides in their efforts to combat the terrorist group Al-Shabaab. In the past few months, Al-Shabaab has lost significant territories as government forces continue to push hard against them. This has resulted in a crackdown on the group’s financial resources, with their accounts frozen and extortion collection centers closed down. As a result, Al-Shabaab has been facing internal struggles and has resorted to targeting their own network of elders who used to be the connection line between the terrorists and local tribes. These elders were responsible for collecting extortion on behalf of Al-Shabaab, but with the group’s financial resources dwindling, they have become a liability. Al-Shabaab’s head extortionist, Hiirey alias Abu Abdalla, has ordered the arrest and killing of these elders to eliminate potential informants and tighten control over their operations. Among those rounded up by Al-Shabaab are Madey and Siidow Jiis from Hiran and Bakool regions. These individuals were once seen as intermediaries between Al-Shabaab and local tribes, facilitating the group’s extortion schemes. However, with the pressure from government forces and the freezing of Al-Shabaab’s accounts, the once lucrative revenue stream from extortion has dried up. This has caused internal divisions within the group, with Hiirey resorting to drastic measures to maintain control and prevent any potential leaks of information that could further weaken the group. The crackdown on Al-Shabaab’s extortion network and the targeting of their own elders signify the growing pressure that the group is facing. The Somali government, along with local forces and international partners, has been relentless in their efforts to push back against Al-Shabaab and disrupt their operations. The loss of territory, financial resources, and internal divisions within the group are clear indicators that the Somali government’s strategy is working, and Al-Shabaab is facing significant challenges in maintaining their reign of terror in the region. As the government and local forces continue to make progress in their fight against Al-Shabaab, it is crucial to address the underlying grievances and social issues that the group exploits to gain support. By addressing the root causes of radicalization and extremism, and working towards building trust and cooperation between communities and the government, a sustainable solution can be achieved in countering the threat posed by Al-Shabaab. The recent crackdown on Al-Shabaab’s extortion network and their targeting of their own elders is a significant setback for the group, but sustained efforts are required to ensure a lasting defeat of this terrorist organization in Somalia.
Source: Somali National News Agency