Monday October 2, 2023
Dhusamareb (HOL) - The clan leaders from Habargidir, Murusade, and Hawadle have agreed to unite for a massive military operation against al-Shabab following a high-level meeting in Wara Dhumale village in the Galgadud region on Saturday.
Hiiraan State President Ali Jeyte Osman, lawmakers, ministers, army commanders, and other politicians also attended the meeting to oust the militant group from Hirashabelle and Galmudug regional states.
During the meeting, Ali Jeyte Osman emphasized that al-Shabab has caused various problems in the communities residing in Hiiraan and Galgaduud regions over the past few years.
"Today is the time when we will not tolerate the militants killing our people," stated Hiiraan State President Ali Jeyte Osman.
Lawmaker Mohamed Abukar Jafar stated that the decision made by the three communities is the one that will bring an end to the war against the al-Shabab group.
The leaders of the three communities convened their meeting shortly after al-Shabab militants killed nearly 50 people in a series of attacks in the Hiiraan and Galgadud regions over the past few weeks. On September 15th, Galmudug President Ahmed QorQor survived a car bomb attack, but two federal lawmakers were wounded in Las-Ga'amey, a small village in the Mudug region. On September 24th, at least 35 people were killed, and another 40 were injured in a truck bombing in Beledweyne. The next attack occurred in Bulaburte, where five people were killed in a car bomb.
In August 2022, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud launched what he called a "total war" against al-Shabab. In the first phase, Somali forces, backed by local militia, took control of al-Shabab-ruled areas in the central regions of Hiiran and Middle Shabelle.
Last week, President Mohamud said the ongoing military offensive against al-Shabab aims to eliminate the al-Qaida-linked group within a few months.