Somalia Vows To Intensify Counter Terrorism Operations

Somalia on Tuesday has vowed to intensify military operations against Islamist State (IS) and Al-Shabaab militants to stabilise the Horn of Africa nation.

This came from the Information Minister Abdurahman Osman who said the government will use all available resources, including foreign military support from international partners, to flush out terrorists from Somalia.

“The government will continue the military operations, including the use of airstrikes, against Al-Shabaab in response to the cowardly attacks against civilians, as well as on Somali security forces and African Union Mission to Somalia (AMISOM),” Osman said in a statement issued in Mogadishu.

AMISOM peacekeeping mission is operated by the AU with the approval of the UN Security Council.

Osman’s statement came after a series of airstrikes by the U.S. military in the Horn of Africa nation, which reportedly killed “several” IS and Al-Shabaab militants, in a joint operation with Somali forces.

The U.S. forces have vowed to continue using all authorized and appropriate measures to protect Americans and to disable terrorist threats.

Osman said all airstrikes and offensive operations taking place in Somalia are well planned and “our leaders sought assurances that in attempts to avoid civilian casualties, all necessary precautions are taken prior to every airstrike.”

The minister lauded the Somali people for their support to military operations against terrorists who have killed innocent people, including the Oct. 14 truck bomb attack that left at least 358 people dead.

“We cannot thank enough the support of our people for saying ‘enough is enough’ following the 14 October truck bomb attack in Mogadishu,” said Osman.

“Winning hearts and minds of our people is key to the success of counter terrorism in Somalia.