Somalia’s Southwest state President Launches Second phase of anti Alshabab war

The President of the South West Regional State in Somalia, Abdiasis Hassan Mohamed Laftagareen, has officially announced the commencement of the second phase of anti-al-Shabaab operations in the South West State.

He made the pronouncement during a high-level preparation meeting for the anti-al-Shabab operations in Baidoa which was attended by high ranking representatives from the federal government including Military officials.

Laftagareen said that they are no longer defending themselves against the al-Shabaab group; instead, they must move forward. Making the third federal member state to make a similar decision after Galmudug and Hirshabelle states.

The Regional President emphasized the need for unity in the fight to eliminate the group, and urged the people and the government must stand up to fight against Al-Shabaab as there is no room for self-defense anymore.

In August 2022, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud launched a “total war” against al-Shabaab. In the first phase, Somalian forces focused on the central regions of Hirshabelle and Galmudug, supporting local clans that rebelled against al-Shabaab.