Regional leaders gathered in Somalia have agreed to launch a joint offensive against the Islamist militant group al-Shabab.
The “search and destroy” operation will bolster the momentum gained by government forces in recent months, including the recovery of territory controlled by the al-Qaeda-affiliated group.
“The time-sensitive campaign will prevent any future infiltrating elements in the region,” said the communique signed by Somalia, Djibouti, Ethiopia, and Kenya’s leaders.
It gave no information about the operation.
According to Reuters, Al-Shabab, which launched mortar shells in Mogadishu ahead of the leaders’ meeting, has not responded to a request for comment.
Since 2006, the militant group has been fighting to destabilize Somalia’s central government and impose its own rule based on a strict interpretation of Islamic Sharia law.
It occasionally attacks hotels, military bases, and government buildings in Somalia and the surrounding region.
The leaders have endorsed H.E @HassanSMohamud’s multi-faceted fight against terrorism militarily, financially & ideologically while expressing a unified stance against the Khawaaij. They expressed support for Somalia's quest to assume full responsibility of Somali security forces pic.twitter.com/sK3UB705I4
— Villa Somalia (@TheVillaSomalia) February 1, 2023
