Somalia government renews counter-insurgency operations as Al-Shabaab regroups
By Lawrence Audu
The Somali government has launched a third round of counter-insurgency operations targeting al-Shabaab. The latest campaign focuses on the Galmudug and Hirshabelle states.
From April 20 to May 24, over 207 incidents of political violence resulted in 432 deaths, according to the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (ACLED).
The Lower Shabelle region experienced the most concentrated violence, while the Mudug and Middle Juba regions reported the highest number of fatalities, with 105 and 70 deaths, respectively.
Security analysts say Al-Shabaab has been regrouping and expanding its influence, particularly in the Middle Shabelle region. Since March, the group has consolidated control over strategic areas along key supply routes and increased attacks against Somali security forces and the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) troops.
The militants have taken control of several villages, only to be temporarily pushed back by the Somali National Army (SNA) and clan militias.
