Somalia reports 70% decrease in al-Shabab attacks

Somali authorities say sustained military operations against the al-Shabab terror group have succeeded in reducing militant attacks across the country by 70%.

Efforts to ensure the stability of the capital, Mogadishu, have also been successful – allowing members of the public to peacefully observe the holy month of Ramadan, the Somali cabinet said on Thursday during its weekly meeting that was chaired by Prime Minister Hamsa Abdi Barre.

The cabinet said the army had seized back at least 80 villages and towns since it launched the campaign in south-central Somalia last year.

Government forces, supported by clan militias, have been conducting an offensive against al-Shabab since August 2022.

Before the operation, the militants stepped up attacks, specifically in Mogadishu and army bases, killing dozens of government officials, civilians as well as members of the armed forces.

By BBC