Alshabaab Group leader urges more attacks in Somalia
Mogadishu,19july,2015(QJ/SDN)-Emboldened by recent deadly attacks against African Union forces and Somali government, the reclusive leader of the Al-Qaeda linked Al-Shabab group in Somalia urged his fighters to step up attacks across Somalia.
In an audio message posted on pro-Al-Shabab website on Friday, Sheikh Omar Ahmed known as Abu Ubeidah exhorted the group’s ‘commandos’ unit named after the former leader of the group Ahmed Abdi Godane who was killed in a US airstrike in Somalia last year to carry out more attacks.
“I am encouraging you to increase the attacks against AMISOM, I also congratulate you for the recent apocalyptic attack against the enemy forces,” he said referring to the 22000 strong AU forces in Somalia.
“I say to you: Move forward and may the almighty protect you and get you steadfast with your goals and decisions.” He told the group’s fighters.
The group’s new Abu-zubayr brigade have overrun an AU force military base in Lego, a village in the fertile Lower Shabelle region last month, killing dozens of soldiers and looted the base.
Buoyed by the successful attacks, Al-Shabab fighters have since stepped up attacks across Somalia.
Last week, militants have stormed two hotels in the Somali capital, killing at least 10 people; however, security officials have immediately ended the siege, killing at least 12 militants. Officials said the attacks; the first such attacks Al-Shabab carried out during Ramadan were foiled.
Somalia’s government has hailed the security forces for protecting the seaside city from militants attacks, as police aided by intelligence forces who took over the city’s security during Ramadan were credited for enhanced security.
Despite losing key strongholds including the lucrative port city of Kismayo, Al-Shabab remains a potent threat as security analysts warn the group’s new guerilla warfare would reverse recent security gains if more security measures were not taken by the Somali government and African Union forces in Somalia.