Saturday, March 12, 2011
In a statement released on Friday, the moderate group termed the victories attained by the pro-government forces a step towards restoration of peace and order in the war-torn country.
“These triumphs are going to yield pleasant fruits,” read in part the statement by the group's council. “The successes realised by the national forces are indicators that better days are laying ahead,” it added.
The clerics appreciated the pro-government forces’ proactive strikes at positions controlled by Al-Shabaab, which strongly opposes Somalia's transitional government (Read: Al-Shabaab recruits elders into ranks).
“It is a war against foreigners (a reference to international Jihadists locally known as al-Muhajireen al-Mujahedeen or migrant jihadists) who invaded our country,” said the moderate group.
Promise
Ahlu Sunna wal-Jamea leaders acknowledged the government of Prime Minister Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed had delivered its promise to improve the security within its first 100 days in office, effective November 2010.
The group pleaded for more public support for pro-government forces that have already seized some districts in Southern Somalia from Al-Shabaab militants as well as their main base in Mogadishu.
Meanwhile, Ahlu Sunna wal-Jamea combatants and Al-Shabaab have been battling in the past two days over the control of parts of the central regions, with each side claiming victories.
Source: Africa Review