Africa Review
Monday, January 02, 2012
The embattled group is battling from all sides forces from Somalia, Kenya, Ethiopia, Djibouti, the African Union Mission in Somalia and moderate Islamist group Ahlu Sunna wal-Jamea.
"An evil treaty is being assembled,” Sheikh Mukhtar Abdurahman Abu Zubayr told Al-Shabaab-run broadcaster Al-Andalus. "This hostile association is constantly attacking our positions in different regions."
"Its perpetrators have a deep-rooted military agenda against us (Al-Shabaab)," said the hardliner cleric-cum-militia leader.
Several Al-Shabaab held positions have been recently bombarded by Kenyan and Ethiopian jets in addition to assault by ground troops.
"They are using sophisticated air force in the attacks," said the Al-Shabaab Ameer (supreme leader) but said the air raids would only succeed at terrorising residents.
"They are not capable of concurring the Wilaya (territories controlled by the Islamists)," said Sheikh Abu Zubayr. "All they are capable of is generating terror."
Stabilise
Meanwhile, the Somalia's Transitional Federal Government announced early Saturday that it began what it termed "Operation to Restore Peace and Stability across Somalia."
According to a press statement released by prime minister's Abdiweli Mohamed's office, the TFG in collaboration with neighbouring countries and with support from International Community is going to stabilise the country.
"Today, the Government and the people of Somalia have stood up against the evils of Al-Qaeda and Al-Shabaab terrorists," read the statement released in Mogadishu.
"Our people have suffered harshly under their occupation (terrorist groups)."
The PM’s statement coincided with the seizure of Beledweyne town, the capital of Hiran region in Central Somalia, by pro-government forces supported by Ethiopian troops.
Support
"Our Operation to Restore Peace and Stability is proceeding well and according to plan. Early in this morning (Saturday), the Somali National Army recaptured some Al-Shabaab occupied territories, engaging the enemies in Hiraan and other regions of the country,” read the statement.
"We are officially requesting for momentous support from neighbouring countries such as Ethiopia and the international community at large to assist the Somali people and its government with this historic operation," added the premier.
According to the press release, the aim of the operation is to free the Somali people from the clutches of extremist groups. It was also meant to extend the safety zone for Somalis to receive international aid which is desperately needed.