Al-Shabaab and state tell of terror against them

MOGADISHU, Sunday

Sheikh Mukhtar Abdurahman Abu Zubayr, the Ameer (supreme leader) of Al-Shabaab, the radical Islamist group vehemently opposing the Transitional Federal Government (TFG) of Somalia, has complained that different groups have formed alliance against his movement.
“An evil treaty is being assembled,” said the hardline cleric-cum-militia leader.

Talking to Al-Andalus, an Al-Shabaab run broadcaster, Sheikh Abu Zubayr (also known as Ahmed Abdi Godane) stated that Kenya, Ethiopia, Djibouti, Amisom (African Union Mission in Somalia), TFG and Ahlu Sunna wal-Jamea (moderate Islamists allied with the TFG) have formed an aggressive coalition, attacking the fanatical Islamists from different directions.

“This hostile association is constantly attacking our positions in different regions,” said the Al-Shabaab leader. “Its perpetrators have a deep-rooted military agenda against us (Al-Shabaab),” he added.

Sheikh Abu Zubayr reiterated that Western, Kenyan and Ethiopian military planes bombarded several Al-Shabaab held positions. He added that the assailants are not going to succeed.

“They are using sophisticated air force in the attacks,” said the sheikh. He added that all the air raids will only succeed is to terrorise the public in Al-Shabaab territories.

“They are not capable of concurring the Wilaya (territories controlled by the Islamists),” retorted Sheikh Abu Zubayr. “All they are capable of generating terror.”

Meanwhile, the TFG announced early on Saturday that it began what it termed ‘Operation to Restore Peace and Stability across Somalia.’

According to a press statement released by the Office of Somalia’s PM Professor Abdiweli Mohamed, 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. It indicated that countless Somalis and those in neighbouring countries have long been terrorized and killed.

“Our people have suffered harshly under their occupation (terrorist groups). Today, we have initiated the process to liberate the tyranny of Al-Qaeda and Al-shabaab from Somalia.” said Somalia Prime Minister, Dr Abdiweli Mohamed Ali.

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.

“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 neighboring countries such as Ethiopia and the international community at large to assist the Somali people and its government with this historic operation.” added Prime Minister Ali.

According to the press release, the aim of the operation is to free the Somali people from the merciless clutches of extremist groups. It was also meant to extend the safety zone for Somalis to receive international aid which they desperately need.

“The Transitional Federal Government urged the International Community and aid agencies to swiftly extend humanitarian assistance to the newly liberated areas,” concluded the prime minister’s statement.

The strange thing is that both Al-Shabaab and the TFG respectively complained of being subjects of terrorism, on the same day.