MOGADISHU (Somaliguardian) – In a recently released video, Al-Shabaab’s spokesman, Ali Mohamud Rage, publicly known as Ali Dhere, declared significant battlefield victories, asserting that the militant group has reversed nearly all territorial gains made by Somalia’s army during a three-year offensive.
The video, believed to have been recorded during Ramadan, featured Ali Dhere addressing graduates of an Al-Shabaab-run military academy, where he boasted of retaking vast swathes of territory previously lost to Somali troops backed by clan militias and international air support from the United States and Turkey.
The spokesman claimed that Al-Shabaab fighters have advanced into areas near the capital, Mogadishu, including Aliyale and Garas Bintoo, just kilometers from the city, and are currently engaged in clashes between Bal’ad and Mogadishu. He dismissed the capabilities of Somali forces, stating that none of the tens of thousands of troops trained by the U.S., Turkey, Egypt, and Eritrea are currently combat-ready.
Ali Dhere also mocked Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s pledge three years ago to eradicate the group within five months, emphasizing that Al-Shabaab remains stronger than ever after three years of sustained war.
The militant group’s resurgence comes as President Mohamud is reportedly in Adale town in the Middle Shabelle region, rallying troops and clan militias to counter the insurgents’ advance. Over recent weeks, Al-Shabaab has seized multiple towns and villages in the strategic Middle and Lower Shabelle regions, both neighboring the capital Mogadishu.
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