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In a significant move to bolster the fight against the Al-Shabaab militant group, Abdullahi Mohamed Ali Sanbaloolshe, the Director of Somalia’s National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA), has initiated high-level meetings in the Buula Burte district of the Hiiraan region. The meetings, which began on Friday, January 24, 2025, aim to accelerate the second phase of military operations against the militant group and strengthen collaboration between federal forces and local communities.
Sanbaloolshe, who has been in the Hiiraan region for several days, met with local intellectuals, community leaders, and security officials to discuss strategies for enhancing coordination and securing their active participation in the ongoing anti-Al-Shabaab campaign. The discussions focused on improving the operational efficiency of local forces, ensuring their alignment with the Somali National Army (SNA), and addressing security challenges that have hindered progress in the region.
Community leaders in Buula Burte expressed unwavering support for the federal government’s efforts, pledging full cooperation in the second phase of the military offensive. They emphasized the importance of unity and collaboration in eradicating the threat posed by Al-Shabaab, which has long destabilized the region.
This latest initiative follows a recent visit by a high-level federal government delegation to Beledweyne, the capital of the Hiiraan region. Led by Sanbaloolshe and Dahir Shire, the Minister of Petroleum and Minerals, the delegation addressed critical security concerns, including the dismantling of illegal checkpoints and the resolution of internal conflicts that have exacerbated instability. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to reorganize and empower local forces, ensuring they can effectively support the SNA’s renewed push against Al-Shabaab.
The Hiiraan region has been a focal point in Somalia’s fight against Al-Shabaab, with the federal government and local communities working together to reclaim territories under militant control. The second phase of the military campaign, which builds on the successes of the first phase, aims to consolidate gains and further weaken the militant group’s operational capabilities.
Sanbaloolshe’s presence in the region underscores the federal government’s commitment to securing the Hiiraan region and its determination to involve local stakeholders in the decision-making process. By engaging directly with community leaders and intellectuals, the government hopes to foster a sense of ownership and responsibility among locals, ensuring the sustainability of the anti-Al-Shabaab efforts.
The meetings in Buula Burte also highlighted the importance of addressing underlying issues that contribute to the region’s instability, such as poverty, lack of infrastructure, and inter-clan tensions. Federal officials have emphasized that military operations alone are insufficient to achieve lasting peace and stability. A comprehensive approach that combines security measures with development initiatives is essential to address the root causes of extremism and build resilient communities.
As the second phase of the military campaign gains momentum, the federal government remains focused on strengthening the capacity of local forces and improving coordination between various security agencies. The reorganization of local forces is expected to enhance their effectiveness in supporting the SNA and other federal troops in their operations against Al-Shabaab.
The efforts in the Hiiraan region reflect a broader national strategy to restore stability and security across Somalia. With the support of local communities and the dedication of federal officials like Sanbaloolshe, there is renewed hope for progress in the fight against Al-Shabaab and the eventual restoration of peace in the region.