EU Allocates €70 Mln to Support Somalia

The Political and Security Committee of the European Union has approved a €70 million allocation to provide additional support to the Somali army and the military component of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM).

This decision aims to contribute to transferring security responsibilities from AMISOM to the Somali army while enhancing the latter's capabilities.

In a statement released yesterday evening, the European Union Council emphasized that both measures aim to facilitate the transition of security responsibilities from AMISOM to the Somali army while strengthening the latter's capabilities.

The Somali army continues its military strikes against the strongholds and fighters of the terrorist group Al-Shabaab, which suffered significant losses in the first quarter of this year.

In March, the army conducted several operations against Al-Shabaab elements in various areas, including Duduma, Polo Jidud, Madah Marodi, and Yaqbaroini in the Lower Shabelle province in the south of the country.

Somali researcher and analyst Sharhabeel Ahmed Ismail explained that the Somali army achieved significant military strikes against Al-Shabaab elements in various parts of Somalia during January, February, and March 2024.

This led to heavy losses among the group's fighters and leadership.

Moreover, military operations conducted by the Somali army in collaboration with international partners during February targeted a gathering of the terrorist group in the Ayil-Wadlan area of the Jalgodud province in central Somalia.

In another operation, bases in several areas of the Lower Shabelle province were destroyed, resulting in significant casualties among the militias.

Ismael stressed the importance of the military strikes directed by the Somali army against the strongholds and fighters of Al-Shabaab during the past three months.

He emphasized that this enhances the chances of eliminating the organization, as strategic and vital areas have been liberated from the grip of terrorists.

Furthermore, the Somali army and local forces managed to retake the city of Masjuway, located in the Galmudug state in central Somalia, from the control of Al-Shabaab in early January.