Wednesday 5,March 2025 {HMC} The commander of the Somali National Army (SNA), General Odawaa Yusuf Rage, has called for a final push against Al-Shabaab, declaring that the militant group is on the verge of collapse and urging government forces to maintain their momentum.
Speaking from the frontlines in the Middle Shabelle region, where Somali troops and allied militias have intensified operations, Odawaa warned that the extremists are in their “final struggles” and that now is the time to finish them off.
“For two years, Al-Shabaab has been under siege. They are weakened and desperate,” Odawaa said. “The operations must continue without pause. Victory requires sacrifice, and no nation earns its dignity for free.”
The Somali army chief emphasized that troops must remain steadfast, warning against withdrawing from recently secured areas. His remarks come as Al-Shabaab has increased attacks in Middle Shabelle in an apparent bid to counter the ongoing military offensive.
The Somali government, with support from local militias and international partners, has intensified its operations against Al-Shabaab since 2022, reclaiming key strongholds in central and southern Somalia. However, the militant group has continued to stage deadly ambushes, suicide bombings, and hit-and-run attacks to disrupt the offensive.
Odawaa’s comments signal the government’s intent to escalate its campaign further. With Somali forces pushing deeper into militant-controlled areas, the coming weeks are expected to be critical in determining the group’s fate.
