UN Points to Progress in Battling Al-Shabab in Somalia

The special representative of United Nations secretary general for Somalia Nicolas Kay says U.S. airstrikes and major ground offensives by pro-government forces have led to the seizure of nearly 20 Somali towns from al-Shabab and have brought the country closer to full federal control.

Special U.N. representative Nicholas Kay, speaking to VOA, cited “considerable success” in the 2014 push against Al-Shabab. He also noted political progress in ending the nearly nine-year uprising.

His remarks came as the death of Al-Shabab commander Ibrahim Filey near the southern town of Kurtun Waarey confirmed on 1st January.

On Tuesday, Somali authorities said al-Shabab fighters killed six Somali soldiers in Baidoa, in an attack on a military checkpoint about 250 kilometers west of Mogadishu.

Separately, the Pentagon confirmed Wednesday that a U.S. airstrike killed Al-Shabab spy chief Tahil Abdishakur on December 29 near the town of Saakow.

A U.S. airstrike in September killed al-Shabab supreme leader Ahmed Abdi Godane.

Source: VOA