Despite years of costly efforts to combat the group, Al-Shabaab managed once again to detonate a vehicle packed with explosives in Mogadishu, slaughtering 81 people on Saturday in one of the deadliest attacks of the decade. It controlled major urban centers, including parts of Mogadishu, while the internationally backed government clung to a sliver of territory in the capital. Shabaab not government prioritySince the main Amisom offensive ended in 2015, control of territory has largely remained stagnant. “We see no coherent security force emerging that can credibly challenge Shabaab, especially if AU troops pull out,” said Bryden. “Al-Shabaab appears to be closing the decade in as strong a position as it has been in in 10 years,” said Mutiga.

Source: Manila Times January 02, 2020 03:11 UTC