By Hafsa Mursal

MOGADISHU- The somali Federal government has spoken about the progress and change of the plan for the second phase of the war against Al-Shabaab

Somalia’s Minister of Defense Abdulkadir Mohamed Noor said the second phase of uprising against the Al-qaeda affiliate group is set to begin in the coming days.

Nur said preparations are already in high gear and that the government is planning to wrestle Al-Shabab from the areas under their control.

“The plan that started months ago is still going on. I wouldn’t say we will start attacking from a certain place, but the liberation from the rebels is our first goal,” said the Defense Minister.

The minister said that the government has not deviated from the system it started with in the war of mobilizing local people and tribes.

“The Somali people, led by the government, are cooperating in the war. The successes achieved were achieved through the cooperation of the people and the government, and we will go the same way in every area that is liberated,” said the minister.

In the second phase of the Somali government’s war, an important role will be given to the Somali military, while the role of the local insurgents will be reduced. According to the information we received from different sources stated that the government is supported by large number of troops from Ethiopia to attack the areas controlled by Al-shabaab.

The former commander of Somali National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) MP Abdullahi Mohamed Ali Sanbalolshe, has criticized the former approach hatched against the group.

Sanbaloolshe said that the strategy of the previous war they were defeated in which was using locals at the front line is now being changed, he has now expressed despair that the second phase of the war against Al Shabaab will be defeated if the government forces lead it and the locals support them.

The talk about Ethiopian troops entering the country to support the Somali government forces to plan and carry out the war against Al-shabaab is being sensational and is waited eagerly by the civilians who are putting their hopes in the defeat of the Al- shabaab by the local and the Ethiopian troops.

President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has on Sunday officially called for preparations of the second phase of operations in the fight against Alshabab.

Madaxweynaha Jamhuuriyadda Federaalka Soomaaliya Mudane Xasan Sheekh Maxamuud oo u kuur galaya xaalada deeganadii laga xoreeyay Khawaarijta ayaa soo gaaray degmada Aadan-yabaal ee gobolka Shabeellaha Dhexe. pic.twitter.com/HkcrsJ0IMr

— Villa Somalia (@TheVillaSomalia) March 26, 2023

This is following his visit to recently liberated district of Adan Yabal.

Somali government had begun operations to liberate Shabab from the areas under their control in June last year.