The United States of America's mission in Somalia does not include completely destroying Al-Shabaab militants to pave way for stability in the Horn of Africa, a top commander has said.
The US has been aiding AMISOM troops and Somalia Nation Army in weakening Al-Shabaab through airstrikes. The US is now keen to weaken Al-Shabaab and provide for a political settlement in the feud that has lasted for 10 years.
“We're not talking about annihilating it, getting rid of it completely,” Ambassador Alexander Laskaris, Africom's civilian deputy commander, said of Shabaab in a press briefing on Wednesday as quoted by the Nation.
Insurgencies of the sort underway in Somalia for more than a decade are likely to end by means of “a hybrid of military pressure and political accommodation,” Mr Laskaris suggested.
“I don't care how it's done,” he added in regard to the way in which a political settlement might be reached between Somali warring parties, “but it needs to be done consistent with Somali culture.
”The stepped-up US air attacks on Shabaab targets have put the group “on the defensive,” added Rear Admiral Heidi Berg, Africom's intelligence director. “They are on the defensive, restrained in their movement and broken in their ability to command their forces,” she said.
The new strategy by the US is a big blow to AMISOM especially the KDF troops, who are keen to wide out the terror group that has claimed thousands of lives of innocent people in East Africa.
On Monday, Army Commander Lieutenant General Walter Raria visited three Forward Operating Bases in Somalia and assured soldiers that Kenya is determined to wipe out the militants.
"Lt Gen Koipaton congratulated the troops for their outstanding and dedicated efforts in support of the Federal Republic of Somalia in neutralizing the threat posed by Al Shabaab terrorists; as well as defending and protecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Kenya.
"The Commander assured the troops on continuity on provision of training and logistics as they continue to execute KDF's primary role. The visit also served as a morale booster to the troops it being an indicator the KDF command appreciates their selfless efforts as they execute its mandate," read a statement by KDF on Facebook.
Kenya first invaded Somalia in pursuit of the militants in 2011 and the KDF troops joined AMISOM a year later. There have been calls within Kenya to have KDF withdrawing from the neighbouring country.