Al Qaeda linked Soldiers from Somalia’s al-Shabaab have evacuated more than 70 troops to Yemen. The group is aligned with the al-Qaeda affiliate in the Arabian Peninsula, and is in constant conflict with the government in Mogadishu. Recently, pressure has mounted around their bases in Somalia, leading to the evacuation of 76 troops on a boat headed for Yemen which includes top-level Shabaab leaders.In the past few weeks, a joint Pentagon/CIA operation has mounted an offensive on the Somalian militants as the latter became closer to al-Qaeda, vowing allegiance to leadership after Osama was killed. An air strike recently killed 39 militants in the southern Somalian town of Kismayo via rockets fired from a helicopter. Ironically, these militants were originally empowered from a CIA plan several years ago that funded Somali warlords in efforts to marginalize al-Shabaab.al-Shabaab has had some success against African Union and domestic security forces but has recently lost vast amounts of territory. A major holding has reverted to autonomous government control, and the success of US incursions has put them on the brink. While moving to Yemen may temporarily offer some safety, the US has an established presence on the ground there as well. However, the recent chaos in the country may have tied up that presence, offering Shabaab militants a greater chance at safety. Further evacuations are to continue, according to al-Shabaab sources, and US strikes are as well. YTD The United States launched a second air strike in southern Somalia this week, Airstrikes Hit Al-Shabaab Targets in Lower Juba. Three helicopters today targeted an al-Shabaab training camp in Taabta village, 20 kilometers west of Qoqani district in Lower Juba, according to local residents and a government official.“There was a heavy gunfire between the two sides and the helicopters returned. In the last days we could hear the sounds of airplanes,” said a resident in Qoqani, who suspected the planes were used for reconnaissance.A TFG military officer in Dhobley district, who requested anonymity, confirmed the attack to local journalist and says a friendly government conducted the strike. “I can’t give you more information, but we have been aware the attack. Helicopters from our friends were involved the strike. It was a successful mission. I’m sure the terrorists were slain in that camp,” said the officer. According to a local journalist much of current kinetic activity is a direct result of intelligence gathered from the possessions of the recently killed Fazul Abdullah Mohammed and a high level Kenyan al Qaeda member. Last week, airstrikes hit al-Shabaab camps near Kismayo, allegedly by the US and 'partner' countries.
MORE..Terror Free Somalia Foundation
