Thread by @criticalthreats

The #AlShabaab bombing in Mogadishu this weekend was meant as retaliation and deterrent against Somali government forces. Somali federal and local forces are putting serious pressure on al Shabaab in central and SW Somalia. (1/8)

An #AlShabaab suicide bomber attacked new Somali National Army (SNA) recruits in Mogadishu on Sep 25, killing at least 11 soldiers and wounding 18 others. Al Shabaab inflated the death toll to 32 in its claim. bloomberg.com/news/articles/…. (2/8)

#AlShabaab has signaled it will escalate operations in Mogadishu in response to the SFG and clan militia offensive in central and SW Somalia. @USAfricaCommand and @ATMIS_Somalia are also providing air and logistical support to Somali forces. criticalthreats.org/briefs/africa-…. (3/8)

Al Shabaab branded the Sep 25 bombing as a “preemptive strike.” Its spokesperson also said that al Shabaab had taken up the Somali president on his challenge and “see which one of us is left standing.” (4/8)

#Somali security forces have increased their efforts to secure the capital since the Hayat Hotel attack in late August. criticalthreats.org/briefs/africa-… (5/8)

Somali National Intelligence and Security Agency (#NISA) forces have claimed to disrupt two different #alShabaab cells in Mogadishu since September 17.

https://twitter.com/HSNQ_NISA/status/1574044054693847044?s=20&t=dkZZ5tvAQHp-DzzwsXsxwQ

. (6/8)

#SNA forces spearheaded by US-trained #Danab special forces and Turkish-trained #Gorgor commandos have destroyed several #alShabaab courts, financial centers, and other hideouts in areas of Lower Shabelle near Mogadishu throughout September. voanews.com/a/somali-milit…. (7/8)

#AlShabaab will likely escalate efforts to target the government, security forces, and clan elders in Mogadishu to disrupt the anti–al Shabaab offensive in central and SW Somalia. (8/8)