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In Pictures: The hunt for al-Shabab

African Union troops continue their struggle to push al-Shabab out of Somalia.

A soldier in the Somali National Army learns to clean, assemble, and load a gun at the EU(***)s Jazeera Training Camp in Mogadishu, Somalia. The EU(***)s goal is to train the Somalis to train their own troops. However, with an underfunded military that is said to have been infiltrated by al-Shabab, progress remains slow.
By Adriane Ohanesian
Published On 27 May 2014

Ugandan troops operating under the African Union (AU) mandate retook the town of Qoryooley in southern Somalia from al-Shabab, a rebel group linked to al-Qaeda, in “Operation Eagle”, an offensive launched in March.

Although AU troops have managed to push al-Shabab out of many parts of Somalia, the daily struggle for control continues – even in the capital, Mogadishu.

In addition to battling insurgents, the Somali government is also grappling with its forces’ lack of capacity and commitment. The European Union has provided training to some troops, but most army recruits have no formal military instruction and will be sent to the front lines.

The fledgling Somali government’s ability to care for and properly govern its people has also been called into question.

This is a rare glimpse into the first joint military operation between the Somali National Army and AU forces as they hunt down al-Shabab fighters.

Ugandan soldiers on patrol outside the town of Qoryooley, which was taken from al-Shabab during "Operation Eagle", the first joint military offensive with the Somali National Army. Al-Shabab was pushed out of the town on March 23, yet it continues to operate in the bush just a few kilometres away.
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The port city of Merca lies on southern Somalia(***)s coast, one of the areas targeted by the military offensive against al-Shabab. The Somali National Army lacks any military capacity to patrol the expansive coastline.
A member of a clan-based militia just south of Merca. The group was formed as an alternative to the Somali National Army, which they say has failed to protect the community from al-Shabab.
Armoured AU personnel carriers in convoy along the road outside Qoryooley. Some civilians have continued to farm and operate shops since al-Shabab was pushed out of the area. However, al-Shabab often controls the main roads in and out of urban areas, making trade nearly impossible and crippling local economies.
Ugandan soldiers secure the main street while on a morning patrol in Qoryooley. There were few Somali soldiers to be seen in the newly captured town. Earning as little as $100 a month and with no training or resources, there is little incentive for the soldiers to commit to the Somali National Army.
Women carry water as Ugandan soldiers patrol the road leading into Qoryooley. The forces use foot soldiers to search for and prevent improvised explosive devices (IEDs) from being placed along the roads.
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In order to track the movement of al-Shabab, a Ugandan soldier launches a surveillance drone from the military base in Qoryooley. The AU forces lack an air force in Somalia, which the Ugandans claim is prolonging the fight against al-Shabab.
Men believed to be members of al-Shabab sit in the street after being arrested by Somali National Intelligence during a cordon and search operation in Mogadishu. According to the Somalis, these men were targeted due to their suspected involvement in assassinations and bombings.
Ugandan soldiers return a tank to the military base after an evening patrol in Qoryooley. The Ugandan forces have a base on either side of the town and patrol twice a day with foot soldiers, armoured personel carriers and tanks.
The town of Qoryooley has been under the control of the AU forces for almost two months, but attacks on the base by al-Shabab are still a common occurrence.