The renewed U.S.-backed offensive in Somalia against the militant group al-Shabaab is yielding results. al-Shabaab has suffered heavy casualties and is losing territory, around a third of the land it previously controlled is back in the government’s hands. That’s according to U.S. Ambassador to Somalia Larry André, who spoke with Voice of America’s outlet for Somalia.

“Somali-led offensives have restored Somalia’s sovereignty to 1/3 of the territory formerly misruled by al-Shabaab,” Larry André said in an email to VOA Somali. “Ending al-Shabab’s oppression is one step further toward Somalia’s full revival.”

The claim comes after an increased period of fighting against al-Shabaab in Somalia. In the summer of 2022, new Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud announced a fresh offensive against the militant group, calling for “total war” against it. In the seven months since, the Somali National Army has carried out raids and attacks on al-Shabaab-controlled villages and strongholds.