Are Pirates in Somalia on the Run?

Kenyan troops invaded al-Shabab's last stronghold in Somalia in the offensive that they are currently conducting against the terror organization. Other African Union forces were travelling overland to link up with the Kenyan forces in the port city of Kismayo. The reason for this invasion is that al-Shabab has been holding areas of Somalia hostage for quite a few years and are the primary force behind piracy in the Gulf of Aden. They are also the primary source of some kidnappings which have been conducted in Kenya and other neighboring countries.

The primary targets of the kidnappings have been visitors and diplomats. The primary reason that they have resorted to these kidnappings is because the US and other nations have been able to tighten down on the piracy that had been occurring so frequently in the Gulf of Aden.

Pirates have seen that they can make good money by kidnapping civilians and holding them for ransom. Since their means of income was threatned in the Gulf they had to look for opportunities elsewhere. This spurred the Kenyans into action. They are fighting to eradicate the terrorists and they have been having good success. If the government of Somalia can gain control of the land area vacated by the terrorists they may be able to regain control of their country.

Al-Shabab has basically terrorized the citizens of the areas in Somalia that they have taken over. They have attempted to use the citizens as human shields in the assault by steering them into the path of the oncoming Kenyan forces.

I believe that in the end the Kenyans will help the Somali government to regain control of most of the towns and cities but I doubt that they will be able to eradicate the terrorists completely. They may find another safe haven where they can move in without much civil opposition. The purpose of AFRICOM is so our military ring customers won't have to end up stuck in Africa attempting to fight terrorists there also.