The raid is part of a major offensive launched by Somali and international forces in response to the October 14 attacks in Mogadishu, which killed over 350 people and injured over 400 more. As the deadliest bombing in recent history, this attack has re-intensified debate over the state of the war against the militants -- and the performance of the Somali security forces and African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM).
Popular protests following the October 14 attack may harden elements of Somali domestic (and diaspora) opinion against the militants.
Security concerns will once again raise the issue of how to stop al-Shabaab extorting protection money from businesses in the capital.
Increased US airstrikes since July will likely continue but the impact may be limited unless matched by broader stabilisation operations.
