Somalia president returns to Al-Shabaab operation frontlines

MOGADISHU, Somalia - Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud returned to Harardhere, one of Al-shabaab's most frequently attacked towns in central Somalia, as he motivates security teams on the frontlines as Somalia races against time in the fight against the group.

For the last two years, Somalia has invested in the battle against the group which is still dominant in central and southern regions. Massive progress has been made with the security teams managing to liberate several towns.

During his trip, Hassan Sheikh was accompanied by Interior Minister Ahmed Fiqi, Abdulkadir Ahmed Nur of Defence and Ahmed Kariye alias QoorQoor, the regional leader of Galmudug state in central Somalia.

"President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has arrived in Harardhere and will travel to Eldher, Galmudug," state media reported while posting the photo of the president in military fatigue, in the company of other leaders.

"Accompanied by Interior Minister Ahmed Fiqi, Defense Minister Ahmed Nur, and Galmudug State Leader Qoorqoor, the President addressed the people of Harardhere. The visit coincides with the SNA’s renewed offensive against terrorists."

The Somali National Army with assistance from the US Africa Command and the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) have pitched tents in central and southern regions, fighting the militants who have heightened attacks during Ramadan.

Al-Shabaab group has been attacking military bases and other joints frequented by senior government officials, with the attacks increasing since the beginning of last month. The government has dispatched elite troops to some of the regions which are threatened by the group..

By the end of this year, Somalia is projecting to announce victory against the group, even as the ATMIS contingent heightened the withdrawal programme. The peacekeepers are expected to completely withdraw from Somalia by the end of 2024.

GAROWE ONLINE