​Somalia:Jubaland President visits troops readied for anti-al Shabaab offensive

KISMAYO, Jubbaland- The President of Somalia's southern semi-autonomous region of Jubbland, Ahmed Mohamed Islam "Madabobe" paid a visit to troops at military base outside Kismayo town, Garowe Online reports.

The newly trained forces at Ma-Dhamato, former Somali air force base are preparing for fresh offensives aimed at flushing out al-Shabaab militants from their remaining strongholds in Juba and Gedo regions.

A statement released by Jubbaland Presidency said the troops will be fully equipped as part of the administration's plan to launch a 'final push' to retake areas still under the control of the group.

During his visit, President Madobe has encouraged the soldiers undergoing the training courses at the base, to stand for the liberation of al-Shabaab from the whole towns under Jubaland state.

The statement added that the President has commended the soldiers for enduring the hardship, and vowed to provide government salaries, necessary equipment and vehicles to carry out their duties.

President Madobe who is also the commander-in-chief of Jubaland forces urged the forces to fulfill their responsibilities to serve their people, and liberate the regions from the extremist group.

"If you become honest for your country, and strive hard to defeat al-Shabaab in the battle, it will be a clear sign that we don't want foreign forces to operate in the country," said President Ahmed Madobe.

The remarks by President Madobe comes as Jubaland state has previously announced similar anti-al Shabaab push operations to take back key towns from group.

GAROWEONLINE