US reiterates support for Somalia in war against terrorism

MOGADISHU, Somalia - The United States has reaffirmed its support for Somalia in the fight against Al-Shabaab and ISIS militants, noting that such cooperation between the two countries would boost safety and security, besides promoting peace and stability.

Richard H. Riley, US ambassador to Somalia, said Washington, D.C., will work closely with the office of the National Security Advisor (NSA) and the Somali National Army (SNA) to eliminate terrorism from the Horn of Africa nation.

Ambassador Richard H. Riley said this when he met with National Security Advisor Ambassador Aweis Hagi Yusef Ahmed at the U.S. Embassy on Tuesday morning, to congratulate him on his recent appointment following the replacement of Hussein Sheikh Ali.

"The United States has long been the leading security partner supporting Somalia and AUSSOM fighting against terrorist groups. Terrorism is an existential threat to Somalia, the region, and the world," the US envoy said in a statement on X.

"We look forward to working closely together with NSA Aweis on this most important challenge, which will require focus and support from all of Somalia’s security partners and friends," he added.

The meeting takes place a few days after Gen. Dagvin Anderson, Commander of U.S. Africa Command, visited the country, where he pledged close cooperation between the U.S. Africa Command and the Somali National Army.

“These lethal strikes demonstrate our resolve and commitment to ensuring Americans and our partners remain safe from the threat of global terrorism," Gen. Dagvin Anderson, Commander, U.S. Africa Command, said.

"We share a common threat, and we need to address it together."

The US trains and equips the elite Danab Special Forces, who are integral in the first against Al-shabaab. The US is also actively involved in the ongoing operations against ISIS militants in Puntland state, working closely with the Puntland Counter-Terrorism Forces.

GAROWE ONLINE