Somalia President assesses troop readiness ahead of deployment in fight against Al-Shabaab
By Hassan Mohamed |
The president visited Gen. Dhaga Badan, Gen. Daud and the Turksom military training bases within Mogadishu.
President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud on Monday visited three military training bases in Mogadishu to assess the combat readiness of hundreds of troops ahead of their deployment to the frontlines to join the war against Al-Shabaab.
The president visited Gen. Dhaga Badan, Gen. Daud and the Turksom military training bases within the capital city Mogadishu where he met and addressed the troops expected to be deployed to south and central Somalia to bolster the ongoing war against the militant group.
Keep reading
- Turkey, Ethiopia have had close ties for many years: Somalia's maritime deals may shift dynamics
- Somalia President meets Turkish counterpart, discusses maritime defence deal, Al-Shabaab war
- Somalia rejects 'annexation attempt', says commercial port access possible for Ethiopia
- Red Sea politics: Why Turkey is helping Somalia defend its waters
President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud when he visited Gen. Dhaga Badan, Gen. Daud and the Turksom military training bases within the capital city Mogadishu.
The President reminded the forces Somalia’s future depends on them and that the country expects nothing short of victory against Al-Shabaab who are the biggest impediment to development and peace in Somalia.
“The President addressed the troops, and his speech was mainly meant to motivate and boost the morale of the forces and he emphasised the hope and aspirations the country and people expect of them to finish off the enemy and conclude the ongoing successful operations. The President also reminded the forces that the Somali public living in Al-Shabaab-held areas expect the government forces to go and rescue them from the enemy,” a statement from his office read.
The president also held a closed-door meeting with the troops' battle commanders as well as senior military officers from the Somali National Army and their Turkish trainers.
He also separately met with highly trained forces expected to be soon flown to Turkey for further specialised military training.
President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud meets with Turkish Military Commanders and Senior Somali military officers at the Turkish Turksom military training camp in Mogadishu. (Photo: Villa Somalia)
Since his re-election in May 2022, President Hassan Sheikh has prioritised security and immediately after taking over office declared a total war against Al-Shabaab.
Since then, Somali forces, with help from friendly states including Kenya, have liberated many towns from Al-Shabaab mainly in Hiiraan and Galgadud regions in central Somalia.
President Hassan Sheikh recently concluded a day-long working visit to Kenya where he met with President William Ruto.
Presidents Hassan Sheikh Mohamud (Somalia) and William Ruto (Kenya) during their meeting in Nairobi on April 11, 2024. (Photo: Villa Somalia)
Security cooperation and the fight against Al-Shabaab topped the agenda and both countries agreed to strengthen relations.
Although Al-Shabaab was driven out of Mogadishu by an African Union force, of which Kenya Defence Forces have been part since 2011, it still retains a presence in rural Somalia and has carried out numerous attacks against political, security and civilian targets.
Somalia has successfully completed two phases of a major offensive against Al-Shabaab and is currently preparing for the third phase which is expected to further liberate towns in Southwest and Jubaland State, where Al-Shabaab still controls parts of the territory.
Reader comments
Follow Us and Stay Connected!
We'd love for you to join our community and stay updated with our latest stories and updates. Follow us on our social media channels and be part of the conversation!
Let's stay connected and keep the dialogue going!
Latest News For You
