Defence Minister, Army Chief Visit Frontline Forces in Central Somalia

Mogadishu(SONNA)-Somalia's Minister of Defence, Ahmed Moallim Fiqi, on Monday visited frontline units of the Somali National Army stationed in Masagawaay town in the central Galgadud region, where he praised troops for their sacrifices and urged them to intensify military operations against Al-Shabaab.

The minister was accompanied by the Chief of Defence Forces, Brig. Gen. Ibrahim Mohamed Mohamud, during the inspection visit, which focused on assessing the operational readiness of government forces engaged in counterterrorism operations.

Addressing the troops, Fiqi commended the soldiers for their courage and dedication in defending the country, protecting civilians, and sustaining military operations aimed at defeating Al-Shabaab. He called on the forces to increase the pace of ongoing offensives, strengthen efforts to pursue remaining militant elements, and accelerate operations to eliminate the group's presence.

Chief of Defence Forces Brig. Gen. Ibrahim Mohamed Mohamud reaffirmed the military's commitment to restoring security across the country. He stressed the importance of protecting civilians, continuing operations to liberate areas where Al-Shabaab remains active, and maintaining pressure on the militant group until lasting peace and stability are achieved.

En route to Masagawaay, the defence minister and the army chief stopped in the Hool Ador area, where they met with local community members. The two officials thanked residents for their continued support of the Somali National Army, describing community cooperation as a key factor in the success of military operations against Al-Shabaab.

They emphasized that close collaboration between security forces and local communities remains essential to defeating the insurgency and restoring long-term peace and stability in Somalia.