Defense Minister Visits Injured Army Personnel at Mogadishu Hospital

Mogadishu, (SONNA) — The Minister of Defense of the Federal Government of Somalia, H.E. Ahmed Moallim Fiqi visited injured Somali National Army personnel receiving treatment at Medina Hospital in Mogadishu following an attack last week on an SNA military base in Gaalkayo.

The Minister received an update from doctors and hospital management on the soldiers’ medical conditions and directed that they receive comprehensive medical care and all necessary treatment to support their recovery.

Minister Fiqi commended the soldiers for their years of service in securing Puntland and fighting Al-Shabaab and Daesh while serving with the Puntland Security Force (PSF). He said their decision to join the Somali National Army and contribute their experience to national security does not constitute a crime warranting an attack against them.

He stressed that joining the Somali National Army is a national right of Somali citizens who choose to serve their country, and should not be interpreted as an action against any particular group or administration.

The Minister further emphasized that the Somali National Army has no conflict with the Somali people or the country’s federal member states, saying its adversaries are terrorist groups and anyone who threatens Somalia’s security, sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity.