Mogadishu (SONNA): The Commander of the Somali National Army (SNA), Brigadier General Ibrahim Mohamed Mahmoud, has promoted soldiers who took part in the operation to reopen the key road linking Mogadishu and Baidoa.
Speaking to army units in Baidoa, the commander praised the troops for their success, noting that the enemy had long caused suffering for civilians traveling along the route. He described the victory as one celebrated by all Somalis and emphasized the need to strengthen security in areas now under government control.
The commander also awarded each of the soldiers a one-rank promotion in recognition of the defeat they inflicted on Al-Shabaab terrorists. He added that officers and deputy officers who led the operation would receive similar promotions.
“I sincerely thank you from the bottom of my heart. As far as I am able, I have promoted each of you by one rank, and the officers who led you will receive the same,” said Commander Ibrahim Mohamed Mahmoud.
He further commended the troops for liberating the long road connecting Mogadishu and Baidoa, which had been under blockade by Al-Shabaab since 2009, and for continuing to pursue fleeing militants.
The Somali government had earlier announced the reopening of the vital route following intense fighting in the Daynuunay area of Bay region, where a significant defeat was inflicted on the militants who had long disrupted civilian movement.
Somali National Army forces have recently intensified operations against Al-Shabaab terrorists, aiming to secure the country and reopen critical roads.
