Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud held a meeting with U.S. Embassy Chargé d’Affaires A.I. Shane Dixon and Colonel David J. Haskell, the Joint Special Operations-Somalia Commander, in Mogadishu on Monday.
The meeting primarily focused on the ongoing efforts to eradicate terrorism in Somalia and highlighted the indispensable role played by the United States in supporting Somalia’s security operations.
Villa Somalia, the presidential palace, reported that during the meeting, the two U.S. officials commended President Mohamud and the Somali army for their commendable success in recent military operations.
These operations have resulted in the expulsion of terrorists from numerous strategically vital areas over the past year.
President Mohamud stressed the importance of technical and military support from international partners to effectively conclude the operation against al-Shabab terrorists.
He emphasized that the people of Somalia and the Somali government deserve increased military assistance as the Al-Shabaab pose an international threat that can only be eradicated through regional and international cooperation.
The president’s call for heightened support comes on the heels of an announcement made by Minister of Information, Culture, and Tourism Daud Awis Jama just two days ago.
Minister Jama revealed that the Somali National Army (SNA), in collaboration with local forces and international partners, had achieved significant milestones in the fight against al-Shabab militants.
According to Minister Jama, the SNA has successfully eliminated 1,700 al-Shabab militants, including 57 senior leaders, and inflicted injuries on hundreds more in military offensives across the country over the past year.
Highlighting the scale of their achievements, Minister Jama stated that the joint forces had effectively liberated 120 villages, districts, and major towns from al-Shabab’s grip. They have dismantled 73 militant bases and seized a substantial cache of weapons and military equipment.
The discussions held during the meeting are expected to pave the way for increased collaboration, technical assistance, and military support to further enhance the capabilities of Somali security forces.