A delegation led by Prime Minister Hamsa Abdi Barre has today visited the command center of the Somali National Army in the Adan Yabal district of the Middle Shabelle region just days after the Somali army retreated from four major towns and villages in central Somalia.
Prime Minister Barre stated that his visit’s purpose is to encourage the army and the local people who are diligently working to eliminate the insurgency in the Galmudug and Hirshabelle regional states.
During his time in the Middle Shabelle region, the Prime Minister will hold meetings with army commanders and regional leaders to expedite ongoing operations and provide moral support to both the army and local militia forces.
This marks the Prime Minister’s second visit to Adan Yabal. His visit coincided with a recent statement from the President of Somalia, emphasizing the need to hold accountable those who have abused their power within the military.
According to two Somali government officials who prefer to remain anonymous due to restrictions on discussing sensitive military operations, government troops retreated from El Dheer, Masagaway, Gal’ad, and Budbud.
The retreat followed what appears to be one of the deadliest attacks by al-Shabab on Somali government forces Saturday in Cowsweyne, where troops had initially dislodged al-Shabab on Aug. 22.
Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud said military operations against al-Shabab will not stop until final victory is achieved.
