The newly appointed Minister of Internal Security, Abdullahi Sheikh Ismail Fartag, has declared that the federal government will eradicate al-Shabab militants from regional states by April of next year, 2025.
Speaking in Mogadishu on Saturday, Minister Fartag emphasized that military operations in Hirshabelle and Galmudug will be concluded in the coming months.
“It has been confirmed that the group lacks strength and power, and their actions constitute terrorism, involving hiding among civilians and intimidation. I anticipate that by this time next year, Somalia will be rid of the Khawarij, as the Galmudug government’s operation is nearing completion, with Hirshabelle to follow,” he added.
Just a day prior, the army chief, Major General Ibrahim Sheikh Muhyadin Addow, revealed that government forces would resume military operations against al-Shabab in south and central Somalia in the upcoming weeks. These operations had been paused during the holy month of Ramadan.