President Mohamud arrives in Middle Shabelle region, signalling new phase in Al-Shabaab offensive
A delegation led by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud arrived in the Aden Yabal district of the Middle Shabelle region today.
The delegation included senior federal government officials such as the Minister of Defense and the Commander of the Somali Armed Forces.
Hirshabelle President Ali Guudlawe and other officials from the Hirshabelle administration welcomed President Mohamud. Security in the Aden Yabal district has been significantly tightened, with numerous government troops deployed to patrol the district’s roads to ensure safety as the President begins his meetings with local officials.
According to reports, President Hassan Sheikh is expected to formally announce the second phase of military operations against the Al-Shabaab in the Adan Yabal district.
Earlier this month, the national security advisor for Somali President Hussein Sheikh-Ali announced that three neighbouring countries – Djibouti, Ethiopia, and Kenya – would send fresh troops to support Somali forces against Al-Shabab in the next phase of military operations.
The advisor, Ali, clarified that the new forces would not be operating under the AMISOM banner.
