Hiiraan State President Ali Jeyte Osman announced the resumption of military operations against al-Shabaab in the Hiiraan region on Sunday, a day after a deadly al-Shabab attack killed over 36 people and wounded 40 others in Beledweyne town.
The former Hiiraan governor and current President of Hiiraan State unveiled these new extensive operations during a prayer event in Tedan village to remember those who lost their lives in the previous offensive liberated the eastern part of the Hiiraan region. The military operation was led by traditional elder Elmi Hagar Guure, who became one of the people killed during those operations.
President Jeyte stated, “I have already decided not to offer condolences for someone who al-Shabab killed. Instead, I am determined to seek justice for all the victims. I am committed to avenging those who lost their lives in the Beledweyne explosion.”
Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) condemned the deadly al-Shabab suicide attack in Beledweyne on Saturday.
A truck loaded with explosive devices at a taxation and security checkpoint at the former beverages factory building called Horseed. The truck forcefully passed through the government-manned checkpoint. According to eyewitnesses, a pickup vehicle belonging to security personnel was chasing when the explosion occurred.
However, the prayer gathering took place in the village of Tedan in the Hiiraan region, which holds historical significance as one of the first locations where military operations against al-Shabaab were launched last year.
