Friday April 21, 2023
Mogadishu (HOL) - Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud visited General Gordan's military camp in Mogadishu on Thursday, where the 26th Division of the National Guard forces, trained in Eritrea, are based.
The troops, who comprise the second group of the National Security Guard, are expected to join the ongoing anti-al Shabab operations in the country.
President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud addressed the troops, urging the newly trained forces to gain the trust and support of the Somali people.
In a statement from the Somali Presidency, the President stated that "in the next few days, they will go to the areas to be liberated from Al-Shabaab to support the Gumac Brigade who are now chasing the al-Shabab."
President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud held a special meeting with the leading officers of the army. He listened to reports on the state of the military and their plan to participate in the war against the Al-Shabaab group.
Last month, the President announced the initiation of the second phase of military operations against the extremist group Al-Shabab, which aims to eradicate the militant group from the remaining parts of the country.
The first phase, which began in August 2022, marked a turning point in Somalia's struggle against Al-Shabab. The Somali-led offensive in central Somalia demonstrated the progress and increased capability of the SNA. With support from the United States and Turkey, the SNA gained momentum, capturing strategic towns such as Harardhere and Gal'ad.