Sunday August 6, 2023
Mogadishu (HOL) - Somali Prime Minister Hamse Abdi Barre announced the commencement of the second phase of the anti-al Shabab operation in the country on Sunday, a day after President Mohamud relocated to Dhusamareeb to expedite the military operation.
Prime Minister Barre stated that the operation against al-Shabaab in Galmudug and Hirshabelle States would conclude shortly, with the subsequent operation slated for Jubbaland and the South West regions.
"The official launch of the second phase of our campaign to liberate our nation from the enemy took place today. We must all actively engage in this effort under the leadership of the President of the Federal Republic of Somalia," Prime Minister Hamse Abdi Barre emphasized.
Prime Minister Hamse also disclosed that the government has readied approximately 10,000 soldiers who will participate in the second phase of the operation aimed at eradicating al-Shabaab.
"I implore the Somali people not to remain neutral in the fight against Al-Shabaab, for what is at stake is the very existence of our nation," Prime Minister Hamse Abdi Barre stated.
The Prime Minister has directed all government agencies to engage in the operations collaboratively. He urged Members of Parliament to return to their respective constituencies, mobilize communities, and encourage them to work with government.
On Saturday afternoon, a delegation led by the Somali President arrived in Dhusamareeb, the administrative capital of Galmudug State, to expedite the military operation against al-Shabaab.
Director of Communications for Villa Somalia, Abdikadir Dige, told the media that President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud would temporarily be based in Dhusamareeb, where he will continue to perform his regular duties.
Since President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud assumed power in May 2022, the government has been steadfastly waging a robust campaign against the al-Shabab militants.