KISMAYO (Halbeeg News) – The government will enhance security and operations against al-Shabaab fighters in central and south Somalia, Somali prime minister, Hamze Abdi Barre said Monday.
Speaking to the media in Kismayo town, PM Hamze said his government has prepared to launch the second phase of the war against al-Shabaab fighters.
“The government has charted out plans to strengthen the security of the country and intensify offensives against al-Shabaab fighters. Our forces prepared themselves to launch the second phase operations against al-Shabaab,” the PM said.
PM Barre urged locals in Jubbaland state to work hand in hand with security forces in the war against al-Shabaab.
“We urge you to collaborate with the government forces in order the war against al-Shabaab to become successful. The offensive is meant to annihilate al-Shabaab from the country,” Barre said.
President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud is expected to announce the commencement of the second phase of the operations.
An estimated 8,000 troops have been strategically deployed to Galmudug to boost counter-terrorism measures, forming the critical second phase of the anti-terror campaign.
The operations dubbed Black Lion are expected to jointly conduct by Somali forces, clan militias as well as troops from the neighbouring countries.
Kenya, Ethiopia and Djibouti which all have troops working under the framework of the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (Atmis) have accepted to help the Horn of Africa nation carry out the operations against al-Shabaab.
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