Mogadishu (Halbeeg News) – Somali Police and troops from African Union Transition Mission In Somalia (Atmis) have agreed to enhance the security of Hirshabelle state following talks between commanders from both sides in Jowhar town.
The meeting was attended by Hirshabelle State Police Commissioner Col. Hassan Di’isow Hassan, the UN Regional Administration Officer in Jowhar, Gagan Banjara, and ATMIS Police Coordinating Officer for Hirshabelle Marafa Manu.
According to a statement by Atmis, the Senior military and police officers discussed ways of boosting cooperation to secure the Jowhar region against Al-Shabaab.
“We had good exchanges, good discussions on how we can work together, plan operations to fight Al-Shabaab terrorists effectively. We agreed that we will continue with such meetings to exchange information and plan operations,” said ATMIS Burundi Contingent Commander, Brig. Gen. Jean Claude Niyiburana, who chaired the meeting.
The fight against the militant group has become top priority for both ATMIS and the Federal Government of Somalia as the drawdown of troops enters are critical phase.
Brig. Gen. Niyiburana said the engagement between ATMIS and Somali Police in Hirshabelle State, would pave the way for a speedy and successful operation against Al-Shabaab terrorists.
Col. Hassan described the meeting as a positive step towards strengthening joint efforts to degrade Al-Shabaab and other armed groups.
“We discussed ways of fighting Al-Shabaab and liberating areas under their control. As you know there are ongoing operations against the militants in Hirshabelle. The areas east of River Shabelle were stabilised and liberated and the aim was to plan on how to liberate the remaining areas west of River Shabelle,” he added.
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