MOGADISHU (Halbeeg News) – Somali Defense Minister, Abdikadir Mohamed Nor has held talks with UK’s ambassador to Somalia, Mike Nithavrianakis in Mogadishu ahead of the launch of the government’s second phase operations against Al-Shabaab in south of the country.
According to the state-owned media, the two officials discussed efforts to bolster security measures and combat terrorism in the region.
They emphasized the importance of socio-economic development initiatives aimed at offering opportunities for growth and prosperity to all segments of society.
They evaluated the progress made by Somalia’s security forces in their tireless efforts to combat terrorism and assessed the challenges that lie ahead in achieving a terrorist-free nation.
Nithavrianakis expressed his government’s unwavering support for Somalia’s endeavors to tackle terrorism and restore peace and security to the country.
The development comes as troops from African Union are preparing to hand over the security responsibility of the country to Somali security forces.
ATMIS, in partnership with the United Nations Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS), and the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS) this month concluded the successful drawdown of 2,000 troops, in compliance with United Nations Security Council Resolutions 2628 and 2670 (2022).
Six Forward Operating Bases (FOBs) were handed over to Somali Security Forces (SSF) which include: Xaaji Cali, Miirtuquo, Cadale, Albao, Gherille, Aljazeera 1, while one FOB – Marka Ayub was closed.
Somali government has been fighting al-Shabaab fighters for more than 15 years. The group lost many territories including the capital to Somali military backed by African Union forces.
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