Hirshabelle regional state has ruled out the possibility of Al-shabab militants to capture Jowhar, the administrative seat of Hirshabelle state.
The al-Qaeda-linked terrorist group of Al-Shabab reinforced its presence in Hirshabelle provinces. The militant group seized at least ten settlements that lie in the East of Jowhar in Middle Shabelle province.
Somali National Army (SNA) and Dervish Forces are currently stationed in the outposts that lie in the outskirts of Jowhar so as to defend if Al-Shabab militants launch an attack on the regional capital.
Hirshabelle interior minister, Abdirahman Dahir Guure alias Koore, has said that the militant group of Al-shabab will not capture Jowhar, the administrative seat of Hirshabelle state.
He pointed out that the administration is determined to push back Al-shabab militants from the settlements that the group recently seized, and to drive out the West of Hirshabelle which is the group’s stronghold.
Al-Shabab militants are preoccupied to seize all Hirshabelle provinces.
He said: “We want to defeat Al-shabab militants, to drive out settlements that the group recently captured, and to flush out the West of Hirshabelle provinces which is the group’s stronghold. They want a plan in place which is to takeover Hirshabelle provinces.
He said: “It is right that Jowhar is the administrative capital of Hirshabelle state. We will defend it at all costs. The Somali National Army (SNA) and Dervish Forces are based in Jowhar. They cannot capture it. I hope that Al-shabab militants will not seize other settlements in Hirshabelle.”
The Minister reports that Al-Shabab militants launched a planned attack on many settlements in Hirshabelle, but the situation will change within the coming days.
He said: “The group launched attacks on many settlements in Hirshabelle provinces. Their attacks were planned. The group was defeated in areas, others they seized. The militant group does not have a strong presence. God willing, measures will be taken against the militant group of Al-Shabab.”
The Somali Military Command is mobilizing the Somali National Army (SNA) so as to drive out the militant group of Al-Shabab from the settlement that they recently captured.
